38 Amendments of Nicola BEER related to 2021/0213(CNS)
Amendment 54 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) In the interest of fiscal neutrality, the same minimum levels of taxation should apply for each component of energy taxation, to all energy products put to a given use. Where equal minimum levels of taxation are thus set, Member States should, also for reason of fiscal neutrality, ensure equal levels of national taxation on all products concerned.
Amendment 65 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
Amendment 76 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Energy products used as a motor fuel for certain purposes and those used as heating fuel are normally taxed at lower levels than those applicable to energy products used as a propellant. Electricity should always be among the least taxed energy sources in view of fostering its use, notably in the transport sector. To that purpose, Member States should endeavour to apply the same level of taxation to electricity used to charge electric vehicles as for heating purposes during the necessary time following the entry into force of this Directive.
Amendment 94 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) It is necessary to ensure that clear taxation rules for energy products and electricity continue to contribute to the smooth functioning of the internal market while at the same time tackling the climate and environmental-related challenges in the context of the Communication from the Commission ‘The European Green Deal’28 . Energy taxation can contribute to the ambition of at least 55 % reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990, as well as to the objective of zero pollution through the implementation of the polluter-pays principle, by ensuring that the taxation of motor fuels, heating fuels and electricity better reflects the impact they have on the environment and on healthnew Union energy targets for 2030. However, it remains essential that the Union climate policy and energy taxation are regarded as two different aspects. Thus, seeing the Union energy taxation as a tool to incentivise climate-neural policy developments. The contribution of energy taxation to those objectives has been endorsed by the Council Conclusions on the EU energy taxation framework29 . _________________ 28 COM(2019) 640 final of 11 December 2019. 29 14861/19 of 5 December 2019.
Amendment 102 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Environmental taxation can be a cost-effective mean for Member States to achieve the targeted reductions of greenhouse gasses. The proper functioning of the internal market requires common rules on that taxation. To that end, this Directive should foster energy efficiency in a technology neutral manner, while CO2price signals should be given by the EU Emissions Trading System.
Amendment 110 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
Amendment 119 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) As a general principle, Member States should apply to energy products and electricity levels of taxation not less than the minimum levels of taxation as set out by the Directive in order to generate a level playing field between Member States as well as competitiveness. Member States should be permitted to comply with the Union minimum taxation levels by taking into account the total charge levied in respect of all indirect taxes which they have chosen to apply (excluding VAT).
Amendment 127 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17 a (new)
Recital 17 a (new)
(17 a) Energy taxation should only apply to final consumption, and neither energy use within the energy value chain nor any form of conversion or storage should be taxed. That principle should apply to all forms of energy-conversion processes and to energy products and electricity used for the transport and storage of energy products and electricity. In that context, conversion should be understood as the process of converting one form of energy into another, such as using natural gas to generate electricity or producing hydrogen from electricity or natural gas.
Amendment 131 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) Targeted reductions in the tax level may prove necessary to tackle the social impact of energy taxes. An exemption from taxation may temporarily prove necessary to protect vulnerable households based on a long-term plan for a European-wide energy independence strategy.
Amendment 140 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20 a (new)
Recital 20 a (new)
(20 a) In order to ensure connectivity, air and water navigation remain important sectors. However, in order to remain competitive internationally and create a level playing field, an international approach to energy taxation should be considered.
Amendment 143 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) In view of the financial, economic and environmental effects on each Member State, such as the need of electrificdecarbonisation of the transport sector, it is necessary to provide for a procedure authorising the introduction by Member States, for a set period, of other exemptions or reduced levels of taxation. For reasons of protection of environment and human health, including the reduction of air pollution, it is necessary to provide for a procedure authorising the introduction by Member States, for a set period, of specific increased rates. Such authorisation, following a justified request by Member States and on a proposal from the Commission, should be adopted by means of a Council implementing decision in accordance with Article 291 of the TFEU. Such measures should be under regular review.
Amendment 157 #
(23 a) In line with the proposal for a Regulation on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure and the proposal for a Regulation on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport, this Directive should promote the cost-efficient deployment of installations and the use of shore-side electricity by providing a permanent tax exemption to shore-side electricity, thereby setting the right incentives.
Amendment 173 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) Targeted exemptions or reductions in the tax level may prove necessary to incentivise the achievement of environmental protection objectives and, the improvements in energy efficiency and the international competitiveness of the Union productive sector.
Amendment 178 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) Targeted exemptions or reductions in the tax level may prove necessary to tackle the social impact of energy taxes. An exemption from taxation may temporarily prove necessary to protect vulnerable households recognised as lower and middle income by Member States.
Amendment 180 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Amendment 220 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Amendment 232 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Amendment 239 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 2
Without prejudice to Article 5(2), when a transitional period is applicable as provided for in Table A of Annex I, the increase in the minimum levels of taxation shall be fixed at one tenth per year until 1 January 2033. For low-carbon fuels, the minimum level of taxation set for the first year of the transitional period shall apply. until 1 January 2033.
Amendment 245 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Without prejudice to Article 5(2), when a transitional period is applicable as provided for in Table B of Annex I, the increase in the minimum levels of taxation shall be fixed at one tenth per year until 1 January 2033. For low-carbon fuels, the minimum level of taxation set for the first year of the transitional period shall apply until 1 January 2033permanently.
Amendment 250 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 2
Article 9 – paragraph 2
Without prejudice to Article 5(2), when a transitional period is applicable as provided for in Table C of Annex I, the increase in the minimum levels of taxation shall be fixed at one tenth per year until 1 January 2033. For low-carbon fuels, the minimum level of taxation set for the first year of the transitional period shall apply until 1 January 2033permanently.
Amendment 266 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The minimum levels of taxation referred to in the first subparagraph shall start from zero and increase each year by one tenth of the final minimum rates, set out in Tables A and D of Annex I, over a transitional period of ten years. A minimum rate of zero shall apply to sustainable biofuels and biogas, low-carbon fuels, renewable fuels of non-biological origin, advanced sustainable biofuels and biogas, and electricity over that transitional period of ten years.
Amendment 283 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. The revenues generated shall be earmarked by the Member States and used to support projects and investments in the aviation sector. The eligible projects and investments should focus on energy efficiency, energy transition, sustainable and circular airports, innovative technologies and the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, supporting the decarbonisation of the sector.
Amendment 289 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 294 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. Member states may exempt or apply the same levels of taxation applied for intra-EU waterborne navigation to extra-EU waterborne navigation according to the type of activity.
Amendment 296 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 5
Article 15 – paragraph 5
5. Member States mayshall apply under fiscal control total or partial exemptions to electricity directly supplied to vessels berthed in ports.
Amendment 298 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. The revenues related to inland waterway transport shall be used to set up a dedicated EU inland waterway fund. The eligible projects and investments shall focus on ship retrofitting and renewal in order to improve the energy efficiency of ships and support investments in innovative and energy-saving technologies as well as port infrastructure, such as the deployment of alternative fuels, supporting the decarbonisation of the sector.
Amendment 299 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. The revenues related to maritime transport shall be earmarked by the Member States and used to support projects and investments in the maritime sector. The eligible projects and investments shall focus on energy efficiency, energy transition, sustainable and circular ports, innovative technologies and the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, supporting the decarbonisation of the sector.
Amendment 308 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
(b) electricity and electricity generated by renewable hydrogene:
Amendment 331 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) reductions in the level of taxation, which shall not go below the minima as set out in Table C and D of Annex I, to energy products and electricity used for combined heat and power generation, without prejudice to Article 13;
Amendment 336 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c – introductory part
(c) reductions in the level of taxation, which shall not go below the minima as set out in Table C and D of Annex I, to energy products used as heating fuel and electricity if used by households and/or by organisations recognised as charitable by the Member State concerned. In the case of such charitable organisations, Member States shall confine the reduction to use for the purpose of non-business activities. Where mixed use takes place, taxation shall apply in proportion to each type of use. If a use is insignificant, it may be treated as nil.
Amendment 340 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c – introductory part
(c) reductions in the level of taxation, which shall not go below the minima as set out in Table C and D of Annex I, to energy products used as heating fuel and electricity if used by households and/or by organisations recognised as charitable by the Member State concerned. In the case of such charitable organisations, Member States shall confine the reduction to use for the purpose of non-business activities. Where mixed use takes place, taxation shall apply in proportion to each type of use. If a use is insignificant, it may be treated as nil. For the purposes of point (c), the minimum levels of taxation as set out in Tables C and D of Annex I shall start from zero and increase over a transitional period of ten years by one tenth of the final minimum rates in each year. For the purposes of point (c), energy products and electricity used by households recognised as lower-and middle-income by Member States shall be exempt for a maximum period of ten years after the entry into force of this Directive.
Amendment 342 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c – paragraph 2
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c – paragraph 2
For the purposes of point (c), energy products and electricity used by households recognised as vulnerable may be exempt for a maximum period of ten years after the entry into force of this Directive. For the purposes of this paragraph, ‘vulnerable households’ shall mean households significantly affected by the impacts of this Directive which, for the purpose of this Directive, means that they are below the ‘at risk of poverty’” threshold, defined as 60% of the national median equivalised disposable incomeMember States shall be free to decide on the definition of ‘vulnerable households’.
Amendment 377 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 31 – paragraph 1
Article 31 – paragraph 1
Every five years and for the first time five years after 1 January 2023, the Commission shall submit to the Council and the European Parliament a report on the application of this Directive.
Amendment 381 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 31 – paragraph 1
Article 31 – paragraph 1
Every five years and for the first time five years after 1 January 2023, the Commission shall submit to the Council and to the European Parliament a report on the application of this Directive.
Amendment 385 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 31 – paragraph 2
Article 31 – paragraph 2
The report by the Commission shall, inter alia, examine the minimum levels of taxation, the impact of innovation and technological developments, in particular as regards energy efficiency, the use of electricity in transport, the overall competitiveness of our industries, and the justification for the exemptions, reductions and differentiations laid down in this Directive. The report shall take into account the proper functioning of the internal market, environmental and social considerations, the real value of the minimum levels of taxation and the relevant wider objectives of the Treaties.
Amendment 388 #
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – table A – rows 15 and 16
Annex I – table A – rows 15 and 16
Amendment 394 #
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – table B – rows 15 and 16
Annex I – table B – rows 15 and 16
Amendment 405 #