35 Amendments of Pablo ECHENIQUE related to 2014/2153(INI)
Amendment 28 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU’s prosperity andsocial 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.
Amendment 41 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
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
Amendment 81 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
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.
Amendment 100 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
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.
Amendment 123 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital O a (new)
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.
Amendment 125 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital O b (new)
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
Amendment 129 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. WelcomAcknowledges 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;
Amendment 155 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
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;
Amendment 175 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
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;
Amendment 189 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
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;
Amendment 250 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
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;
Amendment 268 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
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;
Amendment 286 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
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;
Amendment 311 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
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;
Amendment 338 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
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 accountgiven a priority when considering financial allocations;
Amendment 349 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
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;
Amendment 379 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
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.
Amendment 409 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
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;
Amendment 440 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
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;
Amendment 460 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
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;
Amendment 500 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
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;
Amendment 521 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Stresses that the commitment to reducinge emissions of greenhouse gas emissions must not undermine the EU economy’ses must be a vector of global competitiveness of the EU economy; considers, therefore, that a complexit is necessary to adopt a determined approach to climate change and competitiveness is needed;
Amendment 522 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Stresses that the commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions must not undermine the EU economy’s global competitivenessmaintain 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;
Amendment 542 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
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;
Amendment 560 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
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;
Amendment 571 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
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;
Amendment 600 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
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;
Amendment 608 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
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;
Amendment 637 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
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 processthat 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;
Amendment 651 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Calls for those of the Projects of Common Interest (PCI) from the list adopted in 2013 to be executed without delayhat 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;
Amendment 698 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
Amendment 713 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
Amendment 768 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
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;
Amendment 798 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 a (new)
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
Amendment 812 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49
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;