Environmental activists from the Greenpeace movement, in collaboration with the Re-set platform, orchestrated a demonstration aimed at spotlighting the questionable conduct of the energy company ČEZ on the eve of the Green Deal Summit. Their primary discontent centers on the association between Komerční banka and Daniel Křetínský, who wields control over Energetický a průmyslový holding (EPH).
The Green Deal Summit in Prague is set to host Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, who is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS).
Protesters donned masks resembling politicians and unfurled a banner bearing the message “Greenwashing summit: For corporations, not for people.”
Their aim was to emphasize that ČEZ, despite professing environmental responsibility, is actively pursuing options such as extending coal mining in the Bílina mine. Křetínský’s EPH stands as the largest importer of Russian gas to Europe, thanks to the backing from Komerční banka.
Environmentalists lay blame on politicians, notably Prime Minister Fiala and Environment Minister Petr Hladík (KDU-ČSL), for failing to take tangible measures to fulfill climate commitments.
Miriam Macurová, the head of the climate campaign for the Czech branch of Greenpeace, asserted, “It is imperative for the Czech Republic to significantly elevate its targets for renewable energy sources and energy conservation to meet its climate commitments by 2030. Overemphasizing nuclear power at the expense of these solutions, which Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Industry and Trade Minister Jozef Síkela staunchly support, is unacceptable and will not aid in resolving the climate crisis.”
Source: novinky.cz
