Sweden reiterated its criticism of the European Commission's proposal to update emissions trading rules when ministers from member states held their first discussion of the proposal on Monday.
The way forward is not to slow the energy transition, said Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari (L) in the debate in Luxembourg.
Other countries are pushing in the opposite direction, easing climate requirements to support traditional industry.
"Our industry has given the world quality, innovation and European craftsmanship. We have a responsibility to protect that heritage," said Italy's Deputy Environment and Energy Minister Vannia Gava.
In parallel, the ministers established the EU's position ahead of this year's major climate meeting, COP31, in Turkey.
