Activities of Helga STEVENS related to 2014/2208(INI)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on resource efficiency: moving towards a circular economy
Amendments (10)
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Strongly condemns the withdrawal of the circular economy legislative package, the proviBelieves that investing in a circular economy should be fully compatible with the Commission's of which would have contributed to creating up to 180 000 jobs in the EU waste management sector alonejobs, growth and competitiveness agenda and has the potential to create a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved; possibly creating up to 180 000 jobs in the EU waste management sector alone, according to the Impact Assessment of the Commission; looking forward to the new and more ambitious Commission proposal to come forward before the end of 2015;
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Highlights that in order to move the circular economy forward, a paradigm shift is needed so that resources are not wasted; this requires a mix of approaches which respects the principle of subsidiarity at various policy levels: - business models should be conceived so that there is an incentive to close material and product loops, - products must be designed so that they last long, can easily be repaired and their components can easily be reused or recycled, - logistics must be organised so that products that are no longer used are easily and efficiently returned to start a new life cycle in the philosophy of the circular economy, - waste is regarded as a resource;
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Recalls that although European waste legislation has already been in place for several years, there is still no level playing field in the European market. Stresses in this regard that the creation of a true European single market for waste and recycled products is a basis for a fully functioning European Circular Economy. To attain this the Commission and the competent authorities in the Member States must work jointly in order to remove all regulatory obstacles at all levels, to improve and strengthen implementation and to enable the free flow of these products;
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 21 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. In order to maximise on net job potential of the circular economy, believes it is crucial to provide the right opportunities to acquire the new skills needed for the circular economy;
Amendment 38 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Calls for measures that will improve the quality of information, advice and guidance available on careers and the skills needed to capitalise on employment opportunities provided by the circular economy;
Amendment 41 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Notes that making the transition to a circular economy will require a paradigm shift and a pressing need for new skills, not just within the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) subjects, but across all relevant disciplines;
Amendment 44 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that, in a transition towards a circular economy, internal transformation and redefinition of jobs may affect sectors with a high share of emissions; calls, in consequence, on the Member States and the EU to put in place all the necessary measureppropriate measures to, for example, use exisitng EU funds to supportskill and re-train affected workers;
Amendment 54 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to put in place a regulatory environment and fiscalstable, predictable and facilitating legal framework and incentives that encourage the development of a circular economy, such as reducing or lifting taxation on renewable resources, including labour, and differentiating VAT rates in accordance with the waste hierarchy.;
Amendment 58 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Stresses the need to avoid disproportionate administrative requirements for all businesses, particularly SMEs and micro-enterprises, and the need for the right regulatory environment to maximise on the job creation potential of the circular economy.