Activities of Teresa RODRIGUEZ-RUBIO

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the EU’s ~~prosperity and~~social welfare and energy security require a rational use of energy and a stable, affordable and sustainable energy supply; whereas the Article 194 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union recognizes that in the context of the setting and functioning of the internal market and with the need to preserve and improve the environment, energy policy of the Union shall aim, in a solidarity spirit between Member States: - ensure the functioning of the energy market; - ensure security of energy supply in the Union; - promote energy efficiency and energy saving and the development of new and renewable energy; and - promote the interconnection of energy networks.

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas the fastest and least costly way to reduce the gas consumption in the European Union is the reduction of the energy losses in the residential buildings providing energy security benefits in short, medium and long-term for the Member States when the reduction takes place and for the whole EU while also reducing the EU's external energy bill and making the construction of some of the projects identified by the Commission as energy infrastructure projects of common interest unnecessary while contributing to growth of the EU economy, job creation and the increase of the EU competitiveness

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital L

L. whereas at their summit on 24 October 2014 the Heads of State and Government agreed on a binding renewable energy target at EU level for 2030 of at least 27 % and an indicative target at EU level of at least 27 % energy efficiency improvement, and also endorsed a binding EU target of a reduction of at least 40 % in domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990; whereas the EU maintains technological leadership in technologies related to renewable energy sources and this should be a vector of skilled employment and sustainable growth.

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital M

M. whereas better interconnection levels for electricity and gas will increase energy security while balancing supply and demand between the Member States; whereas in order to maximize the utility of the interconnection of electricity and gas, the EU should develop a common regulatory framework to maximize the utility of these always ensuring the most affordable prices for consumers.

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital O a (new)

Oa. whereas cities are the source of more than 70% of CO2 emissions and responsible for 66% of energy consumption; whereas more than half the world's population will live in urban areas by 2008 and that this concentration is increasing so that by 2030, an estimated 60% of the world population will live in urban areas; whereas cities must change their consumption and growth patterns as they are at the heart of the problem but also the area from which you can implement solutions faster and earlier.

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital O b (new)

Ob. whereas full implementation of the EU Third Energy Package as well as Second Climate and Energy Package and the consecutive EU legislation in the field of energy efficiency is the responsibility of all Member States and the lack of correct and timely transposition jeopardise the security of another Member States or of the EU as a whole

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Welcom~~Acknowledges the Commission communication entitled ‘European Energy Security Strategy’, noting that it is based on a thorough analysis of the EU’s energy dependence, highlighting the main areas and describes the essential work that must be undertaken in the short, medium and long term perspectives in order to overcome the challenges to energy security; stresses the need to ensure that the short and medium term measures are in full compliance with the EU long-term climate, environment and air quality improvement objectives;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Notes that the 2014 crisis in Ukraine and the results of the stress tests carried out by the Commission should lead to further acceleration of the completion of the internal market, including the full implementation of existing legislation in the fields of energy efficiency, energy and climate by all Member States, integration of existing ‘energy islands’, and to the updating of risk assessments, preventive action plans and emergency situation plans;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses the importance for strengthening energy independence of short-term measures such as reducing energy demand through ambitious energy efficiency measures implemented on the local, regional and Member States' level, storage of gas, development of reverse gas flow infrastructure, preparation of regional security of supply plans, and more effective use of the opportunities to import liquefied natural gas in those Member States which are exclusively dependent on one single supplier of natural gas; points out that there is a vital need for cooperation between the European cities and municipalities, regions, energy cooperatives and local initiatives – including in the field of agriculture aiming at energy demand reduction and production of sustainable local sources of biogas for their own and local needs, the Commission, Member States, neighbouring countries, regulatory bodies, ACER, transmission system operators and gas suppliers;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Emphasises that the Energy Union, in addition to ensuring security of supply, should adopt a comprehensive approach focusing on key pillars such as achievement of a fully integrated internal energy market, moderation of energy demand, decarbonisation of the energy mix, and research and innovation and keeping the leadership in renewable technologies to fulfil the above key pillars;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Stresses that energy demand in the building sector is responsible for about 40 % of energy consumption in the EU and a third of natural gas use, and that it is therefore necessary to speed up renovation of buildings and to promote the setting of self-consumption units in order to reduce energy demand while encouraging greater involvement of the European Investment Bank and promoting energy services for which EU funds can complement national financing schemes; calls on the EU Commission and the EIB to provide more technical assistance and funding opportunities for actors at all levels to reduce their energy consumption and increase the share of heating and cooling based on renewable energy sources in the EU building sector;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Acknowledges that the role of local authorities of European cities in increasing energy efficiency through cogeneration and self-consumption, modernisation of district heating systems, increasing the use of cleaner public transport, encouraging more active travel models and renovation of buildings is also undoubtedly an important contribution to energy independence and towards concepts and practices leading to real smart cities;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Calls on the Member States to be ambitious in implementing legislation in order to empower technological opportunities to maximize EU energy efficiency ~~legislation~~, and thus to be prepared with national and regional measures for sharply reducing energy demand both before and in response to supply shocks; besides, calls on the Commission to monitor and report on the development of regulatory barriers that prevent the development of energy efficiency by Member States;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Calls on the Commission to closely monitor the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Directive and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and to carry out a limited review of the Energy Efficiency Directive in order to update the provisions relevant to the indicative 2030 energy efficiency improvement target of at least 2730 %; believes that measurement and verification of energy efficiency improvements should be an integral part of the annual European semester reporting;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Considers that investment to moderate energy demand, especially in buildings, is a significant contribution to energy security and that this should be ~~taken into account~~given a priority when considering financial allocations;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Stresses that a long-term strategy for developing indigenous energy sources should be further promoted in the EU prioritizing those clean energy sources that contribute to climate change objectives of the European Union, give economic stability to the desirable common energy market and represent a vector of industrial growth and skilled employment within the Union;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Considers that the Commission should develop appropriate instruments to homogenize a straightforward calculation of the cost of different energy sources over the lifetime of each technology.

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Considers that nuclear energy, which is carbon-neutral, continues to be a significant alternative for electricity production; notes that the choice of whether to use nuclear energy remains the competence of Member States; and should thus not be supported in any form by the EU financial mechanisms or from the EU financial institutions neither directly or indirectly through research or infrastructure financing;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Believes that the development of renewable energy sources with the objective of 20 % by 2020 and at least 27 % by 2030 is essential, taking into consideration energy costs; stresses the importance of developing smarter energy grids and new energy storage solutions for the integration of renewables; to ensure compliance with these objectives the Commission will be requested to take action against those countries that are not on the path of fulfilling the objectives set. The Commission shall request the submission by Member States of national plans ensuring the compliance with the objective set for 2030. The application of the new Guidelines on State Aid for environmental and Energy 2014-2020 must perform prioritizing renewable energy and in particular removing any barrier to the realization of small renewable projects;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Calls on the Commission to introduce common standards for smart grids, since they ensure a stable supply and free flow of energy across borders and contribute to energy security; in this respect the Commission is requested to develop a reference guide on how an appropriate regulatory framework could be set for the development of smart grids and associated technological development. Besides these Guidelines should be applied when evaluating and defining the allocation of EU funds aimed to achieve the goals by 2030;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Stresses that effective use of research and technological innovations fosters the leadership of European industry and contributes to the main EU energy policy goals, including security of supply, competitiveness and sustainable development of energy production, transportation and consumption; to do this, calls on the Commission to ensure wider dissemination of existing plans;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Stresses that the commitment to reduc~~ing~~e emissions of greenhouse gas ~~emissions must not undermine the EU economy’s~~es must be a vector of global competitiveness of the EU economy; considers, therefore, ~~that a complex~~it is necessary to adopt a determined approach to climate change and competitiveness ~~is needed~~;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Stresses that the commitment to ~~reducing greenhouse gas emissions must not undermine the EU economy’s global competitiveness~~maintain EU economy's global competitiveness must not undermine the EU commitment of reducing greenhouse gas emissions ; considers, therefore, that a complex approach to climate change and competitiveness is needed;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to make full use, for the purposes of increased energy security and the transition to a low-carbon economy, of the ~~possibilities allowed for financing energy projects through state aid, as well as the~~ financial instruments available through the European Regional Development Fund, Horizon 2020, the European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument, and the investment facilities of the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and public and private intermediaries;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Acknowledges that in order to reduce energy dependence, ~~diversify and consolidate supply options,~~ optimise energy network infrastructure and increase energy efficiency in the medium and long term, it is necessary to develop new energy technologies, using funds from the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29

29. Calls for the development of well- integrated and competitive regional electricity and gas markets – including, where necessary, capacity markets – covering all parts of the Union; demands that the Commission act decisively against all instances of anti-competitive behaviour and barriers to market entry and exit; specifically, calls on the Commission to ensure an objective market framework enabling competition on equal terms for all technologies including those with infra-marginal features, such as renewable energy, and to maximize the participation of those technologies that contribute most to the objectives of supply security, efficiency and environmental sustainability;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Believes that one of the most important factors of the completion of a transparent, well-functioning and fully integrated gas and electricity market is the full implementation of the Third Energy Package, Second Climate and Energy Package and subsequent energy efficiency legislation;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Acknowledges that a more integrated energy system could enhance crossborder solidarity during times of external energy supply shocks; calls on the Commission to ensure that energy generation and transmission can operate as a functional element of the EU internal market across national borders without undue restrictions; additionally, calls on the Commission to develop the binding guidelines that prioritize the social utility of interconnections, maximizing the security of supply and allowing to obtain the lowest possible production price in all cases;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34

34. Emphasises that acceleration of the implementation of those strategic infrastructure projects ~~is highly necessary, and therefore encourages the Commission to participate more actively in this process~~that would still be needed in medium and long-term where the ambitious energy efficiency and energy demand reduction EU goals achieved in 2020 and 2030 and that is in full compliance with EU long-term decarbonisation commitments and EU environmental legislation is highly necessary, and therefore encourages the Commission to participate more actively in the process of the project selection and implementing those projects that deliver most benefit in the short, medium and long term first;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35

35. Calls for those of the Projects of Common Interest (PCI) from the list adopted in 2013 t~~o be executed without delay~~hat are fully compliant with the EU environmental legislation and in line with the EU short, medium and long term decarbonisation commitments to be executed without delay; calls on the Commission to withhold support and funding for any of the projects from the PCI list adopted in 2013 that have not yet obtained all the necessary environmental permits or that encounter strong local resistance;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39

39. Stresses that the EU’s energy diversification must prioritise those projects that diversify not only routes but also sources and must meet all requirements of EU law; emphasises that the diversification of routes must be directed towards reliable suppliers;deleted

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40

40. Expresses the opinion that Russia can no longer be considered a reliable partner as it explicitly questions EU law, including at the World Trade Organisation, and uses energy supply for political purposes; stresses, therefore, that more attention should be concentrated on the development and further expansion of the gas supply infrastructure with Norway, the Southern Gas Corridor and the Mediterranean gas hub;deleted

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43

43. Affirms the overarching principle of solidarity between all Member States; stresses that energy security of supply is a matter of collective action and concerns all Member States, despite differing scales of vulnerability to supply shocks; stresses that no Member State shall by its action or inaction jeopardise the security of another Member State or of the EU as a whole i.e. by not transposing the EU legislation in the field of energy efficiency promotion and energy use reduction in the timely and correct manner;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 a (new)

47 a. Recognizes that the Lisbon Treaty includes policies to mitigate climate change, promote energy efficiency and development of renewable technologies as a basic element of the European Union. The development of the energy objectives for 2020 and 2030 reflects the need to respond to Article 194 Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and, therefore, must be respected in any bilateral agreement concluded by the European Commission

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/2153(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49

49. Fully agrees with the European Council that a reliable and transparent governance system should be developed to help ensure that the EU meets its energy policy goals, with the necessary flexibility for Member States and on a basis of full respect for their freedom to determine their energy mix as long as this choice does not undermine the EU legislation agreed to by those Members States and thus legally binding;

2015/02/03
Committee: ITRE

2014/0138(COD)

João FERREIRA, Luke Ming FLANAGAN, Teresa RODRIGUEZ-RUBIO, Pablo ECHENIQUE

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Small scale fisheries which use traditional methods are exempted from this prohibition, unless it is proven that their activity is harmful for biodiversity.

2014/11/10
Committee: ENVI

2014/0011(COD)

Draft legislative resolution
Citation 4 a (new)

- having regard to the fact that the European Union scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading has failed, having proved ineffective in achieving the emission reduction targets; having regard to the need to adopt alternatives to carbon trading, replacing a market-based approach with a fairer and more effective regulatory approach;

2015/01/07
Committee: ENVI

2014/0011(COD)

João FERREIRA, Luke Ming FLANAGAN, Teresa RODRIGUEZ-RUBIO, Pablo ECHENIQUE

Draft legislative resolution
Citation 5 a (new)

- having regard to the fact that the European Union scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading is weakening and undermining the adoption of other environmental regulations;

2015/01/07
Committee: ENVI

2014/0011(COD)

João FERREIRA, Luke Ming FLANAGAN, Teresa RODRIGUEZ-RUBIO, Pablo ECHENIQUE

Draft legislative resolution
Citation 6

~~– having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and the opinion of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A8 0000/2014),~~deleted

2015/01/07
Committee: ENVI

2014/0011(COD)

João FERREIRA, Luke Ming FLANAGAN, Teresa RODRIGUEZ-RUBIO, Pablo ECHENIQUE

Draft legislative resolution
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Adop~~Rejects its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

2015/01/07
Committee: ENVI

2013/0451(NLE)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)

(3a) CODEX STAN 193-1995 (last reviewed in 2013) proposes specific criteria for radionuclides in food. These maximum levels laid down by the Codex Alimentarius Commission are more restrictive than Regulation (Euratom) No 3954/87 and also lower than in the Commission proposal regarding this Regulation. Moreover, Codex Standard 193 takes into account and sets maximum levels for a higher number of radionuclides.

2015/03/06
Committee: ENVI

2013/0451(NLE)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8

(8) In order to take into account that diets of infants during the first six months period of life may vary significantly, and to allow for uncertainties in the metabolism of infants during the second six months period of life, there is a benefit in extending the application of lower maximum permitted levels for foods for infants, to the whole first 12 months of age. There is as well a benefit in extending the application of lower maximum permitted levels for foods for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

2015/03/06
Committee: ENVI

2013/0451(NLE)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 a (new)

(9a) Following the Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee 2011/C 48/28, there is a need to take into account the Codex Alimentarius (CODEX STAN 193-1995) criteria when laying down maximum radionuclide levels. (http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload /livestockgov/documents/1_CXS_193e.pdf)

2015/03/06
Committee: ENVI

2013/0451(NLE)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 a (new)

(9a) Following the Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee 2011/C 48/28, the EFSA should be entrusted with the task of carrying out the risk analysis regarding radionuclides in food, as up-to-date risk analysis regarding radionuclides’ presence in European diet would make possible a more detailed regulation of some food groups according to their consumption frequency. The clearest example can be the dairy products; milk consumption and cheese consumption are included in the same group (dairy products), with the same maximum permitted levels, but the consumption level is very different for these two products.

2015/03/06
Committee: ENVI

2013/0451(NLE)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 b (new)

(9b) The Group of Experts should also estimate the cumulative effect.

2015/03/06
Committee: ENVI

2013/0451(NLE)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10

(10) In order to ensure that food and feed exceeding the maximum permitted levels are not placed on the market of the EUnion, compliance with these levels should be the subject of appropriate checks, though the establishment of a regulated authority in order to assure the compliance of the regulation by the Member States.

2015/03/06
Committee: ENVI

2013/0451(NLE)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – point 4 a (new)

4a) "food/ feed contact materials" means packages and other materials intended to be in contact with food.

2015/03/06
Committee: ENVI

2013/0451(NLE)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex I

Food (Bq/kg)1 Infant food2 Dairy Produce3 Other food Liquid food5 except minor food4 Isotopes of 75 75 ~~125~~ 100 75 100 ~~125~~ 100 strontium, notably Sr-90 Isotopes of iodine, 15 100 5 100 2 1000 ~~500~~ 100 notably I-131 Alpha-emitting 1 2 10 8 10 20 10 isotopes of plutonium and transplutonium elements, notably Pu-239, Am-241 All other nuclides 400 1000 125000 1000 of half-life greater than 10 days, notably Cs-134, Cs-1376 __________________ 1 1 The level applicable to concentrated or dried products is calculated on the basis of the reconstituted product as ready for consumption. Member States may make recommendations concerning the diluting conditions in order to ensure that the maximum permitted levels laid down in this Regulation are observed. 2 2 Infant food is defined as those foodstuffs intended for the feeding of infants during the first twelve months of life, which meet, in themselves, the nutritional requirements of this category of person and are put up for retail sale in packages which are clearly identified and labelled under one of the following names: “infant formula”, “follow-on formula” “infant milk” and “follow-on milk”, in accordance with articles 11 and 12 of Commission Directive 2006/141/EC. 3 3 Dairy produce is defined as those products falling within the following CN codes including, where appropriate, any adjustments which might be made to them later: 0401, 0402 (except 0402 29 11). 4 Minor food and the corresponding levels to be applied to them are set out in Annex II. 5 5 Liquid food as defined in the heading 2009 and in chapter 22 of the combined nomenclature. Values are calculated taking into account consumption of tap-water and the same values should be applied to drinking water supplies. 6 6 Carbon 14, tritium and potassium 40 are not included in this group.

2015/03/06
Committee: ENVI

2013/0451(NLE)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – column 1 – row 5

Alpha-emitting isotopes of plutonium and Alpha-emitting isotopes of plutonium and transplutonium elements, notably Pu-239, transplutonium elements, notably Pu-239, Am-241 Am-241, Pu-238, Pu-240

2015/03/06
Committee: ENVI

2013/0451(NLE)