126 Amendments of Radan KANEV related to 2020/0006(COD)
Amendment 34 #
Proposal for a regulation
Citation 1
Citation 1
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular the third paragraph of Article 175 thereof, 192 (1), 194 (1) and 194 (2)
Amendment 37 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The regulatory framework governing the Union’s cohesion policy for the period from 2021 to 2027, in the context of the next multi-annual financial framework, contributes to the fulfilment of the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature increase to below 1,5°C and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by concentrating Union funding on green objectives as well as the European Pillar of Social Rights. This Regulation implements one of the priorities set out in the Communication on the European Green Deal (‘the European Green Deal’)11 and is part of the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan12 providing dedicated financing under the Just Transition Mechanism in the context of cohesion policy to address the economic and social costhallenges of the transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy, where any remaining greenhouse gas emissions are compensated by equivalent absorptionsfully renewables-based, highly resource- and energy-efficient, circular climate- neutral economy as early as possible and by 2050 at the very latest, and to support and accompany Union regions and people with social, labour market and economic support. _________________ 11 COM(2019) 640 final, 11.12.2019. 12 COM(2020) 21, 14.1.2020.
Amendment 40 #
Proposal for a regulation
Citation 1
Citation 1
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular the third paragraph of Article 175 thereof, 192 (1), 194 (1) and 194 (2)
Amendment 43 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The regulatory framework governing the Union’s cohesion policy for the period from 2021 to 2027, in the context of the next multi-annual financial framework, contributes to the fulfilment of the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature increase to below 1,5°C and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by concentrating Union funding on green objectives as well as the European Pillar of Social Rights. This Regulation implements one of the priorities set out in the Communication on the European Green Deal (‘the European Green Deal’)11 and is part of the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan12 providing dedicated financing under the Just Transition Mechanism in the context of cohesion policy to address the economic and social costhallenges of the transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy, where any remaining greenhouse gas emissions are compensated by equivalent absorptionsfully renewables-based, highly resource- and energy-efficient, circular climate- neutral economy as early as possible and by 2050 at the very latest, and to support and accompany Union regions and people with social, labour market and economic support. _________________ 11 COM(2019) 640 final, 11.12.2019. 12 COM(2020) 21, 14.1.2020.
Amendment 45 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The regulatory framework governing the Union’s cohesion policy for the period from 2021 to 2027, in the context of the next multi-annual financial framework, contributes to the fulfilment of the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by concentrating Union funding on green objectives. This Regulation implements one of the priorities set out in the Communication on the European Green Deal (‘the European Green Deal’)11 and is part of the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan12 providing dedicated financing under the Just Transition Mechanism in the context of cohesion policy to address the economic and social costs of the transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy, where any remaining greenhouse gas emissions are compensated by equivalent absorptions in particular by strengthened natural carbon sinks. _________________ 11 COM(2019) 640 final, 11.12.2019. 12 COM(2020) 21, 14.1.2020.
Amendment 50 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) The EU Long-Term Climate Strategy considers scenarios for our energy and climate action where in the EU the forest sector provides 60 to 65 Mtoe of wood for energy in total. As we already surpassed significantly the use of this finite resource for energy purposes, material use of which millions of jobs depend on, JTF support should not be primarily considered for conversion coal- to-woody biomass. Burning of roundwood must be limited to an absolute minimum and no EU funds shall be directed thereto.
Amendment 51 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 b (new)
Recital 1 b (new)
(1b) Just transition should be adopted and implemented in line with do no harm principle of the Green Deal and should not increase pressure on world’s, including European, forests. Investment shall only be eligible if a biomass sustainability report and feasibility study confirms availability of existing waste biomass streams to fuel the capacity of a respective operation and without negative impact on wood-working material industries, biodiversity, and carbon sink of the land use, land use change and forestry sector.
Amendment 52 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The transition to a climate-neutral, fully renewables-based, highly resource- and energy-efficient and circular economy constitutes one of the most important policy objectives for the Union. According to a 2019 European Investment Bank (EIB) climate survey, 82 % of Union citizens call for specific financial support for the energy transition. On 12 December 2019, the European Council endorsed the objective of achieving a climate-neutral Union by 2050, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. While fighting climate change and environmental degradation will benefit all in the long term and provides opportunities and challenges for all in the medium term, nare challenges that could be turned into opportunities for all in the medium and long term if they are designed in a socially just manner. Not all regions and Member States start their necessary and utmost urgent transition from the same point or have the same capacity to respond. Some are more advanced than others, whereas the transition entails a wider social, labour market and economic impact for those regions that rely heavily on fossil fuels - especially– gas, coal, lignite, peat and oil shale - and/or greenhouse gas intensive industries and the people living in those regions. Many of those regions are among the most prosperous in their respective Member States, but face the risk of severe economic and social degradation if transition is not managed properly. Such a situation not only creates the risk of a variable speed transition in the Union as regards climate action, but also of growing disparities between regions, detrimental to the objectives of social, economic and territorial cohesion. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to urgently support the regions and actors whose contribution is key to ensuring a speedy just transition in line with the Union’s climate objectives, so as not to widen the gap.
Amendment 61 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy constitutes one of the most important policy objectives for the Union. On 12 December 2019, the European Council endorsed the objective of achieving a climate-neutral Union by 2050, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. While fighting climate change and environmental degradation will benefit all in the long term and provides opportunities and challenges for all in the medium term, not all regions and Member States start their transition from the same point or have the same capacity to respond. Some are more advanced than others, whereas the transition entails a wider social and economic impact for those regions that rely heavily on fossil fuels - especially coal, lignite, Transition in regions with high energy production covered by fossil fuels should not succumb to speedy action by conversion to operations and oil shale - or greenhouse gas intensive industries. Such a situation not only creates the risk of a variable speed transition in the Union as regards climate action, but also of growing disparities between regions, detrimental to the objectives of social, economic and territorial cohesuse of technologies which can lead to environmental degradation, undermine circularity and cascading use. Technological know-how, no regret solutions and investments in energy savings and energy efficiency should be key in the transition.
Amendment 65 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In order to be successful, the transition has to be fair and socially acceptable for all. Therefore, both the Union and the Member States must take into account its economic and social implications from the outset, and deploy all possible instruments to mitigate adverse consequences, reduce inequalities, sustain and develop local competitive advantages and leave no-one behind. Therefore, both the Union and the Member States, as well as the different regional and local actors, should take into account its social, labour market and economic implications from the outset, and deploy all possible instruments to mitigate adverse consequences and enhance the positive ones, such as the creation of new, decent and sustainable jobs and the improvement of air quality. The Union budget has an important role in that regard.
Amendment 67 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In order to be successful, the transition has to be fair, scientifically underpinned and socially acceptable for all. Therefore, both the Union and the Member States must take into account its economic and social, environmental, social and true climate implications from the outset, and deploy all possible instruments to mitigate adverse consequences. TSuch transition should follow the do no harm principle of the European Green Deal and support no regret solutions. The conditionality of support by the Union budget has an important role in that regard.
Amendment 72 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The regulatory framework governing the Union’s cohesion policy for the period from 2021 to 2027, in the context of the next multi-annual financial framework, contributes to the fulfilment of the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature increase to below 1,5°C and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by concentrating Union funding on green objectives as well as the European Pillar of Social Rights. This Regulation implements one of the priorities set out in the Communication on the European Green Deal (‘the European Green Deal’)11 and is part of the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan12 providing dedicated financing under the Just Transition Mechanism in the context of cohesion policy to address the economic and social costhallenges of the transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy, where any remaining greenhouse gas emissions are compensated by equivalent absorptionsfully renewables-based, highly resource- and energy-efficient, circular climate- neutral economy as early as possible and by 2050 at the very latest, and to support and accompany Union regions and people with social, labour market and economic support. __________________ 11 COM(2019) 640 final, 11.12.2019. 12 COM(2020) 21, 14.1.2020.
Amendment 76 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) Alternative energy generation technologies, wind and solar, are already cost-competitive with conventional generation technologies, they have zero fuel cost and zero variable operation and maintenance cost. A key factor regarding their long-term competitiveness is the ability of technological development and increased production volumes to materially lower the capital costs, and their levelized cost of energy, over time. Given their potential role in provision of skilled jobs, consumer and energy communities empowerment, they will consist the main scope of support. Impact on land use should be minimized.
Amendment 76 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The transition to a climate-neutral, fully renewables-based, highly resource- and energy-efficient and circular economy constitutes one of the most important policy objectives for the Union. According to a 2019 European Investment Bank (EIB) climate survey, 82 % of Union citizens call for specific financial support for the energy transition. On 12 December 2019, the European Council endorsed the objective of achieving a climate-neutral Union by 2050, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. While fighting climate change and environmental degradation will benefit all in the long term and provides opportunities and challenges for all in the medium term, nare challenges that could be turned into opportunities for all in the medium and long term if they are designed in a socially just manner. Not all regions and Member States start their necessary and utmost urgent transition from the same point or have the same capacity to respond. Some are more advanced than others, whereas the transition entails a wider social, labour market and economic impact for those regions that rely heavily on fossil fuels - especially– gas, coal, lignite, peat and oil shale - and/or greenhouse gas intensive industries and the people living in those regions. Many of those regions are among the most prosperous in their respective Member States, but face the risk of severe economic and social degradation if transition is not managed properly. Such a situation not only creates the risk of a variable speed transition in the Union as regards climate action, but also of growing disparities between regions, detrimental to the objectives of social, economic and territorial cohesion. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to urgently support the regions and actors whose contribution is key to ensuring a speedy just transition in line with the Union's climate objectives, so as not to widen the gap.
Amendment 79 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 b (new)
Recital 3 b (new)
(3b) Use of the limited natural resources should be future-proof, innovative, scientifically-underpinned and in line with cascading use principle. Given also the limited financial resources, including the national budgets, deployment of technologies which after initial scaling up do not depend on subsidies to operate should be sought by the funds to ensure their contribution to our long-term ambition.
Amendment 83 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) As set out in the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan, a Just Transition Mechanism should complement the other actions under the next multi-annual financial framework for the period from 2021 to 2027. It should contribute to addressing the social and economic consequences ofThe Union should accompany and support regions and the people living there in transitioning towards Union climate neutrality by bringing together the Union budget’s spending on climate, on cohesion and social objectives at regionalall relevant levels.
Amendment 88 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) which is one of the pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism implemented under cohesion policy. The aim of the JTF is not only to mitigate the adverse effects of the climate transition but also to create and enhance the future positive effects by supporting the most affected territories, ands well as the people living there, SMEs, innovative industries and agriculture, and in particular, the workers concerned. In line with the JTF specific objective, actions supported by the JTF should directly contribute to alleviate the impact of the transition by financing the diversification and modernisation of thfacilitating and catalysing the transition by creating new sustainable employment opportunities, by mitigating adverse lsocial economysequences and by mitigatfinancing the negative repercussdiversification, sustainability and modernisations on employmentf the local economy. This is reflected in the JTF specific objective, which is established at the same level and listed together with the policy objectives set out in Article [4] of Regulation EU [new CPR].
Amendment 91 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In order to be successful, the transition has to be fair and socially acceptable for all. Therefore, both the Union and the Member States must take into account its economic and social implications from the outset, and deploy all possible instruments to mitigate adverse consequences, reduce inequalities, sustain and develop local competitive advantages and leave no-one behind. Such transition should follow the do no harm principle of the European Green Deal and support no regret solutions. Therefore, both the Union and the Member States, as well as the different regional and local actors, should take into account its social, labour market and economic implications from the outset, and deploy all possible instruments to mitigate adverse consequences and enhance the positive ones, such as the creation of new, decent and sustainable jobs and the improvement of air quality. The Union budget has an important role in that regard.
Amendment 93 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) which is one of the pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism implemented under cohesion policy. The aim of the JTF is to mitigate the adverse effects of the climate transition by supporting the most affected territories and workers concerned. In line with the JTF specific objective, actions supported by the JTF should directly contribute to alleviate the impact of the transition by financing the diversification and modernisation of the local economy and by mitigating the negative repercussions on employment. It should contribute to preserving natural heritage and prevent environmental degradation. This is reflected in the JTF specific objective, which is established at the same level and listed together with the policy objectives set out in Article [4] of Regulation EU [new CPR].
Amendment 102 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In view of the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement, the commitment regarding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the increased ambition of the Union as proposed in the European Green Deal, the JTF should provide a key contribution to mainstream climate actionso create opportunities for a more prosperous and inclusive as well as a healthier and greener continent, the JTF should provide a key contribution to mainstream climate actions and transform and modernise the local economy and accelerate the transition to a climate-neutral, fully renewables-based, highly resource- and energy-efficient and circular economy as early as possible and by 2050 at the very latest. Resources from the JTF own envelope are additional and come on top of the investments needed to achieve the overall target of 25% of the Union budget expenditure contributing to climate objectives. Resources transferred from the ERDF and ESF+ will contribute fully to the achievement of this target.
Amendment 103 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In view of the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement, the commitment regarding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the increased ambition of the Union as proposed in the European Green Deal, the JTF should provide a key contribution to mainstream climate actions and should in no way go counter to objectives of the climate legislation, in particular in the LULUCF sector and environmental legislation, in particular the Water Framework Directive and Nature Directives. Resources from the JTF own envelope are additional and come on top of the investments needed to achieve the overall target of 25% of the Union budget expenditure contributing to climate objectives. Resources transferred from the ERDF and ESF+ will contribute fully to the achievement of this target.
Amendment 106 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) As set out in the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan, a Just Transition Mechanism should complement the other actions under the next multi-annual financial framework for the period from 2021 to 2027. It should contribute to addressing the social and economic consequences ofThe Union should accompany and support regions and the people living there in transitioning towards Union climate neutrality by bringing together the Union budget’s spending on climate, on cohesion and social objectives at regionalall relevant levels.
Amendment 115 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) which is one of the pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism implemented under cohesion policy. The aim of the JTF is not only to mitigate the adverse effects of the climate transition but also to create and enhance the future positive effects by supporting the most affected territories, ands well as the people living there, SMEs, innovative industries and agriculture, and in particular, the workers concerned. In line with the JTF specific objective, actions supported by the JTF should directly contribute to alleviate the impact of the transition by financing the diversification and modernisation of thfacilitating and catalysing the transition by creating new sustainable employment opportunities, by mitigating adverse lsocial economysequences and by mitigatfinancing the negative repercussions on employmentdiversification, sustainability and modernisation of the local economy. This is reflected in the JTF specific objective, which is established at the same level and listed together with the policy objectives set out in Article [4] of Regulation EU [new CPR].
Amendment 116 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The resources from the JTF should complement the resources available under cohesion policy, as well as national and regional investments and private capital and should by no means replace such investments. However, the resources from the JTF should contribute to a new, modernising and sustainable cohesion policy, aimed at future-oriented, green and digitalised employment models, rather than ineffective government spending.
Amendment 123 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The resources from the JTF should complement the resources available under cohesion policy. Investments made should be additional to those that would have been undertaken in the absence of the JTF.
Amendment 127 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In view of the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement, the commitment regarding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the increased ambition of the Union as proposed in the European Green Deal, the JTF should provide a key contribution to mainstream climate actionso create opportunities for a more prosperous and inclusive as well as a healthier and greener continent, the JTF should provide a key contribution to mainstream climate actions and transform and modernise the local economy and accelerate the transition to a climate-neutral, fully renewables -based, highly resource- and energy-efficient and circular economy as early as possible and by 2050 at the very latest. Resources from the JTF own envelope are additional and come on top of the investments needed to achieve the overall target of 25% of the Union budget expenditure contributing to climate objectives. Resources transferred from the ERDF and ESF+ will contribute fully to the achievement of this target.
Amendment 134 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Transitioning to a climate-neutral, circular and resource-efficient economy is a challenge for all Member States. It will be particularly demanding for those Member States that rely heavily on fossil fuels or greenhouse gas intensive industrial activities which need to be phased out or, those which so far counted mainly on woody biomass as renewable energy and which need to adapt due to the transition towards climate neutrality and that lack the financial means to do so. The JTF should therefore cover all Member States, but the distribution of its financial means should reflect the capacity of Member States to finance the necessary investments to cope with the transition towards climate neutrality.
Amendment 138 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Transitioning to a climate-neutral economy is not only a challenge for all Member States. It will be particularly demanding for those Member States thatbut also a huge opportunity for all. Additional support will be needed for the regions that still rely heavily on fossil fuels or greenhouse gas intensive industrial activities which need to be phased out or which need to adapt due to theand/or modernised in order to transition towards climate neutrality and that lack the financial means to do so. The JTF should therefore cover all Member Statesof the Union, but the distribution of its financial means should reflect the capacity of Member Stateregions to finance the necessary investments to cope withmake the transition towards climate neutrality as soon as possible and by 2050 at the very latest.
Amendment 141 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The resources from the JTF should complement the resources available under cohesion policy, as well as national and regional investments and private capital and should by no means replace such investments. However, the resources from the JTF should contribute to a new, modernising and sustainable cohesion policy, aimed at future-oriented, green and digitalised employment models, rather than ineffective government spending.
Amendment 149 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Transitioning to a climate-neutral economy is not only a challenge for all Member States. It will be particularly demanding for those Member Statebut also a huge opportunity for all. Additional support will be needed for the regions that still rely heavily on fossil fuels or greenhouse gas intensive industrial activities which need to be phased out or which need to adapt due to theand/or modernised in order to transition towards climate neutrality and that lack the financial means to do so. The JTF should therefore cover all Member Statesof the Union, but the distribution of its financial means should reflect the capacity of Member Stateregions to finance the necessary investments to cope withmake the transition towards climate neutrality. as soon as possible and by 2050 at the very latest
Amendment 152 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) This Regulation identifies types of investments for which expenditure may be supported by the JTF. All supported activities should be pursued in full respect of the climate, social and environmental priorities of the Union. The list of investments should includprioritise those that support local economiespeople, job creation and modernise local economies, while preserving their employment level and industrial capacity, and are sustainable in the medium and long- term, taking into account all the objectives of the Green DealEuropean Pillar of Social Rights and the European Green Deal, while protecting, preserving and enhancing the Union’s natural capital, and improving health and wellbeing with regard to environment- related risks and impacts. The projects financed should contribute to a transition to a resource-efficient, climate-neutral and circular economy by 2050 at the very latest. For declining sectors, such as energy production based on coal, lignite, peat, gas, oil and oil shale or extraction activities for these solid fossil fuels, support should be linked with strong conditionality to the phasing out of the activity and the corresponding reduction , while aiming to preserve and enhance their potential in modern energy solutions and industry, and focus on job creation and enhancing the employment levelresilience of the local economy to overcome potential job losses. As regards transforming sectors with high greenhouse gas emission levels, support should promote new activities through the deployment of new technologies, innovation at the workplace, new processes or products, leading to significant emission reduction, in line with the EU 2030 climate objectives and EU climate neutrality by 205013 while maintaining and enhancing employment and avoiding environmental degradation. Particular attention should also be given to activitiesbe given to the implementation of the energy efficiency first principle in all investment decisions, as well as to green sectors such as in renewable energy sources, or any sectors which support, promote and drive forward resource-efficiency and the circular economy, as well as those enhancing innovation and research in advanced and sustainable technologies, as well as in the fields of digitalisation and connectivity, provided that such measures help. Such measures should enhance the creation of green sustainable and decent jobs, mitigate the negative side effects of a transition towards, and contribute to,ocial consequences and fasten the transition towards a climate- neutral and circular economy. by 2050 at the very latest. _________________ 13 As set out in “A Clean Planet for all European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy”, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank - COM(2018) 773 final.
Amendment 154 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) This Regulation identifies types of investments for which expenditure may be supported by the JTF. All supported activities should be pursued in full respect of the climate and environmental priorities of the Unionand environmental aquis of the Union, from which they should not derogate, and without generating environmental externalities. The list of investments should include those that support local economies and are sustainable in the long- term, taking into account all the objectives of the Green Deal. The projects financed should contribute to a transition to a climate-neutral, pollution-free and circular economy by 2050. For declining sectors, such as energy production based on coal, lignite, peat and oil shale or extraction activities for these solid fossil fuels, support should be linked to the phasing out of the activity and the corresponding reduction in the employment level. Conversion to an operation or a technology with comparable emission levels per unit of energy generated or carbon parity payback period too long to deliver for the Union ambition for 2050 shall not be an eligible investment. As regards transforming sectors with high greenhouse gas emission levels, support should promote new activities through the deployment of new technologies, new processes or products, leading to significant emission reduction, in line with the EU 2030 climate objectives and EU climate neutrality by 205013 while maintaining and enhancing employment and avoiding environmental degradation. Particular attention should also be givenSupport should be channelled as well to conversion to sustainable land management, e.g. in peat sector. Particular attention should also be given to applying the polluter pays principle, the energy efficiency first principle and to activities enhancing innovation and research in advanced and sustainable technologies, as well as in the fields of digitalisation and connectivity, provided that such measures enhance the creation of green and sustainable jobs, help mitigate the negative side effects of a transition towards, and contribute to, a climate- neutral and circular economy. _________________ 13 As set out in “A Clean Planet for all European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy”, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank - COM(2018) 773 final.
Amendment 161 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) This Regulation identifies types of investments for which expenditure may be supported by the JTF. All supported activities should be pursued in full respect of the climate, social and environmental priorities of the Union. The list of investments should includprioritise those that support local economiespeople, job creation and modernise local economies, while preserving their employment level and industrial capacity, and are sustainable in the medium and long- term, taking into account all the objectives of the Green DealEuropean Pillar of Social Rights and the European Green Deal, while protecting, preserving and enhancing the Union's natural capital, and improving health and well- being with regard to environment-related risks and impacts. The projects financed should contribute to a transition to a resource-efficient, climate-neutral and circular economy by 2050 at the very latest. For declining sectors, such as energy production based on coal, lignite, peat, gas, oil and oil shale or extraction activities for these solid fossil fuels, support should be linked with strong conditionality to the phasing out of the activity and the corresponding reduction , while aiming to preserve and enhance their potential in modern energy solutions and industry, and focus on job creation and enhancing the employment levelresilience of the local economy to overcome potential job losses. As regards transforming sectors with high greenhouse gas emission levels, support should promote new activities through the deployment of new technologies, innovation at the workplace, new processes or products, leading to significant emission reduction, in line with the EU 2030 climate objectives and EU climate neutrality by 205013 while maintaining and enhancing employment and avoiding environmental degradation. Particular attention should also be given to activitiesbe given to the implementation of the energy efficiency first principle in all investment decisions, as well as to green sectors such as in renewable energy sources, or any sectors which support, promote and drive forward resource-efficiency and the circular economy, as well as those enhancing innovation and research in advanced and sustainable technologies, as well as in the fields of digitalisation and connectivity, provided that such measures help. Such measures should enhance the creation of green sustainable and decent jobs, mitigate the negative side effects of a transition towards, and contribute to,ocial consequences and fasten the transition towards a climate- neutral and circular economy. by 2050 at the very latest. __________________ 13 As set out in “A Clean Planet for all European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy”, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank - COM(2018) 773 final.
Amendment 170 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 a (new)
Recital 10 a (new)
(10a) The JTF should also be used to support investment in social, education, health and cultural projects, in particular in regions that depend on a carbon intensive economy and that are affected by the structural transition to a resource efficient and low-carbon economy. Inequality of opportunities present in the eligible regions affects in particular access to education, culture, community, health and social services. The development of a strong local community, as well as the integration of vulnerable groups in society without discrimination, can enhance economic opportunities and ensure a just transition for all. This would help to ensure that people living in regions subject to transition, including those active in the social economy which are crucial to local economic development and the social market economy, have access to high-quality public services and services of general interest, for the purpose of underpinning a socially just transition that leaves no-one behind.
Amendment 171 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 a (new)
Recital 10 a (new)
(10a) Transitioning can be a challenge due to sometimes diverging objectives. Such can be the case of hydroenergy projects which can have negative impact on the ecological status of water bodies, their connectivity, population of fish and consequently on our local communities and their livelihoods. And even then, climate effect of hydropower is very project-specific and lifecycle GHG emissions can reach those of fossil fuels1a. JTF should finance only no regret and win-win solutions both for environment and climate. Such shall be detailed in the project description where applicable based on the scope of a project. _________________ 1a Bruckner T., I.A. Bashmakov, Y. Mulugetta, H. Chum, A. de la Vega Navarro, J. Edmonds, A. Faaij, B. Fungtammasan, A. Garg, E. Hertwich, D. Honnery, D. Infield, M. Kainuma, S. Khennas, S. Kim, H. B. Nimir, K. Riahi, N. Strachan, R. Wiser, and X. Zhang, 2014: Energy Systems. In: Climate Change 2014: Mitigation of Climate Change. Contribution of Working Group III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Edenhofer, O., R. Pichs- Madruga, Y. Sokona, E. Farahani, S. Kadner, K. Seyboth, A. Adler, I. Baum, S. Brunner, P. Eickemeier, B. Kriemann, J. Savolainen, S. Schlömer, C. von Stechow, T. Zwickel and J.C. Minx (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA.
Amendment 175 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) To protect citizens who are most vulnerable to the climate transition, the JTF should alsim, in particular, to develop and take advantage of their existing professional and educational skills, as well as to cover the up-skilling and reskilling of the affected workers, with the aim of helping them to adapt to new employment opportunities, as well as providing job-search assistance to jobseekers and their active inclusion into the labour market.
Amendment 175 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 a (new)
Recital 10 a (new)
(10a) The JTF should also be used to support investment in social, education, health and cultural projects, in particular in regions that depend on a carbon intensive economy and that are affected by the structural transition to a resource efficient and low-carbon economy. Inequality of opportunities present in the eligible regions affects in particular access to education, culture, community, health and social services. The development of a strong local community, as well as the integration of vulnerable groups in society without discrimination, can enhance economic opportunities and ensure a just transition for all. This would help to ensure that people living in regions subject to transition, including those active in the social economy which are crucial to local economic development and the social market economy, have access to high-quality public services and services of general interest, for the purpose of underpinning a socially just transition that leaves no-one behind.
Amendment 181 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11a) The JTF has an important role to play in mitigating social consequences beyond the economy and should not be a mere business investment instrument. The transition can place demands on the affected regions and the people living there. Risks include not only a loss of jobs, but also a loss of local income tax, as well as the migration of the workers, leaving behind young and elderly people and possibly entailing the cessation of some services, in particular for coal miners. Investment in social infrastructure to ensure a high level of services for the people living in the affected areas and to counterbalance the loss of services is therefore a key component to ensuring a socially just transition that leaves no-one behind. The JTF should in particular take measures to prevent recession and to ensure that the local population endorses change and that the services provided in the local community and the infrastructure with regard to health services, social services and local democracy is improved.
Amendment 183 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In order to enhance the economic diversification of territories impacted bywhich require additional support to achieve the transition, the JTF should provide support to productive investment inwith job creation potential in green and sustainable SMEs. Productive investment should be understood as investment in fixed capital or immaterial assets of enterprises in view of producing goods and services thereby contributing to gross-capital formation and employmentgreen, decent and sustainable employment, while recognising, valuing and upgrading the skills and education of local human resources. For enterprises other than SMEs, productive investments should only be supported if they are necessary for mitigating job losses resulting from the transition, by creating or protecting and if they support the overarching goal of the JTF which is to accelerate the transition to a climate-resilient, circular economy, by creating or supporting the adaptation of a significant number of jobs and they do not lead to or result from relocation. Investments in existing industrial facilities, including those covered by the Union Emissions Trading System, should be allowed ifprovided that they contribute to the transition to a climate-neutral economy by 2050 and go substantially below the relevant benchmarks established for free allocation under Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council14 and ifprovided that they result in the protection of a significant number of decent and sustainable jobs. Any such investment should be justified accordingly in the relevant territorial just transition plan, should be sustainable and should be consistent with the energy efficiency first principle as well as excluding any investments in fossil fuel infrastructure from the scope of the JTF. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market and cohesion policy, support to undertakings should comply with Union State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 TFEU and, in particular, support to productive investments by enterprises other than SMEs should be limited to enterprises located in areas designated as assisted areas for the purposes of points (a) and (c) of Article 107(3) TFEU. _________________ 14Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).
Amendment 183 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) To protect citizens who are most vulnerable to the climate transition, the JTF should alsim, in particular, to develop and take advantage of their existing professional and educational skills, as well as to cover the up-skilling and reskilling of the affected workers, with the aim of helping them to adapt to new employment opportunities, as well as providing job-search assistance to job seekers and their active inclusion into the labour market.
Amendment 190 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11a) The JTF has an important role to play in mitigating social consequences beyond the economy and should not be a mere business investment instrument. The transition can place demands on the affected regions and the people living there. Risks include not only a loss of jobs, but also a loss of local tax income, as well as the migration of the workers, leaving behind young and elderly people and possibly entailing the cessation of some services (in particular for coal miners). Investment in social infrastructure to ensure a high level of services for the people living in the affected areas and to counterbalance loss of services is therefore a key component to ensuring asocial just transition that leaves no-one behind. The JTF should in particular take measures to prevent recession and to ensure that the local population endorses change and that local community actors as well as the infrastructure with regard to health services, social services and local democracy is improved.
Amendment 194 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In order to enhance the economic diversification of territories impacted bywhich require additional support to achieve the transition, the JTF should provide support to productive investment inwith job creation potential in green and sustainable SMEs. Productive investment should be understood as investment in fixed capital or immaterial assets of enterprises in view of producing goods and services thereby contributing to gross-capital formation and employmentgreen, decent and sustainable employment, while recognising, valuing and upgrading the skills and education of local human resources. For enterprises other than SMEs, productive investments should only be supported if they are necessary for mitigating job losses resulting from the transition, by creating or protecting and if they support the overarching goal of the JTF which is to accelerate the transition to a climate-resilient, circular economy, by creating or supporting the adaptation of a significant number of jobs and they do not lead to or result from relocation. Investments in existing industrial facilities, including those covered by the Union Emissions Trading System, should be allowed ifprovided that they contribute to the transition to a climate-neutral economy by 2050 and go substantially below the relevant benchmarks established for free allocation under Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council14 and ifprovided that they result in the protection of a significant number of decent and sustainable jobs. Any such investment should be justified accordingly in the relevant territorial just transition plan, should be sustainable and should be consistent with the energy efficiency first principle as well as excluding any investments in fossil fuel infrastructure from the scope of the JTF. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market and cohesion policy, support to undertakings should comply with Union State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 TFEU and, in particular, support to productive investments by enterprises other than SMEs should be limited to enterprises located in areas designated as assisted areas for the purposes of points (a) and (c) of Article 107(3) TFEU. __________________ 14Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).
Amendment 198 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In order to provide flexibility for the programming of the JTF resources under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, it should be possible to prepare a self- standing JTF programme or to programme JTF resources in one or more dedicated priorities within a programme supported by the European Regional Development Fund (‘ERDF’), the European Social Fund Plus (‘ESF+’) or the Cohesion Fund. In accordance with Article 21a of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], JTF resources should be reinforced with complementary funding from the ERDF and the ESF+. The respective amounts transferred from the ERDF and the ESF+ should be consistent with the type of operations set out in the territorial just transition plans and exclude types of operations ineligible for support as laid down in Article 5 of this Regulation.
Amendment 202 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The JTF support should be conditional on the effective and measurable implementation of a transition process in a specific territory in order to achieve a climate-neutral economy. In that regard, recipient regions in Member States should prepare, in cooperationtogether with the relevant stakeholders, including existing local business and especially SMEs and subcontractors of large energy facilities, civil society and the local communities concerned, civil society and the local communities concerned, and supported by the Commission, territorial just transition plans, detailing the transition process, consiincluding job creation measures, investmently with their National Energy and Climate Plans in local social infrastructure, in line with at least the ambition of their National Energy and Climate Plans, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the European Pillar of Social Rights. To this end, the Commission should set up a Just Transition Platform, which would build on the existing platform for coal regions in transition to enable bilateral and multilateral exchanges of experience on lessons learnt and best practices across all affected sectors. ctors and sectors concerned. The existing platform should be fully used to disseminate best practices during the planning phase.
Amendment 204 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The JTF support should be conditional on the effective and measurable implementation of a transition process in a specific territory in order to achieve a climate-neutral economy. In that regard, Member States should prepare, in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders and supported by the Commission, territorial just transition plans, detailing the transition process, consistently with their National Energy and Climate Plans. In order to invest in a no regret solution, any proposal for support for a wood-based biomass energy plant or a conversion thereto will include as an eligibility condition a feasibility study confirming existing and continuous availability of biomass waste and residues to fuel the proposed capacities, in order not to impact negatively on land use, land use change and forestry carbon sink, or the supply of material wood- working industries. To this end, the Commission should set up a Just Transition Platform, which would build on the existing platform for coal regions in transition to enable bilateral and multilateral exchanges of experience on lessons learnt and best practices across all affected sectors.
Amendment 215 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) In order to ensure the long-term effectiveness and positive impacts of the transition and the JTF, data gathering by the Commission will be required to better forecast skills needed across sectors and industry to adapt to the change required by a new green economy and in particular to provide models for the employment effects of decarbonising scenarios.
Amendment 215 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The JTF support should be conditional on the effective and measurable implementation of a transition process in a specific territory in order to achieve a climate-neutral economy. In that regard, recipient regions in Member States should prepare, in cooperationtogether with the relevant stakeholders, including existing local business and especially SMEs and subcontractors of large energy facilities, civil society and the local communities concerned, civil society and the local communities concerned, and supported by the Commission, territorial just transition plans, detailing the transition process, consiincluding job creation measures, investmently with their National Energy and Climate Plans in local social infrastructure, in line with at least the ambition of their National Energy and Climate Plans, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the European Pillar of Social Rights. To this end, the Commission should set up a Just Transition Platform, which would build on the existing platform for coal regions in transition to enable bilateral and multilateral exchanges of experience on lessons learnt and best practices across all affected sectors. ctors and sectors concerned. The existing platform should be fully used to disseminate best practices during the planning phase.
Amendment 216 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The territorial just transition plans should identify the actors and territories most negatively affected, where JTF support shouldmust be concentrated and describe specific actions, to be undertaken to reach a climate-neutral economy by 2050 at the very latest, notably as regards the conversion or closure of facilities involving fossil fuel production or other greenhouse gas intensive activities as well as a detailed plan on the social infrastructure investments. Those territories should be precisely defined and correspond to NUTS level 3 regions or should be parts thereof. The plans should detail the challenges, opportunities and needs of those territories including in terms of social infrastructure, as well as the job creation potential needed to achieve the transition and identify the type of operations needed in a manner that ensures the coherent development of climate-resilient economic activities that are also consistent with the transition to climate-neutrality by 2050 at the very latest and the objectives of the European Green Deal while ensuring that no-one is left behind. The plans should also identify the most vulnerable and valuable human and business resources of the regions, in order to promote sustainable development, based on existing educational and engineering potential. Existing SMEs, particularly those acting as subcontractors in the value chain for the production of fossil fuels, should be considered as key resources to local communities. Only investments in accordance with the transition plans should receive financial support from the JTF. The territorial just transition plans should be part of the programmes (supported by the ERDF, the ESF+, the Cohesion Fund or the JTF, as the case may be) which arnational JTF programme which is to be approved by the Commission.
Amendment 219 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The territorial just transition plans should identify the territories most negatively affected, where JTF support should be concentrated and describe specific actions to be undertaken to reach a climate-neutral economy, notably as regards the conversion or closure of facilities involving fossil fuel production or other greenhouse gas intensive activities. Those territories should be precisely defined and correspond to NUTS level 3 regions or should be parts thereof. The plans should detail the challenges and needs of those territories and identify the type of operations needed in a manner that ensures the coherent development of climate-resilient economic activities that are also consistent with the transition to climate-neutrality and the objectives of the Green Deal. Conversion to an operation or a technology with comparable emission levels per unit of energy generated or payback period too long to deliver for the Union ambition for 2050 should not be an eligible investment. Only investments in accordance with the transition plans should receive financial support from the JTF. The territorial just transition plans should be part of the programmes (supported by the ERDF, the ESF+, the Cohesion Fund or the JTF, as the case may be) which are approved by the Commission.
Amendment 224 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) In order to ensure the long-term effectiveness and positive impacts of the transition and the JTF, data gathering by the Commission will be required to better forecast skills needed across sectors and industry to adapt to the change required by a new green economy and in particular to provide models for the employment effects of decarbonising scenarios.
Amendment 225 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The territorial just transition plans should identify the actors and territories most negatively affected, where JTF support shouldmust be concentrated and describe specific actions, to be undertaken to reach a climate-neutral economy by 2050 at the very latest, notably as regards the conversion or closure of facilities involving fossil fuel production or other greenhouse gas intensive activities as well as a detailed plan on the social infrastructure investments. Those territories should be precisely defined and correspond to NUTS level 3 regions or should be parts thereof. The plans should detail the challenges, opportunities and needs of those territories including in terms of social infrastructure, as well as the job creation potential needed to achieve the transition and identify the type of operations needed in a manner that ensures the coherent development of climate-resilient economic activities that are also consistent with the transition to climate-neutrality by 2050 at the very latest and the objectives of the European Green Deal while ensuring that no-one is left behind. The plans should also identify the most vulnerable and valuable human and business resources of the regions, in order to promote sustainable development, based on existing educational and engineering potential. Existing SMEs, particularly those acting as subcontractors in the value chain for the production of fossil fuels, should be considered as key resources to local communities. Only investments in accordance with the transition plans should receive financial support from the JTF. The territorial just transition plans should be part of the programmes (supported by the ERDF, the ESF+, the Cohesion Fund or the JTF, as the case may be) which arnational JTF programme which is to be approved by the Commission.
Amendment 239 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19 a (new)
Recital 19 a (new)
(19a) In accordance with the Green Deal commitment that all EU policies should contribute to preserving and restoring Europe’s natural capital, an exclusive list of types of operations ineligible for support is provided in this Regulation.
Amendment 240 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) to provide support to territories facing serious socio- economic challenges deriving from the transition process towards a climate-neutral economy of the Union by 2050. communities and territories, which require additional support to make the transition process towards a fully renewables-based, highly resource- and energy-efficient, and circular climate- neutral economy of the Union by 2050, and turn the challenges into opportunities, particularly in terms of the creation of decent and sustainable green jobs, the up-skilling and re-skilling of the workers, and education and training to promote a new economic model which provides prosperity and well-being, while reducing the negative effects on the climate and the environment.
Amendment 244 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) to provide support to territories facing serious socio- economic challenges deriving from the transition process towards a climate-neutral economy of the Union by 2050communities and territories, which require additional support to make the transition process towards a fully renewables-based, highly resource- and energy-efficient, and circular climate- neutral economy of the Union by 2050, and turn the challenges into opportunities, particularly in terms of the creation of decent and sustainable green jobs, the up-skilling and re-skilling of the workers, and education and training to promote a new economic model which provides prosperity and well-being, while reducing the negative effects on the climate and the environment.
Amendment 245 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) to provide support to territories facing serious socio-economic challenges deriving from the transition process towards a climate-neutral economy of the Union by 2050 in a way that does not compromise environmental objectives and which safeguards finite natural resources.
Amendment 254 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article [4(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], the JTF shall contribute to the single specific objective ‘enabling regions and people to address the social, economic and environmental impacts of the transition towards a modern and competitive economy, modern energy and industry solutions, and a climate- neutral economy’.
Amendment 259 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article [4(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], the JTF shall contribute to the single specific objective ‘enabling regions and people to address the social, and economic and environmental impacts of the transition towards a climate- neutral economyimpacts of the transition towards attainment of ambitious EU targets for greenhouse gas emission reduction for 2030, and consistent with Commission Proposal [the EU Climate Law] while contributing to preserving Europe’s natural capital and preventing environmental degradation’.
Amendment 262 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article [4(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], the JTF shall contribute to the single specific objective ‘enabling regions and people to address the social, economic and environmental impacts of the transition towards a modern and competitive economy, modern energy and industry solutions, and a climate- neutral economy’.
Amendment 277 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. The JTF shall support the Investment for jobs and growth goal in all Member States in consistency with the EU objective to achieve climate-neutrality by 2050 at the latest while ensuring a Just Transition for all.
Amendment 280 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
In accordance with paragraph 1, the JTF shall exclusively support the following activities for the economic transition provided that they are eligible under Regulation ... [sustainable taxonomy Regulation]:
Amendment 281 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
In accordance with paragraph 1, the JTF shall exclusively support the following activities:
Amendment 287 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) productivsustainable investments in SMEs, including start-ups, leading to decent and sustainable job creation, economic diversification and reconversion;
Amendment 292 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) investments in the creation of new firms in future-oriented sustainable sectors, including through business incubators and consulting services;
Amendment 295 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) investments in sustainable research and innovation activities and fostering the transfer of advanced technologies, enabling the transition to a fully renewables - based, highly resource- and energy-efficient, circular and climate- neutral economy;
Amendment 306 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
In accordance with paragraph 1, the JTF shall exclusively support the following activities: for the economic transition, provided that they are eligible under Regulation ... [sustainable taxonomy Regulation]:
Amendment 307 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e
(e) investments in digitalisation and digital connectivity in particular those targeting micro and small enterprises, while taking into account the imperatives of resource- and energy-efficiency;
Amendment 312 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) productive and sustainable investments in SMEs, including start-ups, leading to decent and sustainable job creation, economic diversification and reconversion;
Amendment 312 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f
(f) investments in regeneration and decontamination of sites, land restoration and re-purposing projects, while ensuring appropriate respect for the ‘polluter pays principle’;
Amendment 314 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point g
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point g
(g) investments in enhancing the fostering a non-toxic circular economy, including through waste prevention, reduction, resource efficiency, reuse, repair and recycling;
Amendment 315 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) productivsustainable investments in SMEs, including start-ups, leading to decent and sustainable job creation, economic diversification and reconversion;
Amendment 326 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) investments in the creation of new firms in future-oriented sustainable sectors, including through business incubators and consulting services;
Amendment 335 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) investments in sustainable research and innovation activities and fostering the transfer of advanced technologies, , enabling the transition to a fully renewables - based, highly resource- and energy-efficient, circular and climate- neutral economy;
Amendment 335 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Additionally, the JTF may support, in areas designated as assisted areas in accordance with points (a) and (c) of Article 107(3) of the TFEU, productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, provided that such investments have been approved as part of the territorial just transition plan based on the information required under point (h) of Article 7(2). Such investments shall only be eligible where they are necessary for the implementation of the territorial just transition plan, as well as for the preservation and development of local human resources, educational and industry competitive advantages.
Amendment 337 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Amendment 338 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 b (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 b (new)
Amendment 339 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
The JTF may also support investments to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council provided that such investments have been approved as part of the territorial just transition plan based on the information required under point (i) of Article 7(2). Such investments shall only be eligible where they are necessary for the implementation of the territorial just transition plan, as well as for the preservation and development of local human resources, educational and industry competitive advantages.
Amendment 349 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) investments in the deployment of technology and infrastructures for affordable clean energy, in greenhouse gas emission reduction, energy savings, energy efficiency and renewable energy with improved carbon balance in the short term, or their combination ;
Amendment 350 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the decommissioning or, the construction of nuclear power stationsr the lifetime extension of or any other form of investment in nuclear power stations, as well as the management or storage of nuclear waste;
Amendment 357 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) investment related to the production, processing, transport, distribution, storage or combustion of fossil fuels; where an investment plan includes, based on considerations of energy security or national security, the transition of coal power plants to natural gas as a bridging technology or as a strategic energy reserve, or to preserve the opportunities for coal production and combustion, this part shall be financed by a national budget contribution or by other forms of capital participation.
Amendment 364 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
No Union funding shall be provided for activities relating to the scheduling of new fossil fuel extraction or peat production, including the re-opening of temporarily decommissioned extraction facilities in the NUTS 2 region in which the territory falls, during the duration of the programme. However, Member States are allowed to include national financing of such activities in the respective investment plans, where based on considerations of energy security or national security.
Amendment 379 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e
(e) investments in digitalisation and digital connectivity in particular those targeting micro and small enterprises, while taking into account the imperatives of resource- and energy-efficiency;
Amendment 382 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall prepare, together with the relevant local and regional authorities of the territories concerned in accordance with the partnership principle established by Article 6 of Regulation (EU) .../... [new CPR], one or more territorial just transition plans covering one or more affected territories corresponding to level 3 of the common classification of territorial units for statistics (‘NUTS level 3 regions’) as established by Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 868/201417 or parts thereof, in accordance with the template set out in Annex II. Those territories shall be those most negatively affected based on the economic and social impacts resulting from the transition, in particular with regard to expected job losses in fossil fuel production and use and the transformation needs of the production processes of industrial facilities with the highest greenhouse gas intensity. Obligatory public consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including local communities, respective industry associations, universities and research institutions, etc. on the substance of territorial transition plans to precede the drafting. __________________ 17 Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on the establishment of a common classification of territorial units for statistics (NUTS) (OJ L 154 21.6.2003, p. 1).
Amendment 390 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f
(f) investments in regeneration and decontamination of sites, land restoration and repurposing projects where regeneration of the site was not a precondition for the permit provided to an operator;
Amendment 392 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) a description of the transition process at national level towards a climate- neutral economy by2050, including a timelineclear date for the phase-out of all fossil fuels as well as a pre-2030 date for the phase-out of coal, and a precise timeline including 2030 milestones for key transition steps which are consistent with the latest version of the National Energy and Climate Plan (‘NECP’);
Amendment 394 #
(f) investments in regeneration and decontamination of sites, land restoration and repurposing projects, while ensuring appropriate respect for the’polluter pays principle’;
Amendment 397 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) an assessment of the transition challenges faced by the most negatively affected territories, including the social, labour market, economic, and environmental impact of the transition to aand the co-benefits, in particular in terms of health and well- being, of the transition to a fully renewables-based, highly resource and energy-efficient, circular and climate- neutral economy, identifying the potential number of affected jobs and job losses as well as potential job creation, other social consequences, the development needs and objectives, to be reached by 2030 linked to the transformation or closure of greenhouse gas-intensive activities in those territories;
Amendment 398 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f a (new)
(f a) investments and knowledge transfer mainstreaming the transition to sustainable land management, in particular in peatland-rich regions
Amendment 402 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f b (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f b (new)
(fb) restoration of degraded ecosystems and nature-based climate mitigation and adaptation projects;
Amendment 405 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point g
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point g
(g) investments in enhancing the fostering a non-toxic circular economy, including through waste prevention, reduction, resource efficiency, reuse, repair and recycling;
Amendment 405 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) a description of the expected contribution of the JTF support to addressing the social, labour market, economic and environmental impacts of the transition to achallenges and opportunities of the transition to a fully renewables - based, highly resource- and energy-efficient, circular and climate- neutral economy with a detailed list of actions planned, as well as the effect on preserving, sustaining and enhancing the existing local human resources and educational and industrial potential;
Amendment 408 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) an assessment of its consistency with other national, regional or territorial strategies and plans, as well as with the NECPs, the European Green Deal, the European Pillar of Social Rights, the benchmarks for monitoring under the European Climate Law, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals;
Amendment 410 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point g
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point g
(g) investments in enhancing the circular economy, including through waste prevention, reduction, resource efficiency, reuse, repair and recycling;
Amendment 413 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) a description of the governance mechanisms consisting of the partnership arrangements and how the local and regional authorities concerned and local stakeholders were involved in the organisation and implementation of the partnership, the monitoring and evaluation measures planned and the responsible bodies and the measures taken to make those governance mechanisms transparent;
Amendment 415 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
(fa) a description about how the public consultation preceding the preparation of the territorial just transition plans was carried out and how the outcome of this consultation was taken into account;
Amendment 416 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point g
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point g
(g) a description of the type of operations envisaged and their expected contribution to alleviate the impact of the transitionn assessment of the transition opportunities for the territories concerned and the people living there, with a description of the type of operations envisaged, including the labour market and skills policies required to play an active role in fostering and supporting employment and job creation, and their expected contribution to turn the challenges of the transition into an opportunity for the region and the people living there;
Amendment 420 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point h
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point h
(h) where support is provided to productive investments to enterprises other than SMEs, an exhaustive list of such operations and enterprises and a justification of the necessity of such support through a gap analysis demonstrating that the expected job losses would exceed the expected number of jobs created in the absence of the investment; or where there is a compelling need to retrain the workers and jobseekers and other funding is not available;
Amendment 424 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point i
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point i
(i) where support is provided to investments to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC, an exhaustive list of operations to be supported and a justification that they contribute to a transition to a fully renewables-based, highly resource- and energy-efficient, circular and climate neutral economy and lead to a substantial reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions going substantially below the relevant benchmarks established for free allocation under Directive 2003/87/EC and provided that they are necessary for the protection of a significant number of jobs;
Amendment 427 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point j
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point j
(j) synergies and complementarities with other Union programmes and pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism to address identified development needs in the territory of the plan.
Amendment 430 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Territorial just transition plans shall be consistent with the territorial strategies referred to in Article [23] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], with relevant smart specialisation strategies, the NECPs and, the European Green Deal, the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Climate Law and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Amendment 432 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Territorial just transition plans shall exclude any public investment in fossil fuel infrastructure and shall offer an opportunity to further strengthen local economies and short economic routes. However, Member States are allowed to include national financing of such activities in the respective investment plans, where based on considerations of energy security or national security.
Amendment 446 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Additionally, the JTF may support, in areas designated as assisted areas in accordance with points (a) and (c) of Article 107(3) of the TFEU, productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, provided that such investments have been approved as part of the territorial just transition plan based on the information required under point (h) of Article 7(2). Such investments shall only be eligible where they are necessary for the implementation of the territorial just transition plan. Such investments should not include construction of biomass power plants or conversion thereto.
Amendment 450 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
In accordance with paragraph 1, the JTF shall support social investments, including those supporting the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, ensuring the participation and accessibility of persons with disabilities.
Amendment 454 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
The JTF may also support investments to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council provided that such investments have been approved as part of the territorial just transition plan based on the information required under point (i) of Article 7(2). Such investments shall only be eligible where they are necessary for the implementation of the territorial just transition plan, as well as for the preservation and development of local human resources, educational and industry competitive advantages.
Amendment 456 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
The JTF may also support investments to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council provided that such investments have been approved as part of the territorial just transition plan based on the information required under point (i) of Article 7(2). Such investments shall only be eligible where they are necessary for the implementation of the territorial just transition plan. Such investments should not include conversion of coal-to-biomass plants.
Amendment 461 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the decommissioning or, the construction of nuclear power stationsr the lifetime extension of or any other form of investment in nuclear power stations, as well as the management or storage of nuclear waste;
Amendment 465 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) conversion of coal-to-biomass power plants (wood- based fuel)
Amendment 466 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a b (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a b (new)
(ab) construction of biomass power plants (wood-based fuel)
Amendment 467 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a c (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a c (new)
(ac) construction of hydropower plant unless this would not, following the assessment pursuant to Art 4.7 of WFD and 6.3 and 6.4 of Nature Directive, have negative impact, or where this was envisaged in or would not go against a respective action or recovery plan for a protected aquatic species;
Amendment 468 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a d (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a d (new)
(ad) investments in bioenergy operations which count on burning also virgin material, or which fails to prove the contrary in the feasibility report and in an impact assessment;
Amendment 475 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) investment related to the production, processing, transport, distribution, storage or combustion of fossil fuels; where an investment plan includes, based on considerations of energy security or national security, the transition of coal power plants to natural gas as a bridging technology or as a strategic energy reserve, or to preserve the opportunities for coal production and combustion, this part shall be financed by a national budget contribution or by other forms of capital participation.
Amendment 491 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) investment in residual waste treatment facilities;
Amendment 493 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
By way of derogation from aa) and ab) of the previous paragraph of this Article, the project might be considered for support if all the following conditions are met: a) existing and continuous waste stream to match the proposed capacity is confirmed by a feasibility study and environmental impact assessment report for the proposed investment b) Member State indicated the availability of waste and residues biomass in their National Energy and Climate Plan and in their input to the EU Bioenergy Sustainability Report c) the carbon parity payback time for the fuel is up to 10 years d) there is no existing operation at the level of NUTS 2 which operates on wood- based biomass
Amendment 505 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
No Union funding shall be provided for activities relating to the scheduling of new fossil fuel extraction or peat production, including the re-opening of temporarily decommissioned extraction facilities in the NUTS 2 region in which the territory falls, during the duration of the programme. However, Member States are allowed to include national financing of such activities in the respective investment plans, where based on considerations of energy security or national security.
Amendment 526 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
For those Member States which have not yet adopted a Long Term Strategy setting a climate neutrality target at least or before 2050, the Commission shall release only 50% of their national allocation and make the remaining 50% available once they have adopted that target.
Amendment 537 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall prepare, together with the relevant local and regional authorities of the territories concerned in accordance with the partnership principle established by Article 6 of Regulation (EU) .../... [new CPR], one or more territorial just transition plans covering one or more affected territories corresponding to level 3 of the common classification of territorial units for statistics (‘NUTS level 3 regions’) as established by Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 868/201417 or parts thereof, in accordance with the template set out in Annex II. Those territories shall be those most negatively affected based on the economic and social impacts resulting from the transition, in particular with regard to expected job losses in fossil fuel production and use and the transformation needs of the production processes of industrial facilities with the highest greenhouse gas intensity. Obligatory public consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including local communities, respective industry associations, universities and research institutions, etc. on the substance of territorial transition plans to precede the drafting. _________________ 17 Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on the establishment of a common classification of territorial units for statistics (NUTS) (OJ L 154 21.6.2003, p. 1).
Amendment 558 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) a description of the transition process at national level towards a climate- neutral economy, including a timeline for key transition steps which are consistent with the latest versionobjectives of the National Energy and Climate Plan (‘NECP’) and with the EU Climate Law;
Amendment 566 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) an assessment of the transition challenges faced by the most negatively affected territories, including the social, labour market, economic, and environmental impact of the transition to aand the co-benefits, in particular in terms of health and well- being, of the transition to a fully renewables-based, highly resource and energy-efficient, circular and climate- neutral economy, identifying the potential number of affected jobs and job losses as well as potential job creation, other social consequences, the development needs and objectives, to be reached by 2030 linked to the transformation or closure of greenhouse gas-intensive activities in those territories;
Amendment 574 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) a description of the expected contribution of the JTF support to addressing the social, labour market, economic and environmental impacts of the transition to achallenges and opportunities of the transition to a fully renewables-based, highly resource- and energy-efficient, circular and climate- neutral economy; with a detailed list of actions planned, as well as the effect on preserving, sustaining and enhancing the existing local human resources and educational and industrial potential.
Amendment 581 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) an assessment of its consistency with other national, regional or territorial strategies and plans, as well as with the NECPs, the European Green Deal, the European Pillar of Social Rights, the benchmarks for monitoring under the European Climate Law, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals;
Amendment 583 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) a description of the governance mechanisms consisting of the partnership arrangements and how the local and regional authorities concerned and local stakeholders were involved in the organisation and implementation of the partnership, the monitoring and evaluation measures planned and the responsible bodies and the measures taken to make those governance mechanisms transparent;
Amendment 585 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
(fa) a description about how the public consultation preceding the preparation of the territorial just transition plans was carried out and how the outcome of this consultation was taken into account;
Amendment 596 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point i
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point i
(i) where support is provided to investments to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC, an exhaustive list of operations to be supported and a justification that they contribute to a transition to a fully renewables-based, highly resource- and energy-efficient, circular and climate neutral economy and lead to a substantial reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions going substantially below the relevant benchmarks established for free allocation under Directive 2003/87/EC and provided that they are necessary for the protection of a significant number of jobs;
Amendment 601 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Territorial just transition plans shall be consistent with the territorial strategies referred to in Article [23] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], with relevant smart specialisation strategies, the NECPs and, the European Green Deal, the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Climate Law and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Amendment 607 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Territorial just transition plans shall exclude any public investment in fossil fuel infrastructure and shall offer an opportunity to further strengthen local economies and short economic routes. However, Member States are allowed to include national financing of such activities in the respective investment plans, where based on considerations of energy security or national security.
Amendment 617 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Where the Commission concludes, based on the examination of the final performance report of the programme, that there is a failure to achieve at least 6590% of the target established for one or more output or result indicators for the JTF resources, it may make financial corrections pursuant to Article [98] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] by reducing the support from the JTF to the priority concerned in proportion to the achievements.
Amendment 625 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 4
Article 10 – paragraph 4
4. Before adopting a delegated act, the Commission shall consult experts designated by each Member State and conduct stakeholder consultation in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making.