48 Amendments of Pilar del CASTILLO VERA related to 2013/2135(INI)
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
- having regard to the Commission communication ‘A Stronger European Industry for Growth and Economic Recovery’ (COM (2012)582),
Amendment 70 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas this is acknowledged in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which stipulates that the objectives of the Union’s energy policy include the functioning of the energy market, security of supply, energy efficiency, energy saving, new and renewable energy sources and interconnections;
Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas final energy prices have steadily increased over the last decade, making it a growing preoccupation for citizens and a considerable cost for companies and industries;
Amendment 102 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the IEA estimates that the EU is responsible for only 11 % of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the proportion is set to decrease in the future so that, even if it has limited capacity in lowering global emissions by means of unilateral action, it has a significant role to play in particular; as regards the achievement of a binding agreement in Paris in 2015 whereas the EU therefore has to define a clear position, bearing in mind that climate action can only be successful if addressed at a global level in order to reach the internationally agreed goal to limit global warming to 2°C compared with pre-industrial level;
Amendment 115 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the IEA has also shown that energy prices in the EU increased by 38% in between 2005 and 2012 and that EU electricity prices are expected to increase to be the second highest in the world by 2035;
Amendment 130 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the 2030 Climate and Energy policies need to combine a careful consideration of climate commitments (both long-term EU goals and short-term international negotiations) with the need to address compelling economic and social issues such as energy security, high energy costs for industry and households, need for job creation and economic recovery;
Amendment 145 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the EU spent EUR 573 billion on imported fossil fuels’s import bill on fossil fuels amounted to EUR 406 billion in 2011 and its dependency on energy imports is expected to grow;
Amendment 147 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the EU spent EUR 573 billion on imported fossil fuels’s net import bill on fossil fuels amounted to EUR 406 billion in 20112 and its dependency on energy imports is expected to grow;
Amendment 171 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas studies indicate that upgrading the grids and interconnections is the best way to improve the internal market, reduce energy costs and boost the competitiveness of industry;
Amendment 174 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas studies indicate that upgrading the grids is the best way to improve the internal market, reduce energy costs and boost the competitiveness of industry, as long as a cost-benefit analysis is used to target the relevant investments;
Amendment 193 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas the various subsidies for various energy sources and technologies, without coordination and cost-effective implementation, distort competition and hinder the completion of the internal energy market without increasing investment certainty;
Amendment 194 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
Ib. whereas according to the Commission energy efficiency measures, the penetration rate of renewables and the evolution of the high energy prices have contributed to the current surplus of the emission trading allowances;
Amendment 202 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital I c (new)
Recital I c (new)
Ic. whereas according to the European competitiveness report 2012 the sustainable energy and environmental technology sector offer significant business and job creation opportunities;
Amendment 214 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission Green Paper on a 2030 framework for climate and energy policies and expects the European Council to address these issues with realistic but ambitious responses; Welcomes also that the Commission has promised additional data by end of this year, such as on the composition of energy prices in the Member States; calls for this data to be available in advance of the presentation of any policy proposals;
Amendment 216 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Welcomes that the Commission has announced to present additional data by the end of this year, such as on the composition of energy prices in the Member States; calls for this data to be available for end-consumers and integrated in the process of any future policy proposals;
Amendment 246 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Notes that decarbonisation paths will rely on different shares of low carbon technologies in the Member States: renewables, nuclear and carbon capture and storage if it becomes available on time; notes that the integration of a higher share of renewables will require significant extensions of transmission and distribution networks, additional dispatchable back-up capacities and/or storage capacities;
Amendment 251 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Recalls that any additional cost will be passed on, directly or indirectly, to end- consumers and is of the opinion that mitigating the additional cost of the decarbonisation of the EU energy system is therefore a pre-requisite for maintaining European competitiveness;
Amendment 282 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Is convinced that the best way of securing Europe's current and future energy needs is a balanced and differentiated energy mix, where dependencies on single sources of energy are reduced without creating other new dependencies, bearing in mind that the Commission advises to reduce our fossil energy dependency; urges Member States to take these factors into account;
Amendment 288 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Reiterates that a 2030 energy and climate framework has to deliver on its objectives in a more cost-efficient manner; believes that this could be achieved by reducing the interdependencies and mutual effects of the current policy instruments, in which for example industry is covered by the ETS, by provisions of the Energy Efficiency Directive as well as often affected by the costs of RES integration; argues therefore that different objectives should be considered for different sectors;
Amendment 302 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls on the European Commission to develop, together with the affected industry sectors and within the 2030 climate and energy framework sector- specific roadmaps allowing for sufficient flexibility for industry actors;
Amendment 304 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls for the establishment of a CO2 reduction target in 2030, based on a revised Emission Trading Scheme for industry and other sectors for which this scheme is deemed appropriate;
Amendment 310 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Reiterates that a 2030 energy and climate framework has to deliver on its objectives in a more cost-efficient manner; believes that this could be achieved by reducing the negative mutual effects of the current policy instruments, and through more flexibility between policy instruments and measures;
Amendment 312 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. When revising the Emission Trading Scheme it should be ensured that the scheme remains a fully market-based system and at the same time to increase its ability to adapt to economic upturns and downturns in order to avoid future attempts for market interventions; furthermore, the Commission should propose a mandatory earmarking of auctioning revenues for innovative environmentally friendly technologies; the provisions regarding sectors and subsectors affected by a risk of carbon leakage should be maintained and be only reviewed in the light of a binding international agreement on combatting climate change in order to ensure the highest possible certainty for industry;
Amendment 316 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Sees broad consensus for the establishment of a new binding CO2 reduction target, based on a revised and well-functioning Emissions Trading Scheme;
Amendment 317 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Recommends establishing an indicative renewable energy target for 2030; acknowledges in consideration of the TFEU provisions, in particular Art. 194 (Member States competence to define their own energy mix), that this target should be an EU-wide target;
Amendment 319 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3e. When revising the Emissions Trading Scheme, it should be ensured that the scheme remains a fully market-based system and at the same time its ability to adapt to economic upturns and downturns in order to avoid future attempts for market interventions is increased; furthermore, the Commission should propose a mandatory earmarking of auctioning revenues for innovative environmentally friendly technologies; the provisions regarding sectors and subsectors affected by a risk of carbon leakage should be maintained and may be reviewed in the light of a binding international agreement on combatting climate change in order to ensure the highest possible certainty for industry;
Amendment 321 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 f (new)
Paragraph 3 f (new)
3f. Insists that any national support schemes for RES should move towards a European system of support; is convinced that in a more integrated system for promoting RES at the EU-level for post- 2020 forward, taking fully account of regional and geographical differences as well as existing supranational initiatives, which is integrated in a general effort towards decarbonisation, could help to provide a more cost-effective framework for renewables, investment certainty and a level-playing field in which their full potential can be realised;
Amendment 332 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is of the opinion that any support schemes, if better used, could be an appropriate tool to incentivise the development of renewable energy sources (RES) and energy efficiency; sees an important role for the Commission in providing guidance in this regardnew and close-to-market technologies for renewable energy sources (RES) where they are geographically most effective, as well as for energy efficiency with the aim of making them competitive; sees an important role for the Commission in providing guidance in this regard, bearing in mind as well the importance of the Horizon 2020 Programme for research and innovation;
Amendment 339 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is of the opinion that support schemes, if better used, could be an appropriate tool to incentivise the development of renewable energy sources (RES) and energy efficiencyused efficiently and in compliance with the internal market and the relevant EU state aid rules, could be an appropriate tool to incentivise the development of energy efficiency and close-to-market renewable energy sources (RES) with the aim to make them competitive; sees an important role for the Commission in providing guidance in this regard;
Amendment 366 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. NotRecognises that subsidies for energy sources may have a significant repercussion on energy prices. In order to contain prices, some RES should now be considered mature energy sources and their subsidies should therefore be phased out on time order, while avoiding retro-active changes, to be able to reallocate thesem to research and development (R&D) programmes andon RES that are not yet cost- effective; asks the Commission to study the impact of RES priority dispatch on the functioning of the energy internal market and on general energy costs;
Amendment 373 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that some RESthe long-term design of a number of national RES support schemes has led to overcompensation and that some technologies should now be considered mature energy sources and; believes that their subsidies should therefore be phased out on time while avoiding retro- active changes, in order to be able to reallocate these to research and development (R&D) programmes ands well as to RES that are not yet cost- effective; asks the Commission to study the impact of RES priority dispatch on general energy costhe functioning of the energy internal market and on general energy costs; urges the Commission and the Member States to consider all relevant aspects of the integration of renewables into the electricity markets;
Amendment 404 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that increased energy efficiency and energy savings will play an essential role in the decarbonisation of the energy sector; believes that an energy efficiency target, defined in terms of energy intensity and taking into account the potential of each economic sector as well as the economic situation, would be advisable; this target should not lead to an absolute cap on energy consumption but stimulate competitiveness and sustainable growth; agrees with the Commission that any further European legislative action on energy efficiency should be discussed in the context of the reviewing of the Energy Efficiency Directive and of the effectiveness of its tools.
Amendment 409 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that increased energy efficiency and energy savings will play an essential role in the decarbonisation of the energy sector; believes that the move towards a better energy efficiency policy should focus on the whole energy supply and demand chain, including transformation, transmission, distribution and supply, alongside industrial, building and household consumption;
Amendment 529 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Asks Member States for better cooperation and interaction at EU level in order to make national measures more consistent; believes that the 2030 climate and energy framework should include some mandatory elements requiring Member States to consult with their neighbouring countries in case they plan significant changes in their energy supply;
Amendment 533 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Asks Member States for better cooperation and interaction at EU level in order to make national measures more consistent; believes that the 2030 climate and energy framework should include some mandatory elements requiring Member States to consult with their neighbouring countries in case they plan significant changes in their energy supply; urges that the Commission takes appropriate steps to coordinate Member States' actions in defining their energy policies which have cross-border consequences;
Amendment 585 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission to submit an analysis of how renewable energy sources can be developed sustainably and cost effectively, taking into account environmental impact, total system costs, aspects related to dependency on raw materials and life cycle and, above all, how to support stable sources of renewable energy such as hydropower, biomass or geothermal power while avoiding long term subsidies which cause market distortions;
Amendment 595 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Urges the Commission and the Member States to integrate the industrial policy and the resource efficiency agendas as comprehensively as possible into all other policies;
Amendment 609 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Asks the Commission to assess the evolution of energy savingsefficiency in the EU;
Amendment 614 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Notes that the current EU energy and climate framework fails to reflect the differences in energy usage between cities and off-grid rural areas; notes that certain energy challenges are more acute in rural areas (poor energy efficiency, energy affordability, high carbon footprint of solid and liquid heating fuels);
Amendment 619 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18 b. Calls on the European Commission to develop, as part of the 2030 Energy and Climate Framework, a Rural Energy Strategy, to assess some of the specific issues faced by off-grid energy consumers and provide a set of recommendations to Member States.
Amendment 662 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses that as the EU pursues its goal of energy security, emphasis needs to be shifted towards a model of energy interdependence between Member States by ensuring the swift completion of the EU internal energy market; believes furthermore that completing the EU supergrid infrastructure linking the north, south, east and west will enable the EU to make the best use of the comparative advantages of each Member State, and calls for further support in an efficient and sustainable manner for decentralised and micro-scale energy production and smart energy infrastructures in all Member States; stresses, therefore, the need for strong coordination between Member States’ policies and for joint action, solidarity and transparency in view of the fact that national energy policy decisions can affect other Member States; suggests that it would be desirable to determine whether and how the expertise and facilities of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) could be put to use in carrying out the above tasks;
Amendment 684 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Believes that the lack ofCalls on the Member States to timely and fully implementation of and apply the internal energy market legislation remains one of the to remove all remaining obstacles to completion of the single market; highlights the importance of eliminating remaining infrastructure bottlenecks and instances of market failure and of ensuring that no new barriers to electricity and gas market integration are created;
Amendment 707 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Notes that in order to ensure security of supply there must be enough capacity to meet demand in peak periods ands well as in periods of (political or technological) difficulties and that excess capacity orand backup must therefore be ensured and maintained; points out the need for energy storage and reserve capacities where required and more grid flexibility and dynamics as a response to the intermittence of some sources of RES;
Amendment 714 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Notes that security of electricity supply is a major component of the European security of supply; points out the need for storage and more grid flexibility as a response to the intermittence of some sources of RES; notes that in order to ensure security of supply there must be enough capacity to meet demand in peak periods and in periods of (political or technological) difficulties and that excess capacity or backup must therefore be ensured and maintained; points out the need for storage and more grid flexibility as a response to the intermittence of some sources of RES;
Amendment 732 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Notes that some Member States, being energy islands, are still totally isolated from the European gas and electricity networks and continue to pay higher prices for energy, which adversely affects their competitiveness; points out that without substantial infrastructure investment, the commitment of the European Council that no Member State should remain isolated from the EU networks by 2015 cannot be fulfilled for those Member States will be broken; favours in this regard the swift completion of the internal energy market and to prioritise, as agreed in May's European Council, the objective of reaching a degree of interconnection of at least 10% of the capacity installed;
Amendment 750 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Stresses that modernising the existing energy infrastructure and building new, intelligent and flexible infrastructure for the generation, transmission, distribution and storage of energy, for both heat and electricity, is essential for a stable, well- integrated and well-connected energy market, and emphasises that large- scale investments should be made in parallel with investments in regional or even local networks;
Amendment 800 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Believes that it is necessary to prioritise the need for affordable energy prices to benefit homes, companies and industries. Calls on the Commission to take into account their concerns when adopting new measures in the field of energy and climate change;
Amendment 817 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Encourages the Commission to support the development of advanced biofuels for the transport sector that improve the quality of fuels thus increasing the overall competitiveness of the European economy without need for additional investments in new infrastructure;