Activities of Helmut SCHOLZ related to 2023/0081(COD)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council Establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology products manufacturing ecosystem (Net Zero Industry Act)
Amendments (25)
Amendment 30 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Regarding external aspects, in particular regarding emerging markets and developing economies, the EU will seek win-win partnerships in the framework of its Global Gateway strategy, which should contribute to the diversification of its raw materials supply chain as well as to partner countries’ efforts to pursue, under public scrutiny and providing for full transparency, to the diversification of its raw materials supply chain and a substantial reduction of its energy and raw materials' consumption as well as to partner countries’ abilities and efforts to develop their own economies, while pursuing a twin transition, and developing local value addition.
Amendment 38 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) To fulfil those commitments, the Union must accelerate its pace of transition to clean energy, notably by substantially reducing its consumption of energy and raw materials, deprioritizing GDP growth while pursuing alternative benchmarks of economic and social wellbeing, and increasing energy efficiency ands well as the share of renewable energy sources. This will contribute to achieving the EU targets of the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan for 2030 of an employment rate of at least 78% and participation in training of at least 60% of adults. It will also contribute to ensuring that the green transition is fair and equitable34 . _________________ 34 Council Recommendation on ensuring a fair transition towards climate neutrality, adopted on 16 June 2022 as part of the Fit for 55 package.
Amendment 42 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) In the Union, batteries can only be certified "net zero" under the precondition that the environmental impact resulting from their entire industrial lifecycle and the full global supply chain are taken into account, including the greening of energy sources used for their production and the degree to which harmful waste is treated in a responsible manner, and without externalising ecological risks to third countries.
Amendment 45 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The net-zero transformation is already causing huge industrial, economic, and geopolitical shifts across the globe, which will become ever more pronounced as the world advances in its decarbonisation efforts, and calls for new binding standards and benchmarks to be agreed at multilateral level. The road to net zero translates into strong opportunities for the expansion of Union’s net-zero industry, making use of the strength of the Single Market, by promoting skills and training for the workforce in the EU, investment in technologies in the field of renewable energy technologies , electricity and heat storage technologies, heat pumps, grid technologies, renewable fuels of non- biological origin technologies, electrolysers and fuel cells, fusion, small modular reactors and related best-in-class fuels, carbon capture, utilisation, and storage technologies, and energy-system related energy efficiency technologies and their supply chains, allowing for the decarbonisation of our economic sectors, from energy supply to transport, buildings, and industry. A strong net zero industry within the European Union can help significantly in reaching the Union’s climate and energy targets effectively, as well as in supporting other Green Deal objectives, while creating jobs and growth.
Amendment 55 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13 a (new)
Recital 13 a (new)
(13a) In-depth studies on the long-term risks and potential social and ecological harm of CCS projects both within the Union as well as in third countries via externalisation strategies should be conducted before defining binding obligations on Member States on this matter.
Amendment 60 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The Union has helped build a global economic system based on open and rules-based trade, pushed for respectingmust contribute to reshaping the global economic system, and building a trade system which should be based on fair, rules-based and mutually beneficial exchange, the promotion of legally binding standards, and the advancingement of social and environmental sustainability standards, and is fully committed to those valuehuman rights, and include a reform of the WTO and UN systems.
Amendment 87 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 40
Recital 40
(40) Access to finance is key for ensuringprivate and public finance and joint financing instruments in all Member States in coherence with a needed fundamental reform of the EU's state aid system is essential to guarantee the Union’s open strategic autonomy and for establishing a solid manufacturing base for net-zero technologies and their supply chains across the Union. The majority of investments necessary to reach the Green Deal objectives willshould come from private capital53 attracted by the growth potential of the net-zero ecosystem. Well-functioning, deep and integrated capital markets will therefore be essential to raise and channel the funds needed for the green transition and net-zero manufacturing projects. Swift progress towards the Capital Markets Union is thus necessary for the EU to deliver on its net-zero objectives. The sustainable finance agenda (and blended finance) also plays a crucial role in scaling up investments into the net-zero technologies, while guaranteeing the competitiveness of the sector. _________________ 53 Commission Staff Working Document Identifying Europe's recovery needs Accompanying the document Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Europe's moment: Repair and Prepare for the Next Generation, SWD(2020) 98 final, Identifying Europe's recovery needs, 27.05.2020ublic investment, with strong conditionalities favouring quality jobs in line with all ILO core standards, respect for ambititous social protection, and the requirement for private entities to fully meet their tax obligations at the place of economic value creation.
Amendment 88 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 41
Recital 41
(41) Where private investment alone is not sufficient, the effective roll-out of net- zero manufacturing projects may require public support in the form of State aid. Such aid must have an incentive effect and be necessary, appropriate and proportionate, with social conditionalities in terms of local employement and benefit sharing. The existing State aid guidelines that have recently undergone an in-depth revision in line with the twin transition objectives provide ample possibilities to support investments for projects in the scope of this Regulation subject to certain conditions. Member States can have an important role in easing access to finance for net-zero technologies manufacturing projects by addressing market failures through targeted State aid support. The Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (TCTF) adopted on 9 March 2023 aims at ensuring a level playing field within the internal market, targeted to those sectors where a third- country delocalisation risk has been identified, and proportionate in terms of aid amounts. It would enable Member States to put in place measures to support new investments in production facilities in defined, strategic net-zero sectors, including via tax benefits. The permitted aid amount can be modulated with higher aid intensities and aid amount ceilings if the investment is located in assisted areas, in order to contribute to the goal of convergence between Member States and regions. Appropriate conditions are required to verify the concrete risks of diversion of the investment outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and that there is no risk of relocation within the EEA. To mobilise national resources for that purpose, Member States may use a share of the ETS revenues that Member States have to allocate for climate-related purposes.
Amendment 91 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 41 b (new)
Recital 41 b (new)
(41b) For the implementation of the Union's Net Zero Industry Strategy to be successful, the Commission must bring forward a comprehensive reform of the its economic policy agenda, preventing detrimental industrial competition, and fiscal and social dumping among Member States and regions and contributing to the competitiveness of the EU's industries at global level while acting as a fair partner for other regions and third countries.
Amendment 92 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 42 a (new)
Recital 42 a (new)
(42a) Regrets the lack of committment by Member States to provide for sufficient dedicated funds needed for the success of this legal initiative, thus avoiding the relocation of private investment to the United States, and providing an adequate answer to the US Inflation Reduction Act and development plans implemented by international partners, such as Japan, India, China, and others.
Amendment 95 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 47
Recital 47
(47) A financed and ambitious European Sovereignty Fund would provide a structural answer to the investment needs. It will help preserving a European edge on critical and emerging technologies relevant to the green and digital transitions, including net-zero technologies. This structural instrument will build on experience of coordinated multi-country projects under the IPCEIs and seek to enhance all Member States’ access to such projects, thereby safeguarding cohesion and the Single Market against risks caused by unequal availability of State Aids.
Amendment 102 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 58 a (new)
Recital 58 a (new)
(58a) Concerning the critical raw materials needed for the technological breakthrough planned, the EU should aim at gradually reducing the extractive production of such resources, and contributing to a multilateral structure of cooperation that delivers economic and social benefits. It should further implement effective safeguards that limit detrimental social and environmental impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems within existing global boundaries, and define effective postgrowth strategies going beyond an unbalanced focus on GDP growth.
Amendment 125 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
aa) the fostering of mutually beneficial cooperation with third countries to enhance the production and deployment of net-zero technologies outside of the Union including by means of multilateral cooperation;
Amendment 139 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) ‘net-zero technologies’ means renewable energy technologies66 ; electricity and heat storage technologies; heat pumps; hydroelectricity; grid technologies; renewable fuels of non- biological origin technologies; sustainable alternative fuels technologies67 ; electrolysers and fuel cells; advanced technologies to produce energy from nuclear processes with minimal waste from the fuel cycle, small modular reactors, and related best-in-class fuels; carbon capture, utilisation, and storage technologies; and energy-system related energy efficiency technologies. They refer to the final products, specific components and specific machinery primarily used for the production of those products. They shall have reached a technology readiness level of at least 8. _________________ 66 ‘renewable energy' means ‘renewable energy’ as defined in Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources 67 ‘sustainable alternative fuels’ means fuels covered by the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on ensuring a level playing field for sustainable air transport, COM/2021/561 final and by the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and Council on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport COM/2021/562 final.
Amendment 181 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Where competent authorities consider that the proposed project raises exceptional risks for the health and safety of workers or of the general population, and where additional time is necessary to establish that adequate safeguards are put in place, they may extend those time limits by a further 6 monthsyear, before their expiry and on a case-by-case basis.
Amendment 210 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 3
Article 12 – paragraph 3
3. Net-zero strategic projects shall be considered to contribute to the security of supply of strategic net-zero technologies in the Union and therefore to be in the public interest. With regard to the environmental impacts addressed in Articles 6(4) and 16(1)I of Directive 92/43/EEC, Article 4(7) of Directive 2000/60/EC and Article 9(1)(a) of Directive 2009/147/EC, net-zero strategic projects in the Union shall be considered as being of public interest and may be considered as having an overriding public interest provided that all the conditions set out in those Directives are fulfilled. , ensuring in particular that the project complies with the Habitats Directive and the protection of Natura 2000 sites, as well as commitments made under the Paris Agreement and subsequent COPs, as well as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Amendment 231 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 1
1. Each entity holding an authorisation as defined in Article 1, point 3, of Directive 94/22/EC shall be subject to an individual contribution to the Union- wide target for available CO2 injection capacity set in Article 16. Those individual contributions shall be calculated pro-rata on the basis of each entity’s share in the Union’s crude oil and natural gas production from 1 January 2021990 to 31 December 2023 and shall consist of CO2 injection capacity in a storage site permitted in accordance with Directive 2009/31/EC on the geological storage of carbon dioxide and available to the market by 2030. The Commission shall ensure that the polluter pays principle is respected, and that the above mentioned entities cannot make excessive profits from fulfilling their legal obligations. To this end, these entities shall not be authorised to monopolise access to storage sites.
Amendment 232 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 2
2. Within three months of the entry into force of this Regulation, Member States shall, identify and report to the European Commission the entities referred to in paragraph 1 and their volumes in crude oil and natural gas production from 1 January 2021990 to 31 December 2023.
Amendment 250 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2
Article 21 – paragraph 2
2. The additional financial compensation granted by authorities in accordance with paragraph 1, due to the application of the criteria referred to in Article 19(2) (b) (c) and (d) shall not exceed 520 % of the cost of the net-zero technology final product for the consumer.
Amendment 288 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) how to improve cooperation along the net-zero value chain between the Union and third countries, such as via technology and knowledge transfer, Union technical and financial assistance, the facilitation of sustainable capital investments, and the use of other Union tools such as export credits;
Amendment 296 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – point c – point ii a (new)
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – point c – point ii a (new)
iia) the third countries’ current relevant national or territorial development plans, including their self- assessed technological needs and industrialisation objectives, and whether such plans are in accordance with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and the implementation of the SDG agenda by 2030.
Amendment 299 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – point c – point ii b (new)
Article 28 – paragraph 4 – point c – point ii b (new)
iib) whether a third country has ratified and developed credible plans to effectively implement the core ILO conventions and to promote corporate social responsibility in accordance with international standards in the industries where it seeks support by the Union.
Amendment 300 #
iic) whether a third country respects and implements the obligations deriving from the Paris agreement, both at national and subnational levels.
Amendment 305 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 5
Article 28 – paragraph 5
5. Member States shall support the Commission in the implementation of the cooperation measures set out in the Net- Zero Industrial Partnership. Net-Zero Industrial Partnerships will have the objective of facilitcelerating trade among participants, including by favouring necessary investments within the Union and in third countries,he deployment and manufacturing of net-zero technologies, facilitating the uptake and exchange of relevant knowhow, skills and technologies, cooperating on research and innovation efforts to develop net-zero technologies, facilitating sustainable trade among participants, and enhancing resilience and sustainability of the supportive value chains, and guaranteeing a level playing field. .
Amendment 306 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1
Article 29 – paragraph 1
1. The Platform shall be composed by Member States and of the Commission. It shall be chaired by a representative of the Commission. The European Parliament, the EU Committe of the Regions, and the EU Economic and Social Committee shall act as observers of the Platform, allowing for a public scrutiny of the body. Members of these institutions will be invited to attend its meetings, including of the standing or temporary sub-groups referred to in paragraph 6.