Small fishermen dissatisfied with CO2 tax cancellation

Small-scale fishermen are displeased with the government’s decision to postpone the CO2 tax on the fishing industry until 2030, which weakens the competitiveness of those who wish to transition to more sustainable fishing practices. Søren Jacobsen, representing about 100 fishermen, criticized the move, equating the postponement to ‘peeing in one’s pants.’ The tax, effective January 1, 2025, was neutralized within a month by reimbursing the payments, at a significant cost to the state. The government argued that the industry could not adjust in time and would move to foreign ports. However, Foreningen for Skånsomt Kystfiskeri stated none of their members opposed the tax. Critics, including Green Lefts climate spokesperson Carl Valentin, view the tax’s removal as a breach of trust that diminishes confidence in climate policy, and it raises concerns about future implications for agriculture in 2030.