Activities of Lina GÁLVEZ MUÑOZ related to 2023/0081(COD)
Plenary speeches (1)
Framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology products manufacturing ecosystem (Net Zero Industry Act) (debate)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology products manufacturing ecosystem (Net Zero Industry Act)
Amendments (140)
Amendment 35 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The net-zero transformation is already causing huge industrial, economic, and geopolitical shifts across the globe, which will become ever more pronounced as the world advances in its decarbonisation efforts. The road to net zero translates into strong opportunities for the expansion of Union’s net-zero industry, making use of the strength of the Single Market, by promoting investment in technologies in the field of renewable energy technologies , electricity and heat storage technologies, heat pumps, grid technologies, renewable fuels of non- biological origin technologies, electrolysers and fuel cells, fusion, small modular reactors and related best-in-class fuels, carbon capture, utilisation, and storage technologies, and energy-system related energy efficiency technologies and their supply chains, allowing for the decarbonisation of our economic sectors, from energy supply to transport, buildings, and industry. A strong net zero industry within the European Union can help significantly in reaching the Union’s climate and energy targets effectively, as well as in supporting other Green Deal objectives, while creating jobs andquality jobs and sustainable growth.
Amendment 36 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The Union has helped buildshould promote a global economic system based on open and rules- based trade, pushed for providing quality jobs, including a living wage, job security and access to social protection, lifelong learning opportunities, good working conditions in safe and healthy workplaces, reasonable working time with a good work-life balance, as well as trade union representation and bargaining rights, respecting and advancing social and environmental sustainability standards, and is fully committed to those values.
Amendment 37 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) In order to maintain competitiveness and reduce current strategic import dependencies in key net- zero technology products and their supply chains, while avoiding the formation of new ones, the Union needs to continue strengthening its net zero industrial base and become more competitive and innovation friendly. The Union needs to enable the development of manufacturing capacity faster, simpler and in a more predictable way. Union policies should ensure regional and social cohesion in view of overcoming structural differences between regions as well as social inequalities, including inequalities between women and men.
Amendment 41 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) In addition, the Communication on the Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net- Zero Age42 sets out a comprehensive approach to support a clean energy technology scale up based on four pillars. The first pillar aims at creating a regulatory environment that simplifies and fast-tracks permitting for new net-zero technology manufacturing and assembly sites and facilitates the scaling up of the net-zero industry of the Union. The second pillar of the plan is to boost investment in and financing of net-zero technology production, through the revised Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework adopted in March 2023 and the creation of a European Sovereignty fund to preserve the European edge on critical and emerging technologies relevant to the green and digital transitions. The third pillar relates to developing the skills and quality jobs needed to make the transition happen and increase the number of skilled workers in the clean energy technology sector. The fourth pillar focuses on trade and the diversification of the supply chain of critical raw materials. That includes creating a critical raw materials club, working with like-minded partners, in full compliance with social and labour standards, to collectively strengthen supply chains and diversifying away from single suppliers for critical input. _________________ 42 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, COM/2023/62 final, 01.02.2023.
Amendment 44 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26 a (new)
Recital 26 a (new)
(26a) Member States should use their purchasing power to promote Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP), including gender equality, in order to ensure a good balance between the three pillars of sustainable development - economic, social and environmental - when procuring goods, services or works.
Amendment 56 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 64
Recital 64
(64) The scaling up of European net- zero technology industries requires significant additional skilled workers which implies important investment needs in re-skilling and upskilling, including in the field of vocational education and training. ThisA regular mapping exercise focussing on the development of quality jobs at regional level as well as the collective bargaining coverage rate should contribute to the creationincrease the number of quality jobs in line with the targets for employment and training of the European Pillar of Social Rights. Labour shortages are particularly prevalent in sectors with challenging working conditions, and skills alone will not solve this problem1a. The poor quality of jobs, bad working conditions and a lock of investment in vocational education and training (VET) at company level are some of the reasons for the lack of skilled workers 1b. Tackling those issues by means of decent working conditions and retention policies is therefore important for a well-functioning labour market fit for the digital and green transitons. Improving job quality in sectors and companies with poor working conditions is also an important element for addressing the issue of brain drain which results in growing inequalities between regions, unequal development as well as unequal capacity to drive innovation and create jobs. The energy transition will require a significant increase in the number of skilled workers in a range of sectors, including renewable energy and energy storage, and has a great potential for quality job creation. The skill needs for the fuel cell hydrogen sub-sector in manufacturing alone are estimated at 180.000 trained workers, technicians and engineers by the year 2030, according to the Commission’s European Strategic Energy Technology Plan65 . In the photo- voltaic solar energy sector, up to 66.000 jobs would be needed in manufacturing alone. The European network of employment services (EURES) is providing information, advice and recruitment or placement for the benefit of workers and employers, including across internal market borders. _________________ The same information regarding decent working conditions, social protection and access to the labour market should be provided for migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, whereby advise and support for the validation of skills and competences and the recognition of qualifications is essential in this context. _________________ 1a https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/news/ne ws-articles/skills-alone-will-not-solve- labour-shortages-in-europe 1b https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/files/3092_ en.pdf; https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/files/3075_ en.pdf 65 European Commission, Directorate- General for Research and Innovation, Joint Research Centre, The strategic energy technology (SET) plan, Publications Office, 2019, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/04888.
Amendment 66 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 65
Recital 65
(65) Since strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key net-zero technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce, it is necessary to introduce measures to boost the activation of more people to the labour market, notably women and young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs), including via skills first approaches as a complement to qualifications-based recruitment. In addition, in line with the objectives of the Council Recommendation on ensuring a fair transition towards climate-neutrality, specific support for job-to-job transition for workers in redundant and declining sectors are important. This means investing in skills and in quality job creation, including a living wage, job security and access to social protection, lifelong learning opportunities, good working conditions in safe and healthy workplaces, reasonable working time with a good work-life balance, as well as trade union representation and bargaining rights, required for net-zero technologies in the Union. Building on and fully taking into account existing initiatives such as the EU Pact for Skills, EU level activities on skills intelligence and forecasting, such as by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) and the European Labour Authority, and the Blueprints for sectoral cooperation on skills, the objective is to mobilise all actors: Member States authorities, including at regional and local levels, education and training providers, social partners and industry, in particular SMEs, to identify skills needs, develop education and training programmes and deploy these at large scale in a fast and operational manner. Net-zero strategic projects have a key role to play in this regard. Member States and the Commission may ensure financial support including by leveraging the possibilities of the Union budget through instruments such as the European Social Fund Plus, Just Transition Fund, European Regional Development Funds, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the Modernisation Fund, REPowerEU and the Single Market Programme.
Amendment 74 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 66
Recital 66
(66) Building on previous experiences, such as the EU Pact for Skills and the European Battery Alliance or the Offshore Renewable Energies, European Net- Zero Industry Academies should develop and deploy education and training content to upskill and reskill workers required for key net-zero technology value chains, such as solar photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies, renewable hydrogen technologies and raw materials, preceded by a mapping exercise focussing on existing quality job and collective bargaining coverage at regional level. The academies would aim to enable the training and education of 100.000 learners each, within three years of their establishment, to contribute to the availability of skills required for the net-zero technologies, including in small and medium-sized enterprises. That content should be developed and deployed with education and training providers in Member States, relevant Member States authorities and social partners. Education and training providers, industry and other actors involved in up- and reskilling in the Member States, such as Public Employment Services, should deliver the content produced by the academies. To ensure skills transparency and portability and the mobility of workers, the European Net-Zero Industry Academies will develop and deploy credentials, including micro- credentials, covering learning achievements. They should be issued in the format of European credentials for learning and could be integrated in EUROPASS and, where relevant, included in National Qualifications Frameworks. Member States are encouraged to support the continuous reskilling and upskilling offered via the academies and the relevant education and training providers in their territories through national programmes and Union funding, including from the European Social Fund Plus, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the European Regional Development Fund, the Just Transition Mechanism, the Modernisation Fund and the Technical Support Instrument. The Net-Zero Europe Platform should assist in guiding the work of the Academies and providing oversight. The European Net- Zero Industry Academies should apply the European Strategy for Gender Equality in view of changing educational and occupational gender sterotypes.
Amendment 83 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
ba) the creation of quality jobs, including a living wage, job security and access to social protection, lifelong learning opportunities, good working conditions in safe and healthy workplaces, reasonable working time with a good work-life balance, as well as trade union representation and bargaining rights.
Amendment 95 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
(b) the net-zero technology manufacturing project has positive impact on the Union’s net-zero industry supply chain or downstream sectors, beyond the project promoter and the Member States concerned, contributing to the competitiveness and quality job creation of the Union’s net-zero industry supply chain, according to at least three of the following criteria:
Amendment 102 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv a (new)
(iva) it respects collective agreements and workers' right to organise, take collective action and to bargain collectively as well as the right to be informed and consulted, also on mergers and investment decisions;
Amendment 103 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv b (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv b (new)
(ivb) it provides quality jobs including a living wage, job security and access to social protection, lifelong learning opportunities, good working conditions in safe and healthy workplaces, reasonable working time with a good work-life balance as well as trade union representation and bargaining rights;
Amendment 104 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv c (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv c (new)
(ivc) it reinvests a large share of its profits, shares profits equitably with workers and does not pay extraordinary dividends and bonuses to managers while receiving public funding;
Amendment 105 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv d (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv d (new)
(ivd) it applies pay transparency in line with Union legislation and ensures diversity at work;
Amendment 109 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Amendment 112 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) Any additional mobilisation of state aid should be targeted and temporary, and should be consistent with EU policy objectives such as the Green Deal and the Pillar of Social Rights. Projects of strategic common European interest should also be aligned with these goals, and should have genuine European added value. Such financing should have an equal positive impact in all Member State and shall not lead to aditional desparities among Member States in line with the EU's competition and cohesion policies.
Amendment 115 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Regarding external aspects, in particular regarding emerging markets and developing economies, the EU will seek win-win partnerships in the framework of its Global Gateway strategy, which contribute to the diversification of its raw materials supply chain, to the achievement of global climate objectives as well as to partner countries’ efforts to pursue twin transition and develop local value addition.
Amendment 119 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. Contracting authorities or contracting entities shall base the award of contracts for net-zero technology listed in the Annex in a public procurement procedure on the most economically advantageous tender, which shall include the best price- quality ratio, comprising at least the social and environmental sustainability and resilience contribution of the tender, in compliance with Directives 2014/23/EU, 2014/24/EU, or 2014/25/EU and applicable sectoral legislation, as well as with the Union’s international commitments, including the GPA and other international agreements by which the Union is bound.
Amendment 122 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) environmental and social sustainability going beyond the minimum requirements in applicable legislation, including job quality, measures to improve diversity at work, as well as respect of collective agreements and trade union rights to negotiate;
Amendment 131 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 1
1. Without prejudice to Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty and Article 4 of Directive 2018/200173 and in line with the Union’s international commitments, when deciding to set up schemes benefitting households or consumers which incentivise the purchase of net-zero technology final products listed in the Annex, Member States, regional or local authorities, bodies governed by public law or associations formed by one or more such authorities or one or more such bodies governed by public law, shall design them in such a way as to promote the purchase by beneficiaries of net-zero technology final products with a high environmental and social sustainability and resilience contribution as referred in Article 19(2), by providing additional proportionate financial compensation. _________________ 73 Directive 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources
Amendment 138 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The Commission shall regularly map the development of quality jobs at regional level as well as the collective bargaining coverage rate. It shall support, including through the provision of seed- funding, the establishment of European Net Zero Industry Academies in areas lagging behind, which have as their objectives to:
Amendment 138 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The net-zero transformation is already causing huge industrial, economic, and geopolitical shifts across the globe, which will become ever more pronounced as the world advances in its decarbonisation efforts. The road to net zero translates into strong opportunities for the expansion of Union’s net-zero industry, making use of the strength of the Single Market, by promoting investment in technologies in the field of renewable energy technologies , electricity and heat storage technologies, heat pumps, grid technologies, renewable fuels of non- biological origin technologies, electrolysers and fuel cells, fusion, small modular reactors and related best-in-class fuels, carbon capture, utilisation, and storage technologies, and energy-system related energy efficiency technologies and their supply chains, allowing for the decarbonisation of our economic sectors, from energy supply to transport, buildings, and industry. A strong net zero industry within the European Union can help significantly in reaching the Union’s climate and energy targets effectively, as well as in supporting other Green Deal objectives, while creating jobs andquality jobs and sustainable growth.
Amendment 145 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) develop and deploy credentials, including micro-credentials, to facilitate the transparency of skills acquired and enhance the transferability between jobs andquality jobs, to facilitate the cross-border mobility of the workforce, and to promote matching with relevant quality jobs through tools such as the European Employment Services (EURES) network and EURAXESS.
Amendment 148 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The Union’s decarbonisation objectives, security of energy supply, digitalisation of the energy system and electrification of demand, for example in mobility and the need for fast recharging points, require an enormous expansion of electricity grids in the European Union, both at transmission level and at distribution level. At transmission level, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems are needed to connect offshore renewable energies; while at distribution level, connecting electricity providers and managing demand-side flexibility builds on investments in innovative grid technologies, such as electric vehicles smart charging (EVSC), energy efficiency building and industry automation and smart controls, advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) and home energy management systems (HEMS). The electricity grid needs to interact with many actors or devices based on a detailed level of observability, and hence availability of data, to enable flexibility, smart charging and smart buildings with smart electricity grids and small-scale flexibility services enabling demand -side response from consumers and the uptake of renewables. Connecting the net-zero technologies to the network of the European Union requires the substantial expansion of manufacturing capabilities for electricity grids in areas such as offshore and onshore cables, substations and transformers.
Amendment 172 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 4
(4) assist the uptake and recognition of learning credentials of the European Net- Zero Industry Academies in the Member States to promote the recognition of skills and the matching of skills and quality jobs, inter alia by promoting the validity and acceptance of the credentials throughout the labour market of the European Union;
Amendment 174 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 5
(5) facilitate the development of European occupation profiles consisting of a common set of knowledge, skills and competences for key professions in the net- zero technologies, drawing inter alia upon the learning programmes developed by the European Net-Zero Industry Academies, and, where appropriate, using the terminology provided by the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) classification to facilitate transparency and mobility between quality jobs and across internal market borders;
Amendment 179 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 6
(6) promote adequate working conditions in quality jobs in net-zero technology industries, the activation of youth, women and seniors to the labour market for net- zero technology industries, and the attraction of skilled workers from third countries, and thereby achieve a more diverse workforce;
Amendment 182 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 7
(7) facilitate closer coordination and the exchange of best practices between Member States to enhance the availability of skills in the net-zero technologies, including by contributing to Union and Member States policies to attract new talents from third countries by providing information regarding decent working conditions, social protection and access to the labour market as well as support for the validation of skills and competences and the recognition of qualifications.
Amendment 188 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – point c – point i a (new)
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – point c – point i a (new)
ia) decent working conditions and social conditionalities.
Amendment 189 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 2
Article 29 – paragraph 2
2. Each Member State shall appoint a high-level representative to the Platform. Where relevant as regards the function and expertise, a Member State may have more than one representative in relation to different tasks related to the work of the Platform. Each member of the Platform shall have an alternate. Cross-industry social partners may designate four representatives as observers to the Platform with an equal representation of trade unions and employer organisations.
Amendment 192 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 11
Article 29 – paragraph 11
11. The Platform shall coordinate and cooperate with existing industrial alliances, as well as national sectorial social partners.
Amendment 211 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The Union has helped buildshould promote a global economic system based on open and rules- based trade, providing quality jobs, including a living wage, job security and access to social protection, lifelong learning opportunities, good working conditions in safe and healthy workplaces, reasonable working time with a good work-life balance, as well as trade union representation and bargaining rights, pushed for respecting and advancing social and environmental sustainability standards, and is fully committed to those values.
Amendment 213 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The Union has helped build a global economic system based on open and rules-based trade, pushed for respecting and advancing social and environmental sustainability and climate transition standards, and is fully committed to those values.
Amendment 234 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) In order to maintain competitiveness and reduce current strategic import dependencies in key net- zero technology products and their supply chains, while avoiding the formation of new ones, the Union needs to continue strengthening its net zero industrial base and become more competitive and innovation friendly. The Union needs to enable the development of manufacturing capacity faster, simpler and in a more predictable way. Union policies should ensure regional and social cohesion in view of overcoming structural differences between regions as well as social inequalities, including inequalities between women and men.
Amendment 236 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) In order to maintain competitiveness and reduce current strategic import dependencies in key net- zero technology products and their supply chains, while avoiding the formation of new ones, the Union needs to continue strengthening its net zero industrial base and become more competitive and innovation friendly. The Union needs to enable the development of manufacturing capacity faster, simpler and in a more predictable way, reducing administrative burden and levelling the playing field with international competitors.
Amendment 245 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) In addition, the Communication on the Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net- Zero Age 42 sets out a comprehensive approach to support a clean energy technology scale up based on four pillars. The first pillar aims at creating a regulatory environment that simplifies and fast-tracks permitting for new net-zero technology manufacturing and assembly sites and facilitates the scaling up of the net-zero industry of the Union. The second pillar of the plan is to boost investment in and financing of net-zero technology production, through the revised Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework adopted in March 2023 and the creation of a European Sovereignty fund to preserve the European edge on critical and emerging technologies relevant to the green and digital transitions, in particular to provide resources for upstream research and innovation for strategic industrial projects to decarbonise hard to abate sectors in particular energy intensive industries supplying key raw materials and components for net zero technologies. The funding accessibility should be predictable, provided that clear predefined criteria are met, making both the development and implementation of new technologies and CCS, in combination with Direct Air Capture with Carbon Storage (DACCS), eligible for achieving net-zero at the installation level. The third pillar relates to developing the skills needed to make the transition happen and increase the number of skilled workers in the clean energy technology sector. The fourth pillar focuses on trade and the diversification of the supply chain of critical raw materials. That includes creating a critical raw materials club, working with like-minded partners to collectively strengthen supply chains and diversifying away from single suppliers for critical input. _________________ 42 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, COM/2023/62 final, 01.02.2023.
Amendment 250 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) In addition, the Communication on the Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net- Zero Age42 sets out a comprehensive approach to support a clean energy technology scale up based on four pillars. The first pillar aims at creating a regulatory environment that simplifies and fast-tracks permitting for new net-zero technology manufacturing and assembly sites and facilitates the scaling up of the net-zero industry of the Union. The second pillar of the plan is to boost investment in and financing of net-zero technology production, through the revised Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework adopted in March 2023 and the creation of a European Sovereignty fund to preserve the European edge on critical and emerging technologies relevant to the green and digital transitions. The third pillar relates to developing the skills and quality jobs needed to make the transition happen and increase the number of skilled workers in the clean energy technology sector. The fourth pillar focuses on trade and the diversification of the supply chain of critical raw materials. That includes creating a critical raw materials club, working with like-minded partners, in full compliance with social and labour standards, to collectively strengthen supply chains and diversifying away from single suppliers for critical input. _________________ 42 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, COM/2023/62 final, 01.02.2023.
Amendment 257 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Directives 2014/23/EU, 2014/24/EU and 2014/25/EU already allow contracting authorities and entities awarding contracts through public procurement procedures to rely, in addition to price or cost, on additional criteria for identifying the most economically advantageous tender. Such criteria concern for instance the quality of the tender including social, environmental, governance and innovative characteristics. When awarding contracts for net-zero technology through public procurement, contracting authorities and contracting entities should duly assess the tenders’ contribution to sustainability and resilience in relation to a series of criteria relating to the tender’s environmental sustainability, compliance with human rights laws, EU governance rules and reporting obligations, innovation, system integration and to resilience.
Amendment 259 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) (26) Social sustainability criteria can already be applied under existing legislation and can include working conditions and collective bargaining in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights in line with Articles, 30 (3) of Directive 2014/23/EU, 18 (2) of Directive 2014/24/EU and 36 (2) of Directive 2014/25/EU. Contracting authorities should contribute to social sustainability by taking the appropriate measures to ensure that in the performance of public contracts economic operators comply with applicable obligations in the fields of social and labour law established by Union law, national law, collective agreements or by the international environmental, social and labour law provisions listed in Annex X of Directive 2014/23/EU, Annex X of Directive 2014/24/EU and Annex XIV of Directive 2014/25/EU43 . Public procurement contracts must include social clauses and where relevant apprenticeship clauses. _________________ 43 Commission Notice "Buying Social - a guide to taking account of social considerations in public procurement (2nd edition)", C(2021) 3573 final.
Amendment 260 #
(26a) Member States should use their purchasing power to promote Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP), including gender equality, in order to ensure a good balance between the three pillars of sustainable development - economic, social and environmental - when procuring goods, services or works.
Amendment 263 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27 a (new)
Recital 27 a (new)
(27a) In hard-to-abate sectors, including energy-intensive industries, the number of commercially available and scalable net zero technologies is currently limited. For those net zero technologies already in use or in the early stages of development, major reductions in cost and improvements in performance will be needed. Therefore, investments in research and innovation both at Union and national level continue to be important. Together with joint and coordinated efforts across the Member States notably through the Strategic Energy Technology Plan, research and innovation activities increase the resilience of the Union’s clean energy sector. Moreover, net zero technologies that are at demonstration or prototype stage today also make significant contributions in the long term to the achievement of net-zero industries in the Union and should be supported through the net zero industry act Financial support should be provided irrespective of the number of technologies implemented over time, as long as the costs associated with implementing these technologies remain additional and cannot be fully transferred to customers. Half of the greenhouse gas emissions reductions expected by 2050 will require technologies that are not yet ready for the market, so research and innovation activities are a crucial component to increase the EU’s technological sovereignty and global competitiveness.
Amendment 293 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 39
Recital 39
(39) As indicated in the Communication on the Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, published on 1 February 2023, the Union’s industry’s market shares are under strong pressure, due to subsidies in third countries which undermine a level playing field. This translates in a need for a rapid and ambitious reaction from the Union in modernising its legal framework and promoting European standards for key net zero technologies.
Amendment 295 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 40
Recital 40
(40) Access to finance is key for ensuring the Union’s open strategic autonomy and for establishing a solid manufacturing base for net-zero technologies and their supply chains across the Union. The majority of investments necessary to reach the Green Deal objectives will come from private capital53 attracted by the growth potential of the net- zero ecosystem. Well-functioning, deep and integrated capital markets will therefore be essential to raise and channel the funds needed for the green transition and net-zero manufacturing projects. Swift progress towards the Capital Markets Union is thus necessary for the EU to deliver on its net-zero objectives. The sustainable finance agenda (and blended finance) also plays a crucial role in scaling up investments into the net-zero technologies, while guaranteeing the competitiveness of the sector by giving investors and investee companies more harmonised information on what investments qualify as sustainable under the Taxonomy Regulation and the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation, and by requiring financial institutions to exercise due diligence over their value chain. _________________ 53 Commission Staff Working Document Identifying Europe's recovery needs Accompanying the document Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Europe's moment: Repair and Prepare for the Next Generation, SWD(2020) 98 final, Identifying Europe's recovery needs, 27.05.2020.
Amendment 298 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 41
Recital 41
(41) Where private investment alone is not sufficient, the effective roll-out of net- zero manufacturing projects may require public support in the form of State aid. Such aid must have an incentive effect and be necessary, appropriate and proportionate. The existing State aid guidelines that have recently undergone an in-depth revision in line with the twin transition objectives provide ample possibilities to support investments for projects in the scope of this Regulation subject to certaiAppropriate conditions are required to verify the concrete risks of diversion of the investment outside the European Econditions. Member States can have an important role in easing access to finance for net-zero technologies manufacturing projects by addressing market failures through targeted State aid support. The Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (TCTF) adopted on 9 March 2023 aims at ensuring a level playing field within the internal market, targeted to those sectors where a third-country delocalisation risk has been identified, and proportionate in terms of aid amounts. It would enable Member States to put in place measures to support new investments in production facilities in defined, strategic net-zero sectors, including via tax benefits. The permitted aid amount can be modulated with highomic Area (EEA) and that there is no risk of relocation within the EEA. To mobilise national resources for that purpose, Member States may use a share of the ETS revenues that Member States have to allocate for climate-related purposes as well as national and EU funds, unused amounts from the Recovery aind intenResitlies and aid amount ceilings if the investment is located in assisted areas, in order to contribute to the goal of convergence between Member States and regions. Appropriate conditions are required to verify the concrete risks of diversion of the investment outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and that there is no risk of relocation within the EEA. To mobilise national resources for that purpose, Member States may use a share of the ETS revenues that Member States have to allocate for climate-related purposes.nce Facility, dedicated support from the EU Innovation Fund, dedicated financing schemes from the European Investment Bank, as well as dedicated state guarantees to private capital for strategic industrial investments
Amendment 307 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 42
Recital 42
(42) Several Union funding programmes, such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility, InvestEU, cohesion policy programmes or the Innovation Fund with the specific role of the European Hydrogen Bank acting as a one-stop-shop for EU funding supporting the entire renewable hydrogen value chain, are also available to fund investments in net-zero technology manufacturing projects.
Amendment 316 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 45
Recital 45
(45) Member States can provide support from cohesion policy programmes in line with applicable rules under Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council57 to encourage the take up of net-zero strategic projectsprojects in all regions, especially in less developed andregions, transition regions and Just Transition Funds territories, through investment packages of infrastructure, productive investment in innovation, manufacturing capacity in SMEs, services, training and upskilling measure, including support to capacity building of the public authorities and promoters. The applicable co-financing rates set in programmes may be up to 85% for less developed regions and, up to 60% or 70% for transition regions and 40% to 50% for more developed regions, depending on the fund concerned and the status of the region but Member States may exceed these ceilings at the level of the project concerned, where feasible under State aid rules. The Technical Support Instrument can help Member States and regions in preparing net-zero growth strategies, improve the business environment, reducing red tape and accelerating permitting. Member States should be encouraged to promote the sustainability of net-zero strategic projects by embedding these investments in European value chains, building notably on interregional and cross border cooperation networks. _________________ 57 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159).
Amendment 330 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 47
Recital 47
(47) A European Sovereignty Fund wshould provide a structural answer to the investment needs. It will help preserving a European edge on critical and emerging technologies relevant to the green and digital transitions, including strategic net- zero technologies. This structural instrument will build on experience of coordinated multi-country projects under the IPCEIs and seek to enhance all Member States’ access to such projects, thereby safeguarding cohesion and the Single Market against risks caused by unequal availability of State Aids. seek to safeguard cohesion and the Single Market against risks caused by unequal availability of State Aids. The European Sovereignty Fund should be based on additional funding under the mid-term review of the EU Multiannual Financial Framework. In addition, the Commission should explore the development of a new bond issuance program at EU level. The European Sovereignty Fund shall offer a toolbox of financial instruments (loans, guarantees, equity, etc) to support capital and operational expenditures of clean technology manufacturing in the EU in order to overcome barriers to production scale-up.
Amendment 340 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 48 a (new)
Recital 48 a (new)
(48a) To provide long-term financing to the Green Industrial Plan and support the achievement of the goals and objectives set in this Act, the Commission should explore the possibility to set up a large climate investment plan at EU level with a broadened scope. Building on this act, the future climate investment plan should support on the implementation of the European Green Deal and cover other areas and sectors such as buildings insulation, charging infrastructure, electricity grids and support to demand- side measures and households.
Amendment 348 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 50
Recital 50
(50) At the same time, the unpredictability, complexity and at times, excessive length of national permit- granting processes undermines the investment security needed for the effective development of net-zero technologies manufacturing projects. Therefore, in order to ensure and speed up their effective implementation, Member States should apply streamlined and predictable permitting procedures. In addition, Net-Zero Strategic Projects should be given priority status at national level to ensure rapid administrative treatment and urgent treatment in all judicial and dispute resolution procedures relating to them, without preventing competent authorities to streamline permitting for other net-zero technologies manufacturing projects that are not Net- Zero Strategic Projects or more generally. In order to ensure that net-zero manufacturing projects and Net-Zero Projects can be treated with priority, Member States shall ensure that the competent authorities are adequately equipped and staffed.
Amendment 378 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 58 a (new)
Recital 58 a (new)
Amendment 384 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 62 a (new)
Recital 62 a (new)
(62a) Member States may designate Net- Zero Industry Valleys as areas that are particularly suitable to develop net-zero manufacturing projects and projects, in order to further accelerate permitting procedures and allocate financial support. When designating Net-Zero Industry Valleys, Member States shall respect the 'Do No Significant Harm' principle and should not establish valleys in designated Natura 2000 areas or areas protected by the Nature Restauration Regulation. Member States can designate Net-Zero Industry Valleys specific for one or more types of net-zero technologies and should indicate the type or types of projects that are suitable for each Net-Zero Industry Valley. When allowing companies to set up projects in Net-Zero Industry Valleys, Member States shall assess the compliance of these companies with the highest social standards, including wages, trade union promotion and education programmes. Member States and the Commission should furthermore ensure financial support including through the European Social Fund, Just Transition Fund, European Regional Development Funds and Single Market Programme.
Amendment 388 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 64
Recital 64
(64) The scaling up of European net- zero technology industries requires significant additional skilled workers which implies important investment needs in re-skilling and upskilling, including in the field of vocational education and training. ThisA regular mapping exercise focussing on the development of quality jobs at regional level as well as the collective bargaining coverage rate should contribute to the creationincrease the number of quality jobs in line with the targets for employment and training of the European Pillar of Social Rights. Labour shortages are particularly prevalent in sectors with challenging working conditions, and skills alone will not solve this problem.1a The poor quality of jobs, bad working conditions and a lock of investment in VET at company level are some of the reasons for the lack of skilled workers.2a Tackling those issues by means of decent working conditions and retention policies is therefore important for a well- functioning labour market fit for the digital and green transitions. Improving job quality in sectors and companies with poor working conditions is also an important element for addressing the issue of brain drain which results in growing inequalities between regions, unequal development as well as unequal capacity to drive innovation and create jobs. The energy transition will require a significant increase in the number of skilled workers in a range of sectors, including renewable energy and energy storage, and has a great potential for quality job creation. The skill needs for the fuel cell hydrogen sub-sector in manufacturing alone are estimated at 180.000 trained workers, technicians and engineers by the year 2030, according to the Commission’s European Strategic Energy Technology Plan65 . In the photo- voltaic solar energy sector, up to 66.000 jobs would be needed in manufacturing alone. The European network of employment services (EURES) is providing information, advice and recruitment or placement for the benefit of workers and employers, including across internal market borders. _________________ The same information regarding decent working conditions, social protection and access to the labour market should be provided for migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, whereby advise and support for the validation of skills and competences and the recognition of qualifications is essential in this context. _________________ 1a https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/news/ne ws-articles/skills-alone-will-not-solve- labour-shortages-in-europe 2a 2a https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/files/3092_ en.pdf https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/files/3075_ en.pdf 65 European Commission, Directorate- General for Research and Innovation, Joint Research Centre, The strategic energy technology (SET) plan, Publications Office, 2019, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/04888.
Amendment 389 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 64
Recital 64
(64) The scaling up of European net- zero technology industries requires significant additional skilled workers which implies important investment needs in re-skilling and upskilling, including in the field of vocational education and training. The creation of quality jobs should cover a wide range of sectors including both skilled and unskilled workers and as such contribute to a qualification of the entire workforce not leaving anyone behind. This should contribute to the creation of quality jobs in line with the targets for employment and training of the European Pillar of Social Rights. The energy transition will require a significant increase in the number of skilled workers in a range of sectors, including renewable energy and energy storage, and has a great potential for quality job creation. The skill needs for the fuel cell hydrogen sub-sector in manufacturing alone are estimated at 180.000 trained workers, technicians and engineers by the year 2030, according to the Commission’s European Strategic Energy Technology Plan65 . In the photo- voltaic solar energy sector, up to 66.000 jobs would be needed in manufacturing alone. The European network of employment services (EURES) is providing information, advice and recruitment or placement for the benefit of workers and employers, including across internal market borders. _________________ 65 European Commission, Directorate- General for Research and Innovation, Joint Research Centre, The strategic energy technology (SET) plan, Publications Office, 2019, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/04888.
Amendment 390 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 65
Recital 65
(65) Since strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key net-zero technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce, it is necessary to introduce measures to boost the activation of more people to the labour market, notably women and young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs), including via skills first approaches as a complement to qualifications-based recruitment. In addition, in line with the objectives of the Council Recommendation on ensuring a fair transition towards climate-neutrality, specific support for job-to-job transition for workers in redundant and declining sectors are important. This means investing in skills and in quality job creation, including a living wage, job security and access to social protection, lifelong learning opportunities, good working conditions in safe and healthy workplaces, reasonable working time with a good work-life balance, as well as trade union representation and bargaining rights, required for net-zero technologies in the Union. Building on and fully taking into account existing initiatives such as the EU Pact for Skills, EU level activities on skills intelligence and forecasting, such as by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) and the European Labour Authority, and the Blueprints for sectoral cooperation on skills, the objective is to mobilise all actors: Member States authorities, including at regional and local levels, education and training providers, social partners and industry, in particular SMEs, to identify skills needs, develop education and training programmes and deploy these at large scale in a fast and operational manner. Net-zero strategic projects have a key role to play in this regard. Member States and the Commission may ensure financial support including by leveraging the possibilities of the Union budget through instruments such as the European Social Fund Plus, Just Transition Fund, European Regional Development Funds, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the Modernisation Fund, REPowerEU and the Single Market Programme.
Amendment 394 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 66
Recital 66
(66) Building on previous experiences, such as the EU Pact for Skills and the European Battery Alliance or the Offshore Renewable Energies, European Net- Zero Industry Academies should develop and deploy education and training content to upskill and reskill workers required for key net-zero technology value chains, such as solar photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies, renewable hydrogen technologies and raw materials, preceded by a mapping exercise focussing on existing quality job and collective bargaining coverage at regional level preceded by a mapping exercise focussing on existing quality job and collective bargaining coverage at regional level. The academies would aim to enable the training and education of 100.000 learners each, within three years of their establishment, to contribute to the availability of skills required for the net-zero technologies, including in small and medium-sized enterprises. That content should be developed and deployed with education and training providers in Member States, relevant Member States authorities and social partners. Education and training providers, industry and other actors involved in up- and reskilling in the Member States, such as Public Employment Services, should deliver the content produced by the academies. To ensure skills transparency and portability and the mobility of workers, the European Net-Zero Industry Academies will develop and deploy credentials, including micro- credentials, covering learning achievements. They should be issued in the format of European credentials for learning and could be integrated in EUROPASS and, where relevant, included in National Qualifications Frameworks. Member States are encouraged to support the continuous reskilling and upskilling offered via the academies and the relevant education and training providers in their territories through national programmes and Union funding, including from the European Social Fund Plus, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the European Regional Development Fund, the Just Transition Mechanism, the Modernisation Fund and the Technical Support Instrument. The Net-Zero Europe Platform should assist in guiding the work of the Academies and providing oversight. The European Net- Zero Industry Academies should apply the European Strategy for Gender Equality in view of changing educational and occupational gender stereotypes.
Amendment 413 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. 1. This Regulation establishes the framework of measures for innovating and scaling up the manufacturing capacity of net-zero technologies and promoting their use in their upstream and downstream value chains, as well as the roll-out of existing and new applications and infrastructures in the Union to support the Union’s 2030 target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % relative to 1990 levels and the Union’s 2050 climate neutrality target, as defined by Regulation (EU) 2021/1119, and to strengthen the international competitiveness of those technologies and the relevant value chains and to ensure the Union’s access to a secure and sustainable supply of net-zero technologies, needed to safeguard the resilience of the Union’s energy system and to contribute to the creation of quality jobs.
Amendment 440 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
ba) that by 2030, at least a 50% of the existing industrial manufacturing companies, have undertaken a project to adopt, install or use strategic net-zero technologies in their installations, in order to reduce CO2 emissions or energy consumption.
Amendment 447 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Amendment 450 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b b (new)
Amendment 451 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b b (new)
bb) The creation of quality jobs.
Amendment 452 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b c (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b c (new)
bc) international competitiveness of the range of of net-zero technologies and related value chains and activities contributing to them;
Amendment 454 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3
Article 1 – paragraph 3
3. Where, based on the report referred to in Article 35, the Commission concludes that the Union is likely not to achieve the objectives set out in paragraph 1, it shall assess the feasibility and proportionality of proposing measures or exercising its powers at Union level in order to ensure the achievement of those objectives. In particular, the Commission shall assess the possibility of establishing more granular targets for key technologies and components in order to ensure the achievement of those objectives, including by means of a Delegated Act.
Amendment 458 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Where, based on the report referred to in Article 35, the Commission concludes that the Union is likely not to achieve the benchmarks set out in paragraph 1, the Net Zero Europe Platform shall propose recommendations to the Commission with the aim of ensuring the achievement of the objectives.
Amendment 464 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
This Regulation applies to net-zero technologies, along their supply chains, going from processed materials, and components to net zero technologies except for Articles 26 and 27 of this Regulation, which apply to innovative net- zero technologies. and other innovative technologies with potential to enable the transition to a climate neutral, clean economy and reduce strategic dependencies. Within six months after the adoption of this regulation, upon consultation of relevant stakeholders, the European Commission shall adopt an implementing act identifying key components for the manufacture of net zero technologies Raw materials processed materials or components falling under the scope of Regulation (EU) …/… [add footnote with publication references of the Critical Raw Materials Regulation] shall be excluded from the scope of this Regulation.
Amendment 500 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) ‘net-zero technologies’ means renewable energy technologies66 ; electricity and heat storage technologies; heat pumps; grid technologies; renewable fuels of non-biological origin technologies; sustainable alternative fuels technologies67 ; electrolysers and fuel cells; advanced technologies to produce energy from nuclear processes with minimal waste from the fuel cycle, small modular reactors, and related best-in-class fuels; carbon capture, utilisation, and storage technologies; and energy-system related energy efficiency technologies. They refer to the final products, specific components and specific machinery primarily used for the production of those products, as well as the existing industrial processes that could use and install this products. They shall have reached a technology readiness level of at least 8. _________________ 66 ‘renewable energy' means ‘renewable energy’ as defined in Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources 67 ‘sustainable alternative fuels’ means fuels covered by the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on ensuring a level playing field for sustainable air transport, COM/2021/561 final and by the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and Council on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport COM/2021/562 final.
Amendment 520 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) ‘component’ means a small part of a net-zero technology that is manufactured and traded by a company starting from processed materials; or a direct industrial upstream process that belongs to the value chain of the net zero technology.
Amendment 530 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) ‘innovative net-zero technologies’ means technologies which satisfy the definition of ‘net-zero technologies’, except that they have not reached a technology readiness level of at least 8, and that comprise genuine innovation which helps achieve the objectives of this Regulation through improved energy or resource efficiency, sustainability, circularity or reduced carbon impact, and which are not currently available on the market and are advanced enough to be tested in a controlled environment.
Amendment 545 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) ‘net-zero technology manufacturing project’ means a planned industrial facility or extension or repurposing of an existing facility manufacturing net-zero technologies, or projects in existing industrial facilities devoted to adopt, include or use net-zero technologies;
Amendment 572 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point i
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point i
(i) ‘net-zero regulatory sandbox’ means a scheme that enables undertakings to test innovative net-zero technologies in a controlled real-world environment, under a specific plan, developed and monitored by a competent authority, including the innovation in existing industrial facilities in projects to adopt or use net-zero technologies.
Amendment 592 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point s a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point s a (new)
(sa) 'quality jobs' means a work providing good wages, ensuring work security via standard employment contract and access to social protection, giving access to good quality lifelong learning opportunities, securing good working conditions in safe and healthy workplaces, including a reasonable working time with good work-life balance, while ensuring trade union representation and bargaining rights.
Amendment 600 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 33 to amend this article in order to adapt the elements and evidence to be taken into account when assessing the definitions set out in the definition of net- zero technologies to technical and scientific progress or to take into account changes to the Union legislation, or the adoption of additional Union legislation or international instruments relevant for the fulfilment of this provision.
Amendment 615 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. The national competent authority referred to in paragraph 1 shall be the sole point of contact for the project promoter in the permit-granting process leading to a comprehensive decision for a given project and shall coordinate the submission of all relevant documents and information, without prejudice to the existing distribution of competences between administrative levels and the restrictions that may derive from such distribution. .
Amendment 647 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 7
Article 4 – paragraph 7
7. Member States shall ensure that the national competent authority responsible for the entire permit-granting processes, including all procedural steps, and without prejudice to the existing distribution of competences between administrative levels with regard to the final permits award, has a sufficient number of qualified staff and sufficient financial, technical and technological resources necessary, including for up- and re-skilling, for the effective performance of its tasks under this Regulation.
Amendment 659 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Member States and the European Commission, when competent, shall provide the following information on administrative processes relevant to net- zero technology manufacturing projects, including net zero strategic projects, online and in a centralised and easily accessible manner:
Amendment 736 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The Member States shall ensure that their national competent authorities and other authorities pursuant to Article 6(1) of Directive 2011/92/EU are adequately equipped to fulfil its obligations under this Article.
Amendment 772 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall recognise as net-zero strategic projects net-zero technology manufacturing projects corresponding to a technology listed in the Annex on Assessment of the recognition criteria for Strategic Projects, and located in the Union that contributes to the realisation of the objectives set out in Article 1 of this Regulation and meet at least one of, fulfilling the criteria listed in Annex on Assessment of the recognition criteria for Strategic Projects , of this Regulation under the condition that the project promoter complies with applicable obligations in the fields of social and labour law established by international, EU or national law and his obligations under Articles 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 15 of Directive 2022/0051(COD) and Article 19a of Directive (EU) 2022/2464, and meet the following criteria:
Amendment 784 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
(b) the net-zero technology manufacturing project has positive impact on the Union’s net-zero industry supply chain or downstream sectors, beyond the project promoter and the Member States concerned, contributing to the competitiveness and quality job creation of the Union’s net-zero industry supply chain, according to at least three of the following criteria:
Amendment 785 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
(i) it adds significant manufacturing capacity in the Union for net-zero technologies or related components along their supply chain and fosters the ability to compete in increasingly global markets, both at home and abroad, and to build competitive advantage for the EU in key sectors;
Amendment 790 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii
(ii) it manufactures technologies with improved sustainability and performance, taking utmost account of cost-efficient energy efficiency technologies in line with the “energy efficiency first principle”;;
Amendment 793 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
(iii) it puts into place measures to attract, upskill or reskill a workforce required for net-zero technologies, including through apprenticeships, in close cooperation withtraineeships, continuing or post graduate academic education in close cooperation with regional and local authorities and social partners;
Amendment 797 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii a (new)
(iiia) it is implemented sustainably, in particular as regards the monitoring, prevention and minimisation of environmental impacts, the use of socially responsible practices including respect of human and labour rights, and meaningful engagement with local communities and the use of transparent business practices with adequate compliance policies to prevent and minimise risks of adverse impacts on the proper functioning of public administration, including corruption and bribery;
Amendment 805 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv a (new)
(iva) it respects collective agreements and workers' right to organise, take collective action and to bargain collectively as well as the right to be informed and consulted, also on mergers and investment decisions;
Amendment 809 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv a (new)
(iva) it contributes to increasing the competitiveness of SMEs
Amendment 813 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv b (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv b (new)
(ivb) its workers are covered by a collective agreement negotiated with trade unions;
Amendment 815 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv c (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv c (new)
(ivc) it provides quality jobs including a living wage, job security and access to social protection, lifelong learning opportunities, good working conditions in safe and healthy workplaces, reasonable working time with a good work-life balance as well as trade union representation and bargaining rights;
Amendment 817 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv d (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv d (new)
(ivd) it reinvests a large share of its profits, shares profits equitably with workers and does not pay extraordinary dividends and bonuses to managers while receiving public funding;
Amendment 819 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv e (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iv e (new)
(ive) it applies pay transparency in line with Union legislation and ensures diversity at work;
Amendment 828 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Member States shallmay recognise as net-zero strategic projects CO2 storage projects that meet the following cumulative criteria:
Amendment 834 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point b
Amendment 858 #
4a. Companies responsible for net- zero manufacturing projects shall fulfil the following conditions: (a) they make substantial invests in employees’ reskilling and upskilling; (b) they allocate a minimum percentage of capital expenditure to Research and Development; (c) they demonstrate compliance with ILO conventions, including on forced labour, and have efficient due diligence procedures in line with Union legislation in place; (d) they offer decent wages and engage in collective bargaining; (e) they limit stock buybacks, dividend payments and executive pay.
Amendment 867 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) a business plan evaluating the financial viability of the project consistent with the objective of creating quality jobs. This business plan shall contain an agreement between the company and workers’ representatives, in accordance with national law and practice, to provide adequate re-skilling for the employees concerned. The wage level agreed upon in this business plan should reflect the prevailing pay level in the industry.
Amendment 903 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Member States shall ensure that the relevant administrative bodies are adequately resourced and staffed to respond within the applicable time limits to future requests.
Amendment 947 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Member States may allocate resources and integrate measures supporting investments in strategic net- zero technologies manufacturing and industrial innovation under national Recovery and Resilience Plans, and their REPowerEU chapters, to pursue the objectives of this Regulation and to ensure that the targets set out in Article 1 are met.
Amendment 965 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The European Commission may mobilise the InvestEU Advisory Hub to provide technical assistance to net-zero projects in order to reinforce their technical, economic, environmental and social viability.
Amendment 967 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
1. The Net-Zero Europe Platform as established in Article 28 shall discuss financial needs and bottlenecks of net-zero strategicprojects, the contribution to emissions saving, the social impact, the impacts on re- and upskilling of the workforce, the use of national ETS revenues to advance strategic net zero technology projects, potential best practices, in particular to develop EU cross-border supply chains, notably based on regular exchanges and reccomendations of the Net-Zero Industry Expert Group and with the relevant European industrial alliances.
Amendment 996 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The Commission shall propose to the Council and Parliament no later than 31 December 2024 means of coordinating the various sources of public funding for net-zero projects from the EU and Member States with the object of accelerating their deployment.
Amendment 1000 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 a (new)
Article 15 a (new)
Article15a Net-Zero financing The Commission shall establish a Net Zero Manufacturing Fund, within three months after entry into force of the legislation dedicated to supporting the financing of manufacturing projects of Net Zero Strategic Technologies with highest dependency on one single source of supply, in accordance with the list provided by the European Commission on an annual basis as outlined in Art 22 (2)
Amendment 1004 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16
Article 16
Amendment 1021 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Every two year after the entry into force of the Regulation, the European Commission shall report on the progress achieved towards the EU annual injection capacity target. The report shall look in particular at the geographical balance of storage sites across the EU.
Amendment 1029 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17
Article 17
Amendment 1032 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Amendment 1047 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2
Article 17 – paragraph 2
Amendment 1081 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18
Article 18
Amendment 1084 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 1
Amendment 1095 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Amendment 1100 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 3
Article 18 – paragraph 3
Amendment 1105 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 4
Article 18 – paragraph 4
Amendment 1120 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 5
Article 18 – paragraph 5
Amendment 1135 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 6
Article 18 – paragraph 6
Amendment 1153 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 7
Article 18 – paragraph 7
Amendment 1166 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. Contracting authorities or contracting entities shall base the award of contracts for net-zero technology listed in the Annex in a public procurement procedure on the most economically advantageous tender, which shall include the best price- quality ratio, comprising at least the social and environmental sustainability and resilience contribution of the tender, in compliance with Directives 2014/23/EU, 2014/24/EU, or 2014/25/EU and applicable sectoral legislation, as well as with the Union’s international commitments, including the GPA and other international agreements by which the Union is bound.
Amendment 1181 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) environmental and social sustainability going beyond the minimum requirements in applicable legislation, including job quality, measures to improve diversity at work, as well as respect of collective agreements and trade union rights to negotiate;
Amendment 1192 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(ba) social sustainability aiming at ensuring high-quality jobs, incentivising quality apprenticeship and providing supporting measures to improve diversity at work as well as the respect of collective agreements and trade unions' right to negotiate;
Amendment 1193 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point b b (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point b b (new)
(bb) respect for the EU acquis; human rights, rule of law & democracy;
Amendment 1195 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point b d (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point b d (new)
(bd) contribution to decent wages and working conditions including and where relevant inclusion of apprenticeships.
Amendment 1242 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Member States may adjust their overall budgets allocated to public procurement procedures as well as the related maximum bid levels in order to accommodate the implementation of non- price criteria.
Amendment 1251 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
1. Without prejudice to Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 and Articles 107 and 108 the Treaty, and to the Union’s international commitments including the GPA and other international agreements by which the Union is bound, Member States, regional or local authorities, bodies governed by public law or associations formed by one or more such authorities or one or more such bodies governed by public law, shall assess the sustainability, job quality and resilience contribution as referred to in Article 19(2) of this Regulation when designing the criteria used for ranking bids in the framework of auctions, the aim of which is to support the production or consumption of energy from renewable sources as defined in Article 2, point (1) of Directive (EU) 2018/2001.
Amendment 1272 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Member States shall adjust their overall budgets allocated to renewable energy public procurement procedures and auctions as well as the related maximum bid levels in order to accommodate the implementation of non- price criteria.
Amendment 1279 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 1
1. Without prejudice to Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty and Article 4 of Directive 2018/200173 and in line with the Union’s international commitments, when deciding to set up schemes benefitting households or consumers which incentivise the purchase of net-zero technology final products listed in the Annex, Member States, regional or local authorities, bodies governed by public law or associations formed by one or more such authorities or one or more such bodies governed by public law, shall design them in such a way as to promote the purchase by beneficiaries of net-zero technology final products with a high environmental and social sustainability and resilience contribution as referred in Article 19(2), by providing additional proportionate financial compensation. _________________ 73 Directive 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources
Amendment 1313 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The Commission shall support, including through the provision of seed- funding, and building upon relevant existing initiatives such as the EU sectoral skills blueprints, and after consultation with European and national cross- sectoral social partners, the establishment of European Net Zero Industry Academies, which have as their objectives to:
Amendment 1314 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The Commission shall map regularly the development of quality jobs at regional level as well as the collective bargaining coverage rate. It shall support, including through the provision of seed- funding, the establishment of European Net Zero Industry Academies in areas lagging behind, which have as their objectives to:
Amendment 1318 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) develop learning programmes, content and learning and training materials for training and educationin full respect of national competences on vocational training as defined in Article 166 TFEU, support Member States to develop learning and re- skilling programmes, content and learning and training materials for training and education in support of the existing programmes in Member States and with the support of social partners on developing, producing, installing, commissioning, operating, maintaining and recycling net- zero technologies along the entire value chain, on raw materials, as well as to support the capacities of public authorities competent to issue permits and authorisations referred to in Chapter II and contracting authorities referred to in Chapter IV of this Regulation;
Amendment 1322 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) enable and promote the use of the learning programmes, content and materials by public and private education and training providers in the Member States bridging research and innovation, possibly building on existing Horizon Europe projects, among others by training trainers, involving citizens and develop mechanisms to ensure the quality of the training offered by education and training providers in the Member States based on the above learning programmes, content and materials;
Amendment 1324 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) develop and deploy credentials, including micro-credentials, to facilitate the transparency of skills acquired and enhance the transferability between jobs andquality jobs to facilitate the cross-border mobility of the workforce, and to promote matching with relevant quality jobs through tools such as the European Employment Services (EURES) network and EURAXESS.
Amendment 1328 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2
Article 23 – paragraph 2
2. European Net Zero Industry AcademiesThe supporting training material and programmes developed by the European Net Zero Industry Academies will contribute to the overall EU objectives of gender equality and labour market activation and shall counter gender stereotypes and pay particular attention to the need to activate more women and young people, who are not in education, employment or training for the labour market.
Amendment 1334 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 23 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. provide dedicated training on upskilling and re-skilling of personnel from permitting bodies in so far as to support the growing needs of national or regional authorities for highly qualified workforce in order for them to deliver on the shortened deadlines listed in this regulation.
Amendment 1344 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 4
(4) assist the uptake and recognition of learning credentials of the European Net- Zero Industry Academies in the Member States to promote the recognition of skills and the matching of skills and quality jobs, inter alia by promoting the validity and acceptance of the credentials throughout the labour market of the European Union;
Amendment 1346 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 5
(5) facilitate the development of European occupation profiles consisting of a common set of knowledge, skills and competences for key professions in the net- zero technologies, drawing inter alia upon the learning programmes developed by the European Net-Zero Industry Academies, and, where appropriate, using the terminology provided by the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) classification to facilitate transparency and mobility between quality jobs and across internal market borders;
Amendment 1349 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 6
(6) promote adequate working conditions in quality jobs in net-zero technology industries, the activation of youth, women and seniors to the labour market for net- zero technology industries, and the attraction of skilled workers from third countries, and thereby achieve a more diverse workforce;
Amendment 1350 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 7
(7) facilitate closer coordination and the exchange of best practices between Member States to enhance the availability of skills in the net-zero technologies, including by contributing to Union and Member States policies to attract new talents from third countries by providing information regarding decent working conditions, social protection and access to the labour market as well as support for the validation of skills and competences and the recognition of qualifications.
Amendment 1393 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The InvestEU Advisory Hub should be mobilised to provide assistance to small and medium enterprises in benefiting from the permitting and financing conditions necessary to contribute to the achievements of the objectives set in Article 1.
Amendment 1427 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – point c – point i a (new)
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – point c – point i a (new)
ia) decent working conditions and social conditionalities.
Amendment 1445 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 2
Article 29 – paragraph 2
2. Each Member State shall appoint a high-level representative to the Platform. Where relevant as regards the function and expertise, a Member State may have more than one representative in relation to different tasks related to the work of the Platform. Each member of the Platform shall have an alternate. Cross-industry social partners may designate four representatives as observers to the Platform with an equal representation of trade unions and employer organisations.
Amendment 1455 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 6
Article 29 – paragraph 6
6. The Platform may establish standing or temporary sub-groups dealing with specific questions and tasks. The sub- groups related to the assistance of the European Net Zero Industry Academies shall include the relevant social partners as well as stakeholders from the most affected industries.
Amendment 1469 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 8
Article 29 – paragraph 8
8. Where appropriate, tThe Platform or the Commission mayshall invite experts and other third parties such as trade unions and civil society organisations to Platform and sub- group meetings or to provide written contributions.
Amendment 1476 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 11
Article 29 – paragraph 11
11. The Platform shall coordinate and cooperate with existing industrial alliances, as well as national sectorial social partners.
Amendment 1494 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 31 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(ca) the participation of SMEs in net- zero projects and net-zero technology manufacturing
Amendment 1497 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 2 – point h a (new)
Article 31 – paragraph 2 – point h a (new)
Amendment 1506 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 a (new)
Article 31 a (new)
Article31a Setting up the Cleantech Manufacturing for Europe Initiative The Commission shall establish Cleantech Manufacturing for Europe Initiative to enable the development, maturation, and deployment of cutting- edge and next generation of manufacturing technologies and to support technology capacity building and large-scale innovation across the EU to strengthen and sustain EU’s competitiveness in manufacturing of critical net-zero technologies and their scaling. The Cleantech Manufacturing for Europe Initiative shall include the following operational objectives: the development of technology infrastructures and to allow for rapid experimentation and disruptive innovation; and the development and strengthening of industry-driven value networks involving research institutes and public sector stakeholders to pool resources for joint investment in RDI, designing of regulatory sandboxes and scaling of net- zero technologies. Ensuring that sufficient EU funds will be targeted towards the implementation of the Cleantech for Europe Initiative in the context of the midterm review of MFF 2021-2027.
Amendment 1523 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I a (new)
Annex I a (new)
Annex Assessment of the recognition criteria for Net-Zero Projects 1.Whether a project fulfils the criterion referred to in Article 10(1), point (b), shall be assessed taking into account a project’s compliance with the following Union legislation or international instruments: (a) [OP please insert:reference to the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive], in so far as it applies to the project promoter; (b) [OP please insert:reference to Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive], in so far as it applies to the project promoter; (c) ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy; (d) OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, in particular the guidelines related to combatting corruption; (e) OECD Principles of Corporate Governance; (f) OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises; (g) UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.