Activities of Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY related to 2012/0337(COD)
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on a General Union Environment Action Programme to 2020: "Living well, within the limits of our planet" PDF (729 KB) DOC (1016 KB)
Amendments (108)
Amendment 78 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) Current and future environment policies, implemented effectively, are central to ensure high employment, a competitive economy, social stability and a rich and healthy environment.
Amendment 81 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The programme should help achieve the environment targets the Union has already agreed and identify policy areas where there is the need to set additional targets.
Amendment 83 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The Union has agreed to halt the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services in the EU by 2020, restore them in so far as feasible, while stepping up the EU contribution to averting global biodiversity loss11 , as well as to a long-term vision that by 2050 European Union biodiversity and the ecosystem services it provides – its natural capital – are protected, valued and appropriately restored for biodiversity’s intrinsic value and for their essential contribution to human wellbeing and economic prosperity;
Amendment 94 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 23 a (new)
Recital 23 a (new)
(23a) Union policy on climate change must pursue a comprehensive approach, recognizing that all sectors of the economy must contribute to tackling climate change on the path to 2050. In addition to the scope in sectors covered by the Emissions Trading Scheme, additional action is needed to unlock cost effective reductions of emissions covered by the Effort Sharing Decision, in ways that can stimulate green investment and encourage behaviour change in consumers and other actors.
Amendment 96 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) The full and even implementation of the environment acquis across the Union is a Treaty obligation as well as a sound investment for the environment and human health, and also for the economy.
Amendment 100 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Union environment policy should continue to draw on a sound evidence baseknowledge and evidence base and be responsive to new scientific findings.
Amendment 105 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) As part of the follow-up toThe new general action programme should support the implementation of the commitments undertaken at the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20 Summit), in the new general action programme should support international and regional processesEU and at international level, aiming to transform the global economy into an inclusive green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Amendment 111 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) to improve the knowledge and evidence base for environment policy;
Amendment 118 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The programme shall ensure a high level of environmental protection as well as quality of life through equitable and sustainable wellbeing for citizens.
Amendment 128 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 5
Annex 1 – point 5
5. However, many environmental trends in the EU remain worrying, not least due to insufficient implementation of existing EU environment legislation. Only 17 % of species and habitats assessed under the Habitats Directive are in good status, and the degradation and loss of natural capital is jeopardising efforts to attain the EU’s biodiversity and climate change objectives. This has high associated costs which have not yet been properly valued in our economic or social system. Thirty per cent of the EU’s territory is highly fragmented, affecting the connectivity and health of ecosystems and their ability to provide services as well as viable habitats for species. Marine habitats and species remain at risk of decline and extinction from a variety of human-induced threats within EU waters. While progress has been made in the EU to decouple growth from GHG emissions, resource use and environmental impacts, resource use is still largely unsustainable and inefficient, and waste is not yet properly managed. As a result, EU businesses are foregoing the significant opportunities that resource efficiency offers in terms of competitiveness, cost reductions, improved productivity and security of supply. Water quality and air pollution levels are still problematic in many parts of Europe, and EU citizens continue to be exposed to hazardous substances, potentially compromising their health and wellbeing. Unsustainable land use is consuming fertile soils, with impacts on food security and the achievement of biodiversity targets. Soil degradation continues largely unchecked.
Amendment 134 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 7
Annex 1 – point 7
7. Together with current wasteful production and consumption systems in the world economy, rising global demand for goods and services and depletion of resources is increasing the cost of essential raw materials, minerals and energy, generating more pollution and waste, increasing global GHG emissions and driving land degradation, deforestation and biodiversity loss. Nearly two-thirds of the world’s ecosystems are in decline and there is evidence that planetary boundaries for biodiversity, climate change and the nitrogen cycle have already been transgressed. There is likely to be a global shortfall of 40 % in water by 2030 unless there is significant progress in improving resource efficiency. There is also the risk that climate change will further exacerbate these problems, with high costs 1. In 2011, disasters partly due to climate change resulted in global economic losses of over 300 billion Euros. The OECD has warned that the continued degradation and erosion of natural capital risks bringing about irreversible changes that could endanger two centuries of rising living standards and entail significant costs . __________________ 1 According to the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change, without action, the overall costs of climate change will be equivalent to losing at least 5% of global gross domestic product (GDP) each year. Including a wider range of risks and impacts, this figure could increase this to 20% of GDP.
Amendment 139 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 10
Annex 1 – point 10
10. The following 2050 vision is intended to help guide action up to and beyond 2020: In 2050, we live well, within the planet’s ecological limits. Our prosperity and healthy environment stem from an innovative, circular economy where nothing is wasted and where natural resources are managed in ways that enhance our society’s resilience. Our low carbon growth has long been decoupled from resource use, setting the pace for a global sustainable economy. Environmental justice is delivered inside and outside the EU. All people have equal access to environmental benefits. Burdens due to environmental degradation are shared in a fair manner.
Amendment 141 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 11
Annex 1 – point 11
11. This transformation requires the full integration of environment issues into other policies, such as energy, transport, agriculture, fisheries, economy and industry, research and innovation, employment, trade, development, foreign affairs and security, and social policy so as to create a coherent, joined-up approach. Action within the EU should also be complemented by enhanced global action and cooperation with neighbouring countries to tackle common challenges.
Amendment 143 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 13
Annex 1 – point 13
13. The EU has signed up to many internationally-agreedlegally binding commitments under Multilateral Environmental Agreements as well to politically binding environmental commitments, including those madeagreed at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) where it marked its support for the inclusive green economy as a central part of a broader strategy for sustainable development. The Rio + 20 outcome document recognises the inclusive green economy as an important tool for achieving sustainable development and sets out a framework for action covering all three dimensions of sustainable development, many of which are reflected in the priority objectives of this programme. It further agreed to elaborate sustainable development goals (SDGs), to strengthen the institutional framework and develop a financing strategy for sustainable development. The EU and its Member States must now ensure that those commitments are implemented both at home through its internal policies, as well as globally through contributions to international action.
Amendment 144 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 14
Annex 1 – point 14
14. This programme complements these efforts by defining priority objectives for the EU to attain over the period up to 2020 and indicative pathways towards 2050. It shall ensure implementation, encourage domestic action and help a range of actors making cost effective investment choices.
Amendment 147 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 16
Annex 1 – point 16
16. The EU’s economic prosperity and well-being is underpinned by its natural capital, whichi.e. its biodiversity, includesing ecosystems that provide essential goods and services, from fertile soil and multi- functional forests to productive land and seas, from fresh water and clean air to pollination, flood control and climate regulation and protection against natural disasters. A substantial body of EU legislation seeks to protect, conserve and enhance natural capital, including the Water Framework Directive (WFD) , the Urban Wastewater Directive1, the Nitrates Directive2, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) , the Air Quality and related directives and the Habitats and Birds Directives . Legislation to tackle climate change, chemicals, industrial emissions and waste also contribute to easing the pressures on biodiversity, including ecosystems, soil and species and habitats. __________________ 1 Directive 91/271/EEC. 2 Directive 91/676/EEC.
Amendment 153 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 17
Annex 1 – point 17
17. However, recent assessments show that biodiversity in the EU is still being lost and that most ecosystems are seriously degraded . The EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 sets out targets and actions needed to reverse these negative trendshalt the loss of biodiversity and to maintain, restore and to enhance ecosystems and their services. It must be implemented in full to enable the EU to meet its biodiversity headline target for 2020. Whereas the strategy includes built- in measures to improve the implementation of the Birds and Habitats directives, including the Natura 2000 network, reaching the headline target will require the full implementation of all existing legislation aimed at protecting natural capital.
Amendment 159 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 18
Annex 1 – point 18
18. Despite considerable efforts to date, the requirement under the WFD to achieve ‘good ecological status’ by 2015 is likely to be met only for some 53 % of surface water bodies in the EU . There is also a risk that the Marine Strategy Framework Directive target to achieve ‘good environmental status’ by 2020 may be missed, inter alia due to continued overfishing and the presence of marine litter in Europe’s seas. And while EU air and industrial emissions policies have helped to reduce many forms of pollution, ecosystems continue to suffer from excess nitrogen and sulphur deposition and ozone pollution associated with emissions from transport, intensive agriculture and power generation.
Amendment 164 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 19
Annex 1 – point 19
19. Protecting, conserving and enhancing the EU’s natural capital therefore also requires tackling problems at source through, inter alia, better integration of natural capital objectives into the development and implementation of other policies, ensuring that policies are coherent and deliver co-benefits. The greening elements set out in the Commission’s reform proposals, notably for EU agriculture, fisheries and cohesion policy, backed by the proposals for greening the EU budget under the Multi-Annual Financial Framework 2014-2020 (MFF) are designed to support these objectives. For instance, aquatic ecosystems in rural areas should benefit from the linking of farm payments to compliance with relevant requirements of the WFD as set out in the Commission’s proposals for the reform of the CAP . Greening of the CAP will also promote the environmentally beneficial agricultural practices of crop diversification, the protection of permanent grassland, and the establishment and maintenance of ecologically valuable farmland and forest areas.
Amendment 168 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 21
Annex 1 – point 21
21. Ecosystem-based approaches to climate change mitigation and adaptation which also benefit biodiversity and the provision of other ecosystem services should be used more extensively as part of the EU’s climate change policy, while other environmental objectives such as biodiversity conservation and soil and water protection should be fully taken into account in decisions relating to renewable energy. Finally, measures to address transport-related air pollution and CO2 emissions will need to be rolled out41 .
Amendment 170 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 22
Annex 1 – point 22
22. The degradation, fragmentation and unsustainable use of land in the EU is jeopardising the provision of several key ecosystem services, threatening biodiversity and increasing Europe’s vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters. It is also driving soil degradation and desertification. More than 25% of the EU’s territory is affected by soil erosion by water, which compromises soil functions and affects the quality of freshwater. Soil contamination and sealing are also persistent problems. More than half a million sites across the EU are thought to be contaminated and until they are identified and assessed, they continue to pose potentially serious environmental and, economic and social risks, including health risks. Every year more than 1 000 km² of land are taken for housing, industry, transport or recreational purposes. These long-term changes are difficult or costly to reverse, and nearly always involve trade- offs between various social, economic and environmental needs. Member States’ planning decisions relating to land use should be made more sustainable, especially taking biodiversity conservation and water protection into account.
Amendment 180 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 23
Annex 1 – point 23
23. To reduce the most significant man- made pressures on land, soil and other ecosystems in Europe, action will be taken to ensure that decisions relating to land use at all relevant levels give proper consideration to environmental as well as social and economic impacts. The Rio+20 Summit outcome, recognizing the economic and social significance of good land management, called for a ‘land degradation neutral world’. The EU and Member States should reflect on how best to make such a commitment operational within their respective competencies as well as how to address soil quality issues using a risk-based approach within a binding legal framework . Targets willdrawing on relevant aspects of the Commission’s Proposal for a Directive Establishing a Framework for the Protection of Soil and amending Directive 2004/35/EC. Targets should also be set for sustainable land use and soil.
Amendment 185 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 25
Annex 1 – point 25
25. Action taken under the Biodiversity Strategy to restore 15 % of degraded ecosystems in the EU and to expand the use of green infrastructure will help to overcome land fragmentationby 2020; regarding this as a minimum, however, and wishes the EU to set a considerably higher restoration target reflecting its own more ambitious headline target and its 2050 vision; and to expand the use of green infrastructure will help to overcome land fragmentation. As an addition to the full implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives these actions will further contribute to establishing and maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems and enhancing their services. It will further enhance natural capital and increase ecosystem resilience, and can offer cost- effective options for climate change mitigation and adaptation and disaster risk management. Meanwhile, Member States' efforts to map and assess ecosystems and their services, and the ‘no net loss’ initiative planned in 2015 will contribute to maintaining the stock of natural capital at a variety of scales. The integration of the economic value of ecosystem services into accounting and reporting systems at EU and national level by 2020 will result in better management of the EU's natural capital.
Amendment 190 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 26 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Annex 1 – point 26 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) The loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services are halted and ecosystems and their services are maintained, restored and enhanced, in particular through the full implementation and effective conservation of the Natura 2000 network supported by Prioritized Action Frameworks, and the implementation of the "no nett loss principle".
Amendment 194 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 26 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Annex 1 – point 26 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) The impacts of air pollution on ecosystems and biodiversity are further reducedsignificantly reduced to achieve the long term objective of not exceeding critical loads and levels.
Amendment 200 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 26 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Annex 1 – point 26 – subparagraph 2 – point a
(a) Fully implementing the EU Biodiversity Strategy without further delay.
Amendment 207 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 26 – subparagraph 2 – point d
Annex 1 – point 26 – subparagraph 2 – point d
(d) Strengthening efforts to reachReaching full compliance with EU air quality legislation and defining strategic targets and actions beyond 2020.
Amendment 223 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 27
Annex 1 – point 27
27. The Europe 2020 Strategy's ‘Resource- efficient Europe’ Flagship Initiative aims to support the shift towards an economy that is efficient in the way it uses all resources, reduces the overall resource extraction and use, decouples absolutely economic growth from resource and energy use and its environmental impacts, reduces GHG emissions, enhances competitiveness through efficiency and innovation and promotes greater energy and resource security. The Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe and the Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy are key building blocks of the Initiative, setting out the framework for future actions to deliver on these objectives.
Amendment 227 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 28
Annex 1 – point 28
28. Innovation to improve resource efficiency is required across the economy to improve competitiveness in the context of rising resource prices, scarcity and supply constraints. The business sector is the prime driver of innovation, including eco-innovation. However, markets will not deliver on their own. Government action, at Union and Member State level, is essential to provide the right framework conditions for eco-innovation, stimulating the development of sustainable business or technological solutions to environmental challenges and promoting sustainable patterns of resource use.
Amendment 235 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 30
Annex 1 – point 30
30. Fully implementing the EU Climate and Energy Package is essential to reach the milestones identified for 2020 and for building a competitive, low-carbon economy by 2050. Whereas the EU is currently on track to reduce domestic GHG emissions 20 % below 1990 levels by 2020, meeting the 20 % energy efficiency target will require far more rapid efficiency improvements. This is also important in the light of still-growing demand for energy and the on-going debate on conflicts between land use for food and for bio- energyincreasing competition for land for food and energy purposes. It is therefore important to ensure that biomass used for energy is limited in volume to what can be sustainably supplied and that biomass is used as efficiently as possible by applying the "cascading use" principle. The new Energy Efficiency Directive is expected to make a significant contribution in this regard.
Amendment 243 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 33
Annex 1 – point 33
33. Some existing policy instruments relating to production and consumption are limited in scope. There is a need for a framework that gives appropriate signals to producers and consumers to promote resource efficiency and the circular economy. Measures will also be taken to further improve the environmental performance of goods and services on the EU market over their whole life cycle through measures to increase the supply of environmentally sustainable products and stimulate a significant shift in consumer demand for these products. This will be achieved using a balanced mix of incentives for consumers and businesses, including SMEs, market- based instruments and regulations to reduce the environmental impacts of their operations and products. Consumers should receive accurate and reliable information about the products they purchase, including in relation to environmental claims. Resource efficient business models such as product service systems, including leasing of products should also be supported. Existing product legislation such as the Ecodesign and Energy Label Directives and the Ecolabel Regulation will be reviewed with a view to improving the environmental performance and resource efficiency of products throughout their lifecycle, thus ensuringand addressing existing provisions through a more coherent legislative framework for sustainable production and consumption in the EU. This legislative framework supported by lifecycle indicators would address the fragmentation and scope limitations of the existing Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) acquis, and identify and fill gaps in policy, incentives and legislation to ensure minimum requirements for environmental performance of products.
Amendment 245 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 34
Annex 1 – point 34
34. Since 80% of all product-related environmental impacts are locked in during their design phase, the EU policy framework should ensure that priority products placed on the EU market are ‘eco- designed’ with a view to optimising resource and material efficiency, by addressing inter alia durability, repairability, reusability, recyclability, use of recycled content and durabilityisassembly. In the long-term, products and their parts shall be sustainably sourced, designed to be reusable or fully recyclable. These requirements will have to be implementable and enforceable. Efforts will be stepped up at EU and national level to remove barriers to eco-innovation , to increase consumer information as well as awareness and to unlock the full potential of Europe's eco-industries, generating benefits for green jobs and growth.
Amendment 251 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 35
Annex 1 – point 35
35. To set a framework for action to improve resource efficiency aspects beyond GHG emissions and energy, the measurement and targets for land footprint, water footprint, material footprint as well as carbon footprint need to be adopted by 2015. At least one of these indicators should be part of the European Semester by 2015. In addition, targets for reducing the overall environmental impact of consumption will be set, in particular in the food, housing and mobility sectors . Taken together, these are responsible for almost 80 % of the environmental impacts of consumption. The Rio+20 outcome recognised the need to significantly reduce post-harvest and other food losses and waste throughout the food supply chain.
Amendment 253 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 36
Annex 1 – point 36
36. In addition to mandatory green public procurement requirements for certain product categories , most Member States have adopted voluntary action plans and many have set targets for specific product groups. There is, however, considerable scope for administrations at all levels to further reduce their environmental impact through their purchasing decisions. Member States and regions should take further steps to reach the target of applying green procurement criteria to at least 50% of public tenders. The Commission will assess the possibility of introducingpropose further sector-specific legislation to set mandatory green public procurement rules for additional product categories.
Amendment 261 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 37
Annex 1 – point 37
37. There is also considerable potential for improving waste management in the EU to make better use of resources and secondary raw materials, open up new markets, create new jobs and reduce dependence on imports of raw materials, while having lower impacts on the environment . Each year in the EU, 2.7 billion tonnes of waste are produced, of which 98 million tonnes is hazardous. On average, only 40 % of solid waste is re- used or recycled. The rest goes to landfill or incineration. In some Member States, more than 70 % of waste is recycled, showing how waste could be used as one of the EU's key resources. At the same time, many Member States landfill over 75 % of their municipal waste.
Amendment 266 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 38
Annex 1 – point 38
38. Turning waste into a resource, by achieving near zero residual waste by 2020, as called for in the Resource Efficiency Roadmap, requires the full implementation and strengthening of EU waste legislation across the EU, based on strict application of the waste hierarchy and covering different types of waste . Additional efforts are needed to: reduce per capita waste generation, including prevention (e.g. reduction of food waste), are needed to achieve a significant reduction of waste per capita per annum in absolute terms, limit energy recovery to non- recyclable and non-compostable materials, phase out landfilling, ensure high quality recyclingxcept for certain hazardous waste where landfilling would represent the safest disposal method, promote reuse, ensure high quality recycling and non- toxic material cycles, and develop markets for secondary raw materials. Hazardous waste will need to be managed so as to minimise significant adverse effects on human health and the environment, as agreed at the Rio+20 Summit. To achieve this, market-based instruments that privilege prevention, recycling and re-use should be applied much more systematically across the EU. Thereby not spending any more public money on landfill infrastructure in the next Multi- annual Financial Framework. Barriers facing recycling activities in the EU internal market should be removed and existing prevention, re-use, recycling, recovery and landfill diversion targets reviewed so as to move towards a ‘circular’ economy, with a cascading use of resources and residual waste close to zero.
Amendment 278 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 40
Annex 1 – point 40
40. A long-term and predictable policy framework in all these areas will help to stimulate the level of investments and action needed to fully develop markets for greener technologies and promote sustainable business solutions. Resource efficiency indicators and targets for the water footprint, land footprint, material footprint and carbon footprint are needed by 2015 to provide the necessary guidance for public and private decision-makers in transforming the economy. They will become an integral part of this programme once agreed at Union level.
Amendment 283 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 1 - point a
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 1 - point a
(a) The EU has met its 2020 climate and energy targets and is working towards reducing GHG emissions by 80-95% by 2050 compared to 1990, as part of a global effort to limit the average temperature increase below 2°C. The climate and energy targets for 2030 and further milestones for energy efficiency and renewable energy have been agreed.
Amendment 284 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 1 - point b
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 1 - point b
(b) The overall environmental impact of EU industry in all major industrial sectors is significantly reduced, and resource efficiency increasresource efficiency has increased due to market and policy incentives that reward best practices by business. Resource efficiency throughout the production chain and lifecycle of a product can be measured and benchmarked.
Amendment 286 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 1 - point c
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 1 - point c
(c) TStructural changes in production, technology and innovation, as well as consumption patterns and lifestyles have reduced the overall environmental impact of production and consumption is reduced, in particular in the food, housing and mobility sectors.
Amendment 288 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 1 - point c a (new)
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 1 - point c a (new)
(ca) Forest degradation is prevented and commodities and products linked to deforestation are eliminated from the EU market.
Amendment 294 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 1 - point d
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 1 - point d
(d) Waste is prevented and safely managed as a resource, waste generated per capita is in absolute decline, energy recovery is limited to non-compostable and non- recyclable materials and landfilling of recyclable and compostable materials is effectively eradicated.
Amendment 297 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 2 – point a
(a) Fully implementing the Climate and Energy Package and agreeing on the EU's climate and energy policy framework for the period beyond 2020. by setting three legally binding targets for the year 2030 be in line with the milestones laid down in the Roadmap for moving to a competitive and low carbon economy in 2050 including an assessment to increase the 2020 climate target to 30%.
Amendment 298 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 2 - point b
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 2 - point b
(b) Generalising the application of ‘Best Available Techniques’ in the context of the Industrial Emissions Directive and enhancing efforts to promote the uptake of emerging innovative technologies, processes and services.
Amendment 302 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 2 - point c a (new)
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 2 - point c a (new)
(ca) Setting indicators and targets for resource efficiency by 2015 on the basis of the Resource Efficiency Roadmap. Introducing a lead indicator and target in the European Semester which is complemented by a dashboard of indicators for the use of land, carbon, water and material.
Amendment 303 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 2 - point c a (new)
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 2 - point c a (new)
(ca) Establishing indicators and setting targets for resource efficiency by 2015.
Amendment 305 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 2 - point d
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 2 - point d
(d) Establishing a more coherent framework for sustainable production and consumption including where appropriate the consolidation of existing instruments into a coherent legal framework. Reviewing product legislation with a view to improving the environmental performance and resource efficiency of products throughout their lifecycle. Stimulating consumer demand for environmentally sustainable products and services. Developing indicators and setting targets for the reduction of the overall impact of consumption.
Amendment 308 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 2 - point d a (new)
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 2 - point d a (new)
(da) Increasing efforts to reach the target of applying green public procurement criteria to at least 50% of public tenders and establishing a voluntary green purchasers network for EU companies.
Amendment 309 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 2 - point e
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 2 - point e
(e) Fully implementing EU waste legislation and achieving near zero waste by 2020. This will include applying the waste hierarchy and the effective use of market-based instruments and measures to ensure that landfilling is effectively phased out, energy recovery is limited to non-recyclable materials, recycledreduce the generation of waste, to promote reuse, to ensure high quality recycling and non-toxic material cycles so that waste iscan be used as a major, reliable source of raw material for the EU, hazardous waste is safely managedthere is a high-quality source segregation system in place, energy recovery is limited to non-recyclable and non-compostable materials, landfilling is effectively phased out, except for certain hazardous waste where landfilling would represent the safest disposal method, and itsthe generation is reduced, iof hazardous waste is significantly reduced and otherwise safely managed. Illegal waste shipments are eradicated and internal market barriers for environmentally-sound recycling activities in the EU are removed. It will require the systematic setting of ambitious recycling, re-use and prevention targets in all EU waste policies.
Amendment 318 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 2 - point e a (new)
Annex 1 – point 41 – subparagraph 2 - point e a (new)
(ea) Develop a new legal instrument that will drive a more efficient use of limited biomass resources, based on an assessment of overall availabilities, establishing a cascading use principle and supporting measures and which will secure that overall amounts of biomass used in any sector are limited to what can be sustainably supplied by ecosystems.
Amendment 342 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 52 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Annex 1 – point 52 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) AIndoor and outdoor air quality in the EU has significantly improved to WHO recommended levels and in accordance with WHO guidelines.
Amendment 344 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 52 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Annex 1 – point 52 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) Noise pollution in the EU has significantly decreased to WHO recommended levels.
Amendment 348 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 52 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Annex 1 – point 52 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) The combination effects of chemicals and safety concerns related to endocrine disruptors are effectively addressed, and risks for the environment and health associated with the use of hazardous substances, including chemicals in products, is assessed and minimised. Long- term actions with a view to reach the objective of a non-toxic environment will be identified.
Amendment 350 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 52 – subparagraph 1 – point e
Annex 1 – point 52 – subparagraph 1 – point e
(e) SThe EU regulatory framework will be revised and complemented to ensure that safety concerns related to nanomaterials are effectively addressed with a specific nano-regulation and as part of a coherent approach across different legislation.
Amendment 351 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 52 – subparagraph 1 – point f
Annex 1 – point 52 – subparagraph 1 – point f
(f) Decisive progress is made in preventing and adapting to climate change impacts.
Amendment 355 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 52 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Annex 1 – point 52 – subparagraph 2 – point a
(a) Implementing updated EU policy on air quality, aligned with the latest scientific knowledge, developing an EU strategy for indoor air quality and measures to combat air pollution at source.
Amendment 357 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 52 – subparagraph 2 – point d
Annex 1 – point 52 – subparagraph 2 – point d
(d) Developing by 2018 an EU strategy for a non- toxic environment, supported by a comprehensive chemical exposure and toxicity knowledge base and conducive to innovation building on horizontal measures to be undertaken by 2015 to ensure by specific provisions in all relevant laws 1) the safety of nanomaterials and similar advanced materials; 2) the minimisation of exposure to endrocrine disrupters; 3) appropriate regulatory approaches to address combination effects of chemicals and 4) the minimisation of exposure to chemicals in products, including inter alia imported products, with a view to promoting non-toxic material cycles and reducing indoor exposure to harmful substances. This should be supported by a comprehensive chemical exposure and toxicity knowledge base, which would accelerate efficient decision-making and promote innovation and the development of sustainable substitutes.
Amendment 366 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 55
Annex 1 – point 55
55. Improving the implementation of the EU environment acquis at Member State level will therefore be given top priority in the coming years. There are significant differences in implementation between and within Member States. There is a need to equip those involved in implementing environmental legislation at EU, national, regional and local levels with the knowledge, tools and capacity to improve the delivery of benefits from this legislation.
Amendment 371 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 59
Annex 1 – point 59
59. Third, the way in which complaints about implementation of EU environment law are handled and remedied at national level will be improved and made more transparent as well as accessible.
Amendment 372 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 60
Annex 1 – point 60
60. Fourth, EU citizens will gain better access to justice in environmental matters and effective legal protection, in line with the Aarhus Convention and other international treaties and developments brought about by the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and recent case law of the European Court of Justice. Non-judicial conflict resolution will also be promoted as an alternative to litigation.
Amendment 375 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 63 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Annex 1 – point 63 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) Full implementation of the Aarhus Convention ensuring EU citizens have access to clear information showing how EU environment law is being implemented, participation in certain environmentally relevant decisions and access to justice.
Amendment 377 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 63 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)
Annex 1 – point 63 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) The requirement of the independence of regulatory authorities at national level for the enforcement of EU environment law is implemented.
Amendment 379 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 63 – subparagraph 1 - point d
Annex 1 – point 63 – subparagraph 1 - point d
(d) Citizens' trust and confidence in EU environment law and its enforcement is enhanced.
Amendment 381 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – – point 63 – subparagraph 2 - point b
Annex 1 – – point 63 – subparagraph 2 - point b
(b) Drawing up transparent partnership implementation agreements between Member States and the Commission.
Amendment 386 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 63 – subparagraph 2 - point e
Annex 1 – point 63 – subparagraph 2 - point e
(e) Ensuring that national provisions on access to justice reflect the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, and promoting non-judicial conflict resolution as a means of finding amicableffective solutions for conflicts in the environmental field.
Amendment 387 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – Priority objective 5
Annex 1 – Priority objective 5
Priority objective 5: To improve the knowledge and evidence base for environment policy
Amendment 389 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 64
Annex 1 – point 64
64. Evidence for EU environment policy is based on environmental monitoring, data, indicators and assessments linked to the implementation of EU legislation, as well as formal scientific research and ‘citizen science’ initiatives. There has been considerable progress on strengthening this evidencknowledge base, raising awareness and improving the confidence of policy-makers and the public in the evidencknowledge-based approach to policy, facilitating their understanding of complex environmental and societal challenges.
Amendment 391 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 64
Annex 1 – point 64
64. Evidence for EU environment policy is based on environmental monitoring, data, indicators and assessments linked to the implementation of EU legislation, as well as formal scientific research and ‘citizen science’ initiatives. There has been considerable progress on strengthening this knowledge and evidence base, raising awareness and improving the confidence of policy-makers and the public in the evidence-based approach to policy, facilitating their understanding of complex environmental and societal challenges.
Amendment 393 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 66
Annex 1 – point 66
66. However, the pace of current developments and uncertainties surrounding likely future trends requires further steps to maintain and strengthen this knowledge and evidence base to ensure policy in the EU continues to draw on a sound understanding of the state of the environment, possible response options and their consequences.
Amendment 394 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 68
Annex 1 – point 68
68. Further implementation of the Shared Environmental Information System principle of ‘produce once, use often’ and the common approaches and standards on acquisition and collation of spatial information under the INSPIRE and Copernicus (previously known as GMES65) systems, as well as other environmental information systems for Europe (such as BISE and WISE), will help avoid duplication of effort and eliminate unnecessary administrative burdens on public authorities, as will efforts to streamline reporting obligations under different pieces of legislation. Member States should make information gathered to assess environmental impacts of plans, programmes and projects (e.g. through Environmental or Strategic Impact Assessments) more accessible to the public.
Amendment 395 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 69 – introductory part
Annex 1 – point 69 – introductory part
69. There are still significant gaps in knowledge, some of them relevant to this programme's priority objectives. Investing in further research to fill these gaps is therefore essential to ensure that public authorities and businesses have a sound basis for taking decisionsknowledge of latest science which fully reflect true social, economic and environmental benefits and costs. Four gaps stand out:
Amendment 397 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 69 – indent 2
Annex 1 – point 69 – indent 2
– The transition to an inclusive green economy requires proper consideration of the interplay between socio-economic and environmental factors. Improving our understanding of sustainable consumption and production patterns, how costs and benefits of action or inaction can be considered more accurately, how changes in individual and societal behaviour contribute to environmental outcomes and how Europe's environment is affected by global megatrends can help better target policy initiatives towards improving resource efficiency and relieving pressures on the environment.
Amendment 398 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 69 – indent 3
Annex 1 – point 69 – indent 3
– TWhile there are still uncertainties surrounding the full implications for human health and the environmental implications of endocrine disruptors, mixtures, chemicals in products and nanomaterials. Filling these gaps of endocrine disrupters, mixtures, chemicals in products and nanomaterials, the latest research indicates that endocrine disrupters cause adverse health effects, especially regarding pregnant women and the development of children. This fully warrants precautionary action. In addition, concerns exist regarding the potential environment and health implications of the combined effects of chemicals in products, nanomaterials and similar advanced materials. Implementing existing knowledge, supplemented with a continued effort to fill the remaining knowledge gaps including, inter alia, via the use of biomonitoring and environmental monitoring, can accelerate decision-making and enable the further development of the chemicals acquis to better target areas of concern, whileand also help to stimulatinge a more sustainable approach to the use of chemicals. An improved understanding of the environmental factors and the levels of exposure affecting human health and the environment would allow preventive policy actions to be taken.
Amendment 404 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 70
Annex 1 – point 70
70. New and emerging issues arising from rapid technological developments that outpace policy, such as nanomaterials and similar advanced materials, unconventional energy sources, carbon capture and storage and electromagnetic waves, pose risk management challenges and can give rise to conflicting interests, needs and expectations. This in turn can lead to increasing public concern and potential hostility towards new technologies. There is therefore a need to ensure a broader, explicit societal debate about the environmental risks and possible trade-offs that we are willing to accept in the light of sometimes incomplete or uncertain information about emerging risks and how they should be handled. A systematic approach to environmental risk management will improve the EU's capacity to identify and act upon technological developments in a timely manner, while providing reassurance to the public.
Amendment 406 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 71 – introductory part
Annex 1 – point 71 – introductory part
71. In order to improve the knowledge and evidence base for environment policy, the programme shall ensure that by 2020:
Amendment 407 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 71 – subparagraph 1 - point a
Annex 1 – point 71 – subparagraph 1 - point a
(a) Policy-makers and businesses have a better basis for developing and implementing environment and climate policies, including measuring costs and benefits of action or inaction.
Amendment 408 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 71 – subparagraph 1 - point c a (new)
Annex 1 – point 71 – subparagraph 1 - point c a (new)
(ca) Increasing the share of EU Research funds spend on assessing the hazards of new products, processes and technologies.
Amendment 409 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 71 – subparagraph 2 - point a
Annex 1 – point 71 – subparagraph 2 - point a
(a) Coordinating and focusing research efforts at EU and Member State levels on addressing key environmental knowledge gaps, including the risks of environmental tipping-points as highlighted in the planetary boundaries concept.
Amendment 413 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 71 – subparagraph 2 - point b
Annex 1 – point 71 – subparagraph 2 - point b
(b) Adopting a systematic and integrated approach to risk management, based on the precautionary principle and preventive action, the polluter-pays principle, the principle of rectification of pollution at source as well as the principle of proportionality.
Amendment 417 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 71 – subparagraph 2 – point c
Annex 1 – point 71 – subparagraph 2 – point c
(c) Simplifying, streamlining and modernising environmental and climate change data and information collection, management and sharing – including the development and implementation of a European Shared Environmental Information System.
Amendment 419 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 71 – subparagraph 2 – point c a (new)
Annex 1 – point 71 – subparagraph 2 – point c a (new)
(ca) Completing a comprehensive assessment of the availability of sustainable biomass supply and the competing uses and needs.
Amendment 420 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 71 – subparagraph 2 – point c b (new)
Annex 1 – point 71 – subparagraph 2 – point c b (new)
Amendment 429 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 74
Annex 1 – point 74
74. The Union and Member States will need to put in place the right conditions to ensure that environmental externalities are adequately addressed and that the right market signals are sent to the private sector, with due regard to any adverse social impacts. This will involve applying the polluter-pays principle more systematically, through phasing out environmentally harmful subsidies and shifting taxation away from labour towards pollution and resource consumption. As natural resources become increasingly scarce, the economic rent and profits associated with their ownership or exclusive use may increase. Public intervention to ensure that such rents are not excessive and that externalities are taken into account will lead to more efficient use of these resources and will help to avoid market distortions, as well as generate public revenue. Environment and climate priorities will be pursued in the framework of the European Semester through the introduction of lead indicators where these are relevant to the sustainable growth prospects of individual Member States to which country-specific recommendations are addressed. Other market-based instruments, such as payments for ecosystem services, should be used more extensively at EU and national level to incentivise private sector involvement and sustainable management of natural capital.
Amendment 434 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 78
Annex 1 – point 78
78. The increased capital provided to the European Investment Bank (EIB) as part of the 2012 Compact for Growth and Jobs provides an additional source of investment , which shall be spent in line with the EU environment and climate objectives.
Amendment 439 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 82 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Annex 1 – point 82 – subparagraph 2 – point a
(a) PThe Commission and the Member States to adopt, without delay and by 2014, concrete plans based on the definition in point Annex I, paragraph 82, point a for progressively phasing out all environmentally harmful subsidies, increasing the use of market-based instruments, including by 2020, including subsidies that incentivise inefficient use of renewable resources, and to report on progress through the National Reform Programmes; increasing the use of market-based instruments, including a minimum ten per cent shift from labour to environmental taxation, pricing and charging, and expanding markets for environmental goods and services, with due regard to any adverse social impacts.
Amendment 443 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 82 – subparagraph 2 – point a a (new)
Annex 1 – point 82 – subparagraph 2 – point a a (new)
(aa) The Commission needs to define environmentally harmful subsidies as 'a result of a government action that confers an advantage on consumers or producers, in order to supplement their income or lower their costs, but in doing so, discriminates against sound environmental practices.'1 __________________ 1 Adapted from OECD (1998 and 2005) in IEEP et al. 2007, see http://ec.europa.eu/environment/enveco/ta xation/index.htm
Amendment 447 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 86 – subparagraph 2 – point b a (new)
Annex 1 – point 86 – subparagraph 2 – point b a (new)
(ba) Fully implementing the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive1 and the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive2. __________________ 1 Directive 2001/42/EC 2 Directive 85/337/EC
Amendment 450 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 88 a (new)
Annex 1 – point 88 a (new)
88a. In the long-term, the EU needs to develop a comprehensive strategy on how a green and inclusive economy can contribute to better urban environments by focusing on integration of urban planning with objectives relates to resource efficiency, a low-carbon economy, adaptation to climate change, sustainable urban land-use, waste management, ecosystem resilience, water management, human health, public participation in decision making and environmental education and awareness.
Amendment 455 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 91 – subparagraph 1 - point a
Annex 1 – point 91 – subparagraph 1 - point a
(a) A majority of cities in the EU are implementing policies for sustainable urban planning and design in line with a comprehensive long-term strategy on sustainable cities..
Amendment 461 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 91 – subparagraph 2 - point b a (new)
Annex 1 – point 91 – subparagraph 2 - point b a (new)
(ba) Supporting healthy and sustainable urban mobility and reducing air and noise pollution. Developing and modernising urban public transport networks. Making provision for the electrification of local transport systems and introducing schemes for the use of electric vehicles in EU cities. Develop safe infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists to ensure the doubling in number of users of such active transport modes as walking and cycling.
Amendment 462 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 91 – subparagraph 2 - point b a (new)
Annex 1 – point 91 – subparagraph 2 - point b a (new)
(ba) Progressing on the development of a comprehensive strategy on how a green and inclusive economy can contribute to better urban environments.
Amendment 464 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 91 – subparagraph 2 - point b b (new)
Annex 1 – point 91 – subparagraph 2 - point b b (new)
(bb) Sharing of best practice between cities at EU and international levels on innovative developments and sustainable urban living.
Amendment 465 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 92
Annex 1 – point 92
92. Environmentalsuring sustainability is one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today and is key to reducending poverty and ensuring quality of life and economic growthprosperity and wellbeing for all . At Rio+20, world leaders renewed their commitment to sustainable development and to ensuring the promotion of an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable future for the planet, for present and future generations. They also recognised that the inclusive green economy ais an important tool for achieving sustainable development, and the crucial role of a healthy environment in ensuring food security and reducing poverty. In the light of a growing population in an increasingly urbanised world, these challenges will include the need for action oninternational action in a number of areas such as water, oceans, sustainable land and ecosystems, resource efficiency (in particular waste), sustainable energy and climate change, including through the phase out of fossil environmentally harmfuel subsidies. They will need to be addressed through tailor-made approaches at, including fossil fuel subsidies. In addition to translating these commitments into action at the local, national or Unionand EU level, asthe EU weill as committed engagementengage proactively in international efforts to develop the solutions needed to ensure sustainable development globally.
Amendment 467 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 93
Annex 1 – point 93
93. The Rio+20 outcomes will needs to be reflected in the internal and external policy priorities of the Union and its Member States. The Union should also support the creationworkings of athe High Level Political Forum to graduahat willy replace the Commission for Sustainable Development and monitor the implementation of Rio+20 outcomes.
Amendment 473 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 96
Annex 1 – point 96
96. The global biodiversity targets under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) need to be met by 2020 as the basis for halting and eventually reversing the loss of biodiversity worldwide. The EU will contribute its fair share to these efforts, including by reaching the target to double biodiversity-related funding to developing countries by 2015 and maintain this level until 2020 . There is already a EU will continue to support the implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), in particular by taking action to achieve a land degradation neutral world as agreed at Rio+20. It will also step up efforts to reach the global 2020 target for the sound management of risks posed by chemicalchemicals throughout their life-cycle and of hazardous waste, as reinforced at Rio+20, and to support related conventions. The EU will continue to play an active and constructive role in helping these processes achieve their objectives.
Amendment 474 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 96 a (new)
Annex 1 – point 96 a (new)
96a. The EU should proactively engage in international negotiations on new and emerging issues, in particular of new Conventions, agreements and assessments, such as the negotiation of an implementing agreement under UNCLOS on Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction and the 'World Ocean Assessment'.
Amendment 476 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 97 a (new)
Annex 1 – point 97 a (new)
97a. The EU should further intensify its contribution to initiatives that facilitate the transition towards an inclusive green economy at international level, such as promotion of appropriate enabling conditions, the development of market- based instruments and indicators beyond GDP, consistent with its internal policies.
Amendment 480 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 98
Annex 1 – point 98
98. The EU should also leverage its position as one of the largest markets in the world to promote policies and approaches that decrease pressure on the global natural resource base. This can be done by changing patterns of consumption and production, as well as ensuring that trade and internal market policies support the achievement of environmental and climate goals and provide incentives to other countries to upgrade and enforce their environmental regulatory frameworks and standards. The EU will continue to promote sustainable development through the negotiation and implementation of dedicated provisions in its international trade agreements and should consider other policy options to reduce the impacts of EU consumption on the environment in non- EU countries. An example of such a policy option are the bilateral Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) partnerships, which establish a framework to ensure only legally-harvested timber enters the EU market from partner countries. Other policy options to reduce the impacts of EU consumption on the global environment will also be explored.
Amendment 484 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 100 – subparagraph 1 - point a
Annex 1 – point 100 – subparagraph 1 - point a
(a) The outcomes of Rio+20 are fully integrated into the EU's internal and external policies and the EU is contributing effectively to global efforts to implement agreed commitments, including those under the Rio conventions.
Amendment 485 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 100 – subparagraph 1 - point c a (new)
Annex 1 – point 100 – subparagraph 1 - point c a (new)
(ca) The EU is further intensifying its initiatives to facilitate the global transition towards an inclusive green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication and plays a major role in driving international ambitions towards achieving this objective.
Amendment 487 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 100 – subparagraph 2 - point a
Annex 1 – point 100 – subparagraph 2 - point a
(a) Working towards the adoption of Sustainable Development Goals that: a) address priority areas of an inclusive green economy and wider sustainable development objectives, such as energy, water, food security, oceans and sustainable consumption and production, as well as cross-cutting issues such as equity, social inclusion, decent work, rule of law and good governance; b) are universally applicable, covering all three areas of sustainable development; c) are assessed and accompanied by targets and indicators, and d) are coherent and integrated with the post-2015 development framework, and supportiveconsistent with other international commitments such as ofn climate actionschange and biodiversity.
Amendment 489 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 100 – subparagraph 2 - point b
Annex 1 – point 100 – subparagraph 2 - point b
(b) Working towards a more effective UN structure for sustainable development through strengthening UNEP in line with the outcome of Rio+20, in particular its environmental dimension through: (a) further strengthening the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in line with the outcome of Rio+20, building on the decision by the UNEP Governing Council to establish a UN Environment Assembly, while continuing to strive for an upgrade of UNEP's status to that of UNa specialised Agency, and; (b) supporting ongoing efforts to enhance synergies between Multilateral Environmental Agreements;, in particular in the chemicals and waste and the biodiversity clusters; and c) contributing to ensuring a strong and authoritative voice for the environment in the work of the High Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development.
Amendment 493 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 100 – subparagraph 2 - point d
Annex 1 – point 100 – subparagraph 2 - point d
(d) Engaging with partner countries in a more strategic way which includes a timely communication of the EU's position and goals ahead of international conferences. This should involve focusing cooperation: 1) with strategic partners on the promotion of best practice in domestic environment policy and legislation and convergence in multilateral environmental negotiations; 2) with countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy on gradual approximation with key EU environment and climate policy and legislation and on strengthening cooperation to address regional environmental and climate challenges; 3) with developing countries to support their efforts to protect the environment, fight climate change and reduce natural disasters, and implement international environmental commitments as a contribution to poverty reduction and sustainable development.
Amendment 495 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 100 – subparagraph 2 - point e
Annex 1 – point 100 – subparagraph 2 - point e
(e) Engaging in multilateral environmental processes, including the UNFCCC, CBD and the chemicals-related conventions, as well as other relevant fora, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization, in a more consistent, proactive and effective way with a view to ensuring that commitments for 2020 are met at EU and global level, and to agree on international action to be taken beyond 2020, and boosting efforts to implement all key multilateral environmental agreements well before 2020.
Amendment 496 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 100 – subparagraph 2 - point e
Annex 1 – point 100 – subparagraph 2 - point e
(e) Engaging in multilateral environmental processes, including the UNFCCC, CBD, CITES, ICRW, and the chemicals-related conventions, as well as other relevant fora, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization, in a more consistent, proactive and effective way with a view to ensuring that commitments for 2020 are met at EU and global level, and to agree on international action to be taken beyond 2020.
Amendment 499 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 100 – subparagraph 2 - point g
Annex 1 – point 100 – subparagraph 2 - point g
(g) Assessing the environmental impact, in a global context, of EU consumption of food and non-food commodities and possible related responses and taking the necessary policy measures to address the findings of such assessments.
Amendment 500 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 100 – subparagraph 2 - point g – point i (new)
Annex 1 – point 100 – subparagraph 2 - point g – point i (new)
(i) Supporting the roll-out and further development of Emissions Trading Schemes around the world and allow for their inter-regional link-up.
Amendment 502 #
Proposal for a decision
Annex 1 – point 101
Annex 1 – point 101
101. The Commission will ensure that implementation of the programme is monitored in the context of the Europe 2020 Strategy's regular monitoring process. An evaluation of the programme will be carried out before 2020, in particular on the basis of the EEA's State of the Environment report. The Commission will on a biannual basis report to the Parliament on the progress of the Environment Action Programme.