BETA


2005/2049(INI) Winning the battle against global climate change

Progress: Procedure completed

RoleCommitteeRapporteurShadows
Lead ENVI WIJKMAN Anders (icon: PPE-DE PPE-DE)
Committee Opinion DEVE
Committee Opinion ITRE HARMS Rebecca (icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE)
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
RoP 54

Events

2006/03/10
   EC - Commission response to text adopted in plenary
Documents
2006/03/09
   CSL - Resolution/conclusions adopted by Council
2006/03/09
   CSL - Council Meeting
2005/12/15
   EC - Commission response to text adopted in plenary
Documents
2005/12/01
   CSL - Resolution/conclusions adopted by Council
Details

The Council held a policy debate on climate change and sustainable energy, that provided the Commission with indications on Member States concerns and priorities to be taken into consideration inter alia when the Commission develops its Action Plan on Energy Efficiency and Review of the European Emissions Trading Scheme.

At the same time the medium and long-term EU strategy to combat climate change called for by the Spring European Council 2005 should :

- focus in particular on environmental effectiveness;

- take account of the need for promoting competitiveness and affordable energy supply;

- promote cost-efficient measures to cut emissions;

- recognise the need for global joint efforts, in line with common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities;

- provide certainty for public and private investment.

The Council stresses :

- the need to raise the profile of energy efficiency across all sectors, including in the public sector which should lead by example for other sectors;

- the importance of the exchange of best practice across the Union and the need to ensure synergy and consistency with other policy areas, particularly environment and transport policy;

- that the transport and building sectors, in particular, hold a large potential for increased energy efficiency;

- an increased emphasis on research, development and deployment of energy efficient products and technologies is needed, which could also be beneficial to the EU export potential;

- the potential of more efficient energy generation, including with low or zero emissions.

It urges the Member States to :

- ensure effective application of Community legislation on energy efficiency including Directive 2002/91/EC on the Energy performance of Buildings, Directive 2004/8/EC on the promotion of co-generation and Directive 2005/32/EC on eco-design requirements for energy using products;

- make good use of energy efficiency-related provisions under Directive 2003/54 on the internal market in electricity.

The Commission is invited to :

- ensure that energy efficiency is explicitly covered in its proposals on a revised EU sustainable development strategy and on the new European Climate Change Programme;

- consider in detail when developing its cost-benefit analysis of climate change measures the contribution that can be made by energy efficiency measures and report on the effects of emissions trading instruments on other instruments in the energy sector as announced at the Spring European Council 2003;

- take the need for long term regulatory certainty and transparency and cost-effectiveness into account in its forthcoming review of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, in the context of the ongoing development of the EU's medium and long-term strategy to tackle climate change. The Commission should thus review this scheme and should table as soon as possible proposals, as appropriate, to make this scheme more effective while taking into account the need for promoting competitiveness and an affordable energy supply;

- base this review on comprehensive and reliable data and ensure that remedies to possible market disturbances in sectors affected by the EU Emissions Trading Scheme are provided in good time;

- do its utmost to provide guidance early enough for the preparation of the 2nd national allocation plans;

- move swiftly to implement measures within the framework provided by the eco-design directive.

2005/12/01
   CSL - Council Meeting
2005/11/16
   EP - Results of vote in Parliament
2005/11/16
   EP - Debate in Parliament
2005/11/16
   EP - Decision by Parliament
Details

The European Parliament adopted the resolution based on the own-initiative report drafted by Anders WIJKMAN (EPP-ED, SE) on winning the battle against climate change, enabling the European Parliament to express its opinion with a view to the United Nations Climate Change Conference, due to take place in Montreal, between 28 November and 9 December. The report was adopted 450 votes in favour, 66 against and 143 abstentions. (Please see the document dated 11/10/2005.)

Parliament stressed that the EU strategy on climate change mitigation should be based on a seven-pronged approach: building on key Kyoto elements (i.e. binding greenhouse gas emission targets, a global cap-and-trade system, and flexible mechanisms); undertaking strong emissions reductions at home (starting with 20-30% domestic reductions by 2020); adopting a proactive approach to engage other main actors, notably the US; developing a strategic partnership with countries like China, South Africa, Brazil and India to help them develop sustainable energy strategies; vigorously promoting research and innovation for sustainable energy technologies and removing ‘perverse’ incentives such as fossil fuel subsidies; using legislation to stimulate greater energy efficiency; and encouraging citizens to become directly involved to a much greater extent in mitigation efforts, inter alia through the provision of detailed information about the carbon content of products and services.

Parliament called on the EU to present, at the COP-11 and COP/MOP1, proposals for a future climate regime, based on the overall objective to limit the average global temperature increase to 2°C above pre-industrialisation levels. It felt that a future regime should be based on common but differentiated responsibilities aiming at contraction and convergence, as well as on progressively greater emission reductions and the involvement of more countries in the reduction effort. A long-term goal should be to develop a global carbon market, based on cap and trade.

Parliament deplored the non-implementation by the current US administration of the commitments under the UNFCCC to return to 1990 emission levels and avoid dangerous climate change, and regrets its decision not to proceed with ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. The EU must ensure that the multilateral process is not paralysed by individual countries.

The potential for energy savings is as high as 40% in the EU, but to reach this goal binding targets must be set. With a systemic approach it would be possible for renewable energies to cover 25% of EU energy consumption by 2020.

Parliament underlined that effective climate change mitigation would require a major transformation of the energy and transportation systems and of the thermal design of buildings and that this transformation ought to become a driving force within the Lisbon Strategy, to boost growth and competitiveness. It called on the EU to develop a strategy to make Europe the most energy efficient economy in the world, by setting targets for annual reductions in energy intensity in the order of 2,5-3%.

It pointed out that many of the technologies needed to reduce GHG emissions already exist. However, their market entry is hampered by numerous barriers, not least perverse incentives such as subsidies for fossil fuels. The Commission is asked to propose legislation to abolish all such subsidies and instead to put in place a positive incentive structure for the enhanced use of energy-efficient, low-carbon and carbon-free technologies. Parliament called for the pro-active use of public procurement within the EU to help bring down the costs for such technologies. In addition to focusing the Seventh Framework Programme on research in areas relating to climate change mitigation, Parliament asked for a Crash Programme - similar to the US Apollo Programme in the 1960s - to promote research and innovation in support of sustainable energy and land-use management.

Developments within the transport sector are critical as it contributes to roughly 30% of the Community's CO2 equivalent emission, in which approximately 85% is the share of road transport. Parliament called for a policy of strong measures to reduce emissions from transport, including mandatory limits for CO2 emissions from new vehicles in the order of 80-100 gm/km for new vehicles in the medium term to be achieved through emission trading between car manufacturers. Parliament also noted with concern the increase in freight transport, and called on the Commission to make proposals to transfer a large proportion of road haulage traffic to more environmentally-friendly modes of transport.

Parliament went on to state its support for the introduction of ecotaxes at Community level. Like other market instruments, they are essential to an effective pollution reduction policy. Member States should adopt the first European ecotax by 2009 at the latest.

Parliament also pointed out that aviation is responsible for between 4% and 9% of all GHG emissions worldwide and emissions from aviation are increasing at an annual rate of 3%. There must be severe reduction targets for the aviation sector.

Parliament went on to state that in the review of the current Greenhouse Gas Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) and its possible expansion, the idea of grandfathering should be closely reconsidered because of its major shortcomings, and alternatives such as benchmarking and auctioning – using an up-stream approach - should be explored. Moreover, national emission quotas also will have to be reconsidered because of increased cross-border trade, notably as regards electricity.

With regard to developing countries' participation in the future climate regime, the EU should clearly recognise that the priority for these countries is poverty and development. However, the UN Millennium Development Goals will never be met if environment issues, such as climate change, are not properly addressed. Parliament therefore backed the creation of a new coherent political solution to improve the welfare of already vulnerable populations through a global strategy for development with appropriate economic support. This new strategy should be based on the link between climate change, natural resource management, disaster prevention and poverty eradication.

The Commission, as part of the technology cooperation with Annex B countries and as part of its review of the Cotonou Agreement, should assist developing countries to adopt national energy strategies so as to minimise their dependence on imported fossil fuels, to promote technology leapfrogging, notably as regards renewable energy, in particular biomass, and to help them meet the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Documents
2005/11/16
   EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2005/10/21
   EP - Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
Documents
2005/10/21
   EP - Committee report tabled for plenary
Documents
2005/10/11
   EP - Vote in committee
Details

The committee adopted the own-initiative report drawn up by Anders WIJKMAN (EPP-ED, SE) in response to the Commission communication on "Winning the battle against global climate change". The report stressed that the EU strategy on climate change should be based on a seven-pronged approach, involving: building on key Kyoto elements (i.e.binding greenhouse gas emission targets, a global cap-and-trade system, and flexible mechanisms); undertaking strong emissions reductions at home (starting with 20-30% domestic reductions by 2020); adopting a proactive approach to engage other main actors, notably the US; developing a strategic partnership with countries like China, South Africa, Brazil and India to help them develop sustainable energy strategies; vigorously promoting research and innovation for sustainable energy technologies and removing ‘perverse’ incentives such as fossil fuel subsidies; using legislation to stimulate greater energy efficiency; and encouraging citizens to become directly involved to a much greater extent in mitigation efforts, inter alia through the provision of detailed information about the carbon content of products and services.

Ahead of the forthcoming UN Conferences, MEPs urged the EU leadership to present proposals for a future climate regime "based on the overall objective that the average global temperature increase should not go beyond 2°C of pre-industrialisation levels". They said that, in the review of the current Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and its possible expansion, "the idea of grandfathering should be closely reconsidered because of its major shortcomings and alternatives such as benchmarking and auctioning – using an up-stream approach - should be explored". National emission quotas would also have to be reconsidered because of increased cross-border trade, notably electricity. The report said that a future regime should be based on "common but differentiated responsibilities aiming at contraction and convergence , on continued and progressively greater emission reductions and the involvement of more countries in the reduction efforts". A ny targets for emission cuts should be based on recent science and aiming to not exceed a global average temperature increase of 2°C with reasonable certainty. Cost-effectiveness should be a characteristic of all measures considered and a long-term goal should therefore be to develop a global carbon market, based on cap and trade. While welcoming the conclusion of the March 2005 European Council that developed countries should aim for emissions reductions in the order of 15-30% for 2020, MEPs insisted that "emissions reduction targets for the long term are needed as well" and suggested a target of 60-80% for 2050. They pointed out that the potential for energy savings was as high as 40% in the EU, but that to reach this goal binding targets must be set. Furthermore, with a systemic approach it would be possible for renewable energies to cover 25% of EU energy consumption by 2020. Other recommendations included the introduction of "strong measures" to reduce emissions from transport, including severe reduction targets for the aviation sector and a pilot aviation emissions trading scheme for the period 2008-2012; developing the use of biomass; transforming energy and transportation systems and the thermal design of buildings; and "setting targets for annual reductions in the energy intensity in the order of 2.5-3%".

2005/10/05
   EP - Amendments tabled in committee
Documents
2005/10/05
   EP - Committee opinion
Documents
2005/10/03
   EP - Amendments tabled in committee
Documents
2005/09/05
   EP - Committee opinion
Documents
2005/05/25
   EP - HARMS Rebecca (Verts/ALE) appointed as rapporteur in ITRE
2005/05/12
   EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament
2005/04/07
   EP - WIJKMAN Anders (PPE-DE) appointed as rapporteur in ENVI
2005/02/09
   EC - Non-legislative basic document
Details

PURPOSE: the presentation of a Communication entitled ‘Winning the Battle Against Global Climate Change’.

CONTENT: With the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol, international efforts to combat climate change enter a new phase. The EU has begun reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and now needs to develop its medium and long-term strategies for winning the battle against climate change, inside the EU and elsewhere in the international community. Several EU Member States have already announced or proposed national mid- and long-term climate targets.

This Communication responds to the request of the March 2004 European Council meeting for a cost benefit analysis which takes account both of environmental and competitiveness considerations, as preparation for a discussion on medium and longer term emission reduction strategies, including targets. On the basis of the analysis undertaken by the Commission, it recommends a number of elements which should be included in the EU’s future climate change strategies and proposes dialogue with key partners during 2005 in order to prepare the EU’s position for future international negotiations. It is accompanied by a working document setting out in greater detail the review of scientific evidence and the scenarios which have been analysed to underpin the information presented therein.

The main conclusions of the Communication are as follows:

Climate change is happening. Science tells us that we should be aiming to limit the future global average temperature increase to 2°C above pre-industrial levels in order to limit the damage. The 2°C target implies that policies are needed both to adapt to climate change and to mitigate climate change. Despite the implementation of already agreed policies, global emissions are likely to grow within the next two decades and global reductions of at least 15 % in emission by 2050 compared to 1990 levels would seem to be necessary, and will take significant effort.

Doing nothing is not a sensible option. The more action is postponed, the greater the risk of irreversible climate change, as options to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations at lower levels are closed off. The science of climate change continues to develop and future evidence may show that change is taking place even faster than is apparent today. Therefore, a rational medium- and long-term climate policy should be based on a ‘keeping the door open’ strategy. Such a strategy would allow moving even to a lower than initially targeted concentration level in future, if new scientific knowledge points to the necessity to do so. Mitigation involves significant adjustments to our societies and economies, such as the restructuring of energy and transport systems. It is therefore imperative to use the most efficient and least-cost mix of adaptation and mitigation actions over time to meet our environmental objectives while maintaining our economic competitiveness. The future climate change strategy of the EU needs to include the following elements:

1) The broadening of participation: The EU will continue to play a leadership role in the multilateral approach to climate change, but wider participation on the basis of common but differentiated responsibilities is urgently required. Realistic progress towards the 2°C target is only within reach if more countries in the world take effective actions. In order to minimise negative economic impacts further policy efforts by the EU need to be accompanied by similar action of other major emitting nations. Moreover, policies to tackle climate change must be consistent with and contribute towards other important objectives (e.g. poverty reduction), accommodating the rather diverse conditions of current and future major emitters. The EU negotiating strategy should include an international process of negotiated actions to reduce emissions, with the aim of involving and committing all large emitters. These actions could consist of specific projects or programmes to improve energy efficiency or to promote low-carbon technologies as well as more comprehensive policies, including targets.

2) The inclusion of more policy areas: The scope of international action must be widened to cover all greenhouse gases and sectors. In particular, the fast growing emissions from aviation and maritime transport should be included. A fresh look will have to be taken at how to halt deforestation of the world’s forests. Addressing this problem as a specific issue in some regions is necessary as almost 20 % of global greenhouse gas emissions are currently emitted due to land use changes.

3) Enhanced innovation: The required transformation of energy and transport systems presents a major innovation challenge. Within the context of the Lisbon strategy, a technology policy employing an optimal mix of ‘push’ and ‘pull’ policy instruments should be developed to underpin the restructuring process. Placing an emphasis on cost-effective emission abatement would be essential. A portfolio of low emission technologies is already available and needs to be disseminated more widely. More research is needed to bring new technologies closer to the market.

4) The continued use of market based and flexible instruments: Successful structural elements of the Kyoto Protocol should be maintained in any new system post 2012. These include emissions trading, as introduced by the European Union, on the basis of emission limitations and project based mechanisms as building blocks to a truly international carbon market, the rules for monitoring and reporting on emissions, and a multi-lateral compliance regime.

While continuing to promote the concept of targets and timetables, the scope of international negotiations has to be broadened so as to concretely link climate change issues with research, development, deployment and diffusion of new technologies, improving energy efficiency and developing low-carbon sources of energy and development policy. This broadening of the scope for negotiation has to be understood as a way of creating incentives and motivation for more countries to participate in actions against climate change. Developing countries will make huge investments into their energy infrastructure over the coming decades. Public funds that are channelled by the World Bank, EIB, EBRD and other development banks need to be used to leverage developing countries’ own savings towards climate-friendly investments, particularly in the energy sector. The potential of a global low-carbon energy programme and technology transfer and diffusion funds focusing on major emerging economies needs to be explored.

5) The inclusion of adaptation policies: More resources need to be allocated in the EU to adapt effectively to climate change. The adaptation efforts of the poorest and worst-affected countries should be financially supported.

2005/02/09
   EC - Document attached to the procedure
2005/02/08
   EC - Non-legislative basic document published
Details

PURPOSE: the presentation of a Communication entitled ‘Winning the Battle Against Global Climate Change’.

CONTENT: With the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol, international efforts to combat climate change enter a new phase. The EU has begun reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and now needs to develop its medium and long-term strategies for winning the battle against climate change, inside the EU and elsewhere in the international community. Several EU Member States have already announced or proposed national mid- and long-term climate targets.

This Communication responds to the request of the March 2004 European Council meeting for a cost benefit analysis which takes account both of environmental and competitiveness considerations, as preparation for a discussion on medium and longer term emission reduction strategies, including targets. On the basis of the analysis undertaken by the Commission, it recommends a number of elements which should be included in the EU’s future climate change strategies and proposes dialogue with key partners during 2005 in order to prepare the EU’s position for future international negotiations. It is accompanied by a working document setting out in greater detail the review of scientific evidence and the scenarios which have been analysed to underpin the information presented therein.

The main conclusions of the Communication are as follows:

Climate change is happening. Science tells us that we should be aiming to limit the future global average temperature increase to 2°C above pre-industrial levels in order to limit the damage. The 2°C target implies that policies are needed both to adapt to climate change and to mitigate climate change. Despite the implementation of already agreed policies, global emissions are likely to grow within the next two decades and global reductions of at least 15 % in emission by 2050 compared to 1990 levels would seem to be necessary, and will take significant effort.

Doing nothing is not a sensible option. The more action is postponed, the greater the risk of irreversible climate change, as options to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations at lower levels are closed off. The science of climate change continues to develop and future evidence may show that change is taking place even faster than is apparent today. Therefore, a rational medium- and long-term climate policy should be based on a ‘keeping the door open’ strategy. Such a strategy would allow moving even to a lower than initially targeted concentration level in future, if new scientific knowledge points to the necessity to do so. Mitigation involves significant adjustments to our societies and economies, such as the restructuring of energy and transport systems. It is therefore imperative to use the most efficient and least-cost mix of adaptation and mitigation actions over time to meet our environmental objectives while maintaining our economic competitiveness. The future climate change strategy of the EU needs to include the following elements:

1) The broadening of participation: The EU will continue to play a leadership role in the multilateral approach to climate change, but wider participation on the basis of common but differentiated responsibilities is urgently required. Realistic progress towards the 2°C target is only within reach if more countries in the world take effective actions. In order to minimise negative economic impacts further policy efforts by the EU need to be accompanied by similar action of other major emitting nations. Moreover, policies to tackle climate change must be consistent with and contribute towards other important objectives (e.g. poverty reduction), accommodating the rather diverse conditions of current and future major emitters. The EU negotiating strategy should include an international process of negotiated actions to reduce emissions, with the aim of involving and committing all large emitters. These actions could consist of specific projects or programmes to improve energy efficiency or to promote low-carbon technologies as well as more comprehensive policies, including targets.

2) The inclusion of more policy areas: The scope of international action must be widened to cover all greenhouse gases and sectors. In particular, the fast growing emissions from aviation and maritime transport should be included. A fresh look will have to be taken at how to halt deforestation of the world’s forests. Addressing this problem as a specific issue in some regions is necessary as almost 20 % of global greenhouse gas emissions are currently emitted due to land use changes.

3) Enhanced innovation: The required transformation of energy and transport systems presents a major innovation challenge. Within the context of the Lisbon strategy, a technology policy employing an optimal mix of ‘push’ and ‘pull’ policy instruments should be developed to underpin the restructuring process. Placing an emphasis on cost-effective emission abatement would be essential. A portfolio of low emission technologies is already available and needs to be disseminated more widely. More research is needed to bring new technologies closer to the market.

4) The continued use of market based and flexible instruments: Successful structural elements of the Kyoto Protocol should be maintained in any new system post 2012. These include emissions trading, as introduced by the European Union, on the basis of emission limitations and project based mechanisms as building blocks to a truly international carbon market, the rules for monitoring and reporting on emissions, and a multi-lateral compliance regime.

While continuing to promote the concept of targets and timetables, the scope of international negotiations has to be broadened so as to concretely link climate change issues with research, development, deployment and diffusion of new technologies, improving energy efficiency and developing low-carbon sources of energy and development policy. This broadening of the scope for negotiation has to be understood as a way of creating incentives and motivation for more countries to participate in actions against climate change. Developing countries will make huge investments into their energy infrastructure over the coming decades. Public funds that are channelled by the World Bank, EIB, EBRD and other development banks need to be used to leverage developing countries’ own savings towards climate-friendly investments, particularly in the energy sector. The potential of a global low-carbon energy programme and technology transfer and diffusion funds focusing on major emerging economies needs to be explored.

5) The inclusion of adaptation policies: More resources need to be allocated in the EU to adapt effectively to climate change. The adaptation efforts of the poorest and worst-affected countries should be financially supported.

Documents

Votes

Rapport Wijkman A6-0312/2005 - résolution #

2005/11/16 Outcome: +: 450, 0: 143, -: 66
IT FR ES PL DE HU EL GB PT BE NL SK LT IE DK SE FI LV EE SI CZ MT CY LU AT
Total
65
67
45
52
89
20
20
73
21
20
25
14
12
13
12
19
14
9
6
6
22
5
6
6
18
icon: PSE PSE
173

Lithuania PSE

2

Ireland PSE

1

Slovenia PSE

For (1)

1

Czechia PSE

2

Luxembourg PSE

For (1)

1
icon: PPE-DE PPE-DE
247
2

Ireland PPE-DE

Abstain (1)

5

Denmark PPE-DE

For (1)

1
4

Estonia PPE-DE

For (1)

1

Slovenia PPE-DE

Abstain (1)

3

Malta PPE-DE

2

Cyprus PPE-DE

Abstain (1)

3

Luxembourg PPE-DE

Against (1)

3
icon: ALDE ALDE
81

Hungary ALDE

1

Ireland ALDE

For (1)

1

Sweden ALDE

3

Latvia ALDE

1

Estonia ALDE

2

Slovenia ALDE

2

Cyprus ALDE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg ALDE

For (1)

1

Austria ALDE

1
icon: UEN UEN
24

Lithuania UEN

2

Denmark UEN

Abstain (1)

1
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
34

France GUE/NGL

3

Spain GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Greece GUE/NGL

1

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Portugal GUE/NGL

3

Netherlands GUE/NGL

For (1)

2

Ireland GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

2

Finland GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Cyprus GUE/NGL

2
icon: NI NI
26

United Kingdom NI

3

Belgium NI

3

Czechia NI

Abstain (1)

1

Austria NI

2
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
41

Italy Verts/ALE

2

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

For (1)

5

Belgium Verts/ALE

2

Denmark Verts/ALE

Abstain (1)

1

Sweden Verts/ALE

Abstain (1)

1

Finland Verts/ALE

Abstain (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

Abstain (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

Abstain (1)

1

Austria Verts/ALE

Against (1)

Abstain (1)

2
icon: IND/DEM IND/DEM
33

Italy IND/DEM

2

France IND/DEM

2

Greece IND/DEM

1

Netherlands IND/DEM

2

Ireland IND/DEM

For (1)

1

Denmark IND/DEM

1

Sweden IND/DEM

3

Czechia IND/DEM

Abstain (1)

1

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)

docs/0
date
2005-02-09T00:00:00
docs
summary
type
Non-legislative basic document
body
EC
docs/1
date
2005-08-30T00:00:00
docs
title: PE362.426
type
Committee draft report
body
EP
docs/2/docs/0/url
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/DEVE-AD-360153_EN.html
docs/3/docs/0/url
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/ENVI-AM-362686_EN.html
docs/4/docs/0/url
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/ENVI-AM-362895_EN.html
docs/5/docs/0/url
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/ITRE-AD-360270_EN.html
docs/7/docs/0/url
/oeil/spdoc.do?i=4304&j=0&l=en
docs/8/docs/0/url
Old
/oeil/spdoc.do?i=4304&j=0&l=en
New
/oeil/spdoc.do?i=4304&j=1&l=en
events/0/date
Old
2005-02-09T00:00:00
New
2005-02-08T00:00:00
committees/1/rapporteur
  • name: VERGÈS Paul date: 2005-05-24T00:00:00 group: European United Left/Nordic Green Left abbr: GUE/NGL
docs/2/docs/0/url
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE360.153
docs/4
date
2005-10-05T00:00:00
docs
title: PE360.270
committee
ITRE
type
Committee opinion
body
EP
docs/4/docs/0/url
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE360.270
docs/5
date
2005-10-05T00:00:00
docs
title: PE360.270
committee
ITRE
type
Committee opinion
body
EP
docs/6/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-6-2005-0312_EN.html
New
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-6-2005-0312_EN.html
docs/7/docs/0/url
/oeil/spdoc.do?i=4304&j=1&l=en
events/1/type
Old
Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
New
Committee referral announced in Parliament
events/2/type
Old
Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
New
Vote in committee
events/3
date
2005-10-21T00:00:00
type
Committee report tabled for plenary
body
EP
docs
url: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-6-2005-0312_EN.html title: A6-0312/2005
events/3
date
2005-10-21T00:00:00
type
Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
body
EP
docs
url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-6-2005-0312_EN.html title: A6-0312/2005
events/5/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20051116&type=CRE
New
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/EN&reference=20051116&type=CRE
events/6
date
2005-11-16T00:00:00
type
Decision by Parliament
body
EP
docs
url: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-6-2005-0433_EN.html title: T6-0433/2005
summary
events/6
date
2005-11-16T00:00:00
type
Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
body
EP
docs
url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-6-2005-0433_EN.html title: T6-0433/2005
summary
procedure/legal_basis/0
Rules of Procedure EP 54
procedure/legal_basis/0
Rules of Procedure EP 52
committees/0
type
Responsible Committee
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
committee
ENVI
rapporteur
name: WIJKMAN Anders date: 2005-04-07T00:00:00 group: European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats abbr: PPE-DE
committees/0
type
Responsible Committee
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
committee
ENVI
date
2005-04-07T00:00:00
rapporteur
name: WIJKMAN Anders group: European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats abbr: PPE-DE
committees/1
type
Committee Opinion
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Development
committee
DEVE
rapporteur
name: VERGÈS Paul date: 2005-05-24T00:00:00 group: European United Left/Nordic Green Left abbr: GUE/NGL
committees/1
type
Committee Opinion
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Development
committee
DEVE
date
2005-05-24T00:00:00
rapporteur
name: VERGÈS Paul group: European United Left/Nordic Green Left abbr: GUE/NGL
committees/2
type
Committee Opinion
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Industry, Research and Energy
committee
ITRE
rapporteur
name: HARMS Rebecca date: 2005-05-25T00:00:00 group: Greens/European Free Alliance abbr: Verts/ALE
committees/2
type
Committee Opinion
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Industry, Research and Energy
committee
ITRE
date
2005-05-25T00:00:00
rapporteur
name: HARMS Rebecca group: Greens/European Free Alliance abbr: Verts/ALE
docs/2/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE360.153&secondRef=03
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE360.153
docs/6/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A6-2005-312&language=EN
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-6-2005-0312_EN.html
docs/7/body
EC
docs/8/body
EC
events/3/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A6-2005-312&language=EN
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-6-2005-0312_EN.html
events/6/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P6-TA-2005-433
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-6-2005-0433_EN.html
activities
  • date: 2005-02-09T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2005/0035/COM_COM(2005)0035_EN.pdf title: COM(2005)0035 type: Non-legislative basic document published celexid: CELEX:52005DC0035:EN body: EC commission: type: Non-legislative basic document published
  • date: 2005-05-12T00:00:00 body: EP type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP responsible: False committee: DEVE date: 2005-05-24T00:00:00 committee_full: Development rapporteur: group: GUE/NGL name: VERGÈS Paul body: EP responsible: True committee: ENVI date: 2005-04-07T00:00:00 committee_full: Environment, Public Health and Food Safety rapporteur: group: PPE-DE name: WIJKMAN Anders body: EP responsible: False committee: ITRE date: 2005-05-25T00:00:00 committee_full: Industry, Research and Energy rapporteur: group: Verts/ALE name: HARMS Rebecca
  • date: 2005-10-11T00:00:00 body: EP committees: body: EP responsible: False committee: DEVE date: 2005-05-24T00:00:00 committee_full: Development rapporteur: group: GUE/NGL name: VERGÈS Paul body: EP responsible: True committee: ENVI date: 2005-04-07T00:00:00 committee_full: Environment, Public Health and Food Safety rapporteur: group: PPE-DE name: WIJKMAN Anders body: EP responsible: False committee: ITRE date: 2005-05-25T00:00:00 committee_full: Industry, Research and Energy rapporteur: group: Verts/ALE name: HARMS Rebecca type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
  • date: 2005-10-21T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A6-2005-312&language=EN type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading title: A6-0312/2005 body: EP type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
  • date: 2005-11-16T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=4304&l=en type: Results of vote in Parliament title: Results of vote in Parliament url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20051116&type=CRE type: Debate in Parliament title: Debate in Parliament url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P6-TA-2005-433 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T6-0433/2005 body: EP type: Results of vote in Parliament
  • body: CSL meeting_id: 2695 council: Transport, Telecommunications and Energy date: 2005-12-01T00:00:00 type: Council Meeting
  • body: CSL meeting_id: 2713 council: Environment date: 2006-03-09T00:00:00 type: Council Meeting
committees/0
type
Responsible Committee
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
committee
ENVI
date
2005-04-07T00:00:00
rapporteur
name: WIJKMAN Anders group: European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats abbr: PPE-DE
committees/0
body
EP
responsible
False
committee
DEVE
date
2005-05-24T00:00:00
committee_full
Development
rapporteur
group: GUE/NGL name: VERGÈS Paul
committees/1
type
Committee Opinion
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Development
committee
DEVE
date
2005-05-24T00:00:00
rapporteur
name: VERGÈS Paul group: European United Left/Nordic Green Left abbr: GUE/NGL
committees/1
body
EP
responsible
True
committee
ENVI
date
2005-04-07T00:00:00
committee_full
Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
rapporteur
group: PPE-DE name: WIJKMAN Anders
committees/2
type
Committee Opinion
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Industry, Research and Energy
committee
ITRE
date
2005-05-25T00:00:00
rapporteur
name: HARMS Rebecca group: Greens/European Free Alliance abbr: Verts/ALE
committees/2
body
EP
responsible
False
committee
ITRE
date
2005-05-25T00:00:00
committee_full
Industry, Research and Energy
rapporteur
group: Verts/ALE name: HARMS Rebecca
council
  • body: CSL type: Council Meeting council: Environment meeting_id: 2713 url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=SMPL&ROWSPP=25&RESULTSET=1&NRROWS=500&DOC_LANCD=EN&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC&CONTENTS=2713*&MEET_DATE=09/03/2006 date: 2006-03-09T00:00:00
  • body: CSL type: Council Meeting council: Transport, Telecommunications and Energy meeting_id: 2695 url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=SMPL&ROWSPP=25&RESULTSET=1&NRROWS=500&DOC_LANCD=EN&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC&CONTENTS=2695*&MEET_DATE=01/12/2005 date: 2005-12-01T00:00:00
docs
  • date: 2005-02-09T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/sec/2005/0180/COM_SEC(2005)0180_EN.pdf title: SEC(2005)0180 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!DocNumber&lg=EN&type_doc=SECfinal&an_doc=2005&nu_doc=180 title: EUR-Lex type: Document attached to the procedure body: EC
  • date: 2005-08-30T00:00:00 docs: title: PE362.426 type: Committee draft report body: EP
  • date: 2005-09-05T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE360.153&secondRef=03 title: PE360.153 committee: DEVE type: Committee opinion body: EP
  • date: 2005-10-03T00:00:00 docs: title: PE362.686 type: Amendments tabled in committee body: EP
  • date: 2005-10-05T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE360.270 title: PE360.270 committee: ITRE type: Committee opinion body: EP
  • date: 2005-10-05T00:00:00 docs: title: PE362.895 type: Amendments tabled in committee body: EP
  • date: 2005-10-21T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A6-2005-312&language=EN title: A6-0312/2005 type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading body: EP
  • date: 2005-12-15T00:00:00 docs: url: /oeil/spdoc.do?i=4304&j=1&l=en title: SP(2005)5015 type: Commission response to text adopted in plenary
  • date: 2006-03-10T00:00:00 docs: url: /oeil/spdoc.do?i=4304&j=0&l=en title: SP(2006)0311 type: Commission response to text adopted in plenary
events
  • date: 2005-02-09T00:00:00 type: Non-legislative basic document published body: EC docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2005/0035/COM_COM(2005)0035_EN.pdf title: COM(2005)0035 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!DocNumber&lg=EN&type_doc=COMfinal&an_doc=2005&nu_doc=35 title: EUR-Lex summary: PURPOSE: the presentation of a Communication entitled ‘Winning the Battle Against Global Climate Change’. CONTENT: With the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol, international efforts to combat climate change enter a new phase. The EU has begun reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and now needs to develop its medium and long-term strategies for winning the battle against climate change, inside the EU and elsewhere in the international community. Several EU Member States have already announced or proposed national mid- and long-term climate targets. This Communication responds to the request of the March 2004 European Council meeting for a cost benefit analysis which takes account both of environmental and competitiveness considerations, as preparation for a discussion on medium and longer term emission reduction strategies, including targets. On the basis of the analysis undertaken by the Commission, it recommends a number of elements which should be included in the EU’s future climate change strategies and proposes dialogue with key partners during 2005 in order to prepare the EU’s position for future international negotiations. It is accompanied by a working document setting out in greater detail the review of scientific evidence and the scenarios which have been analysed to underpin the information presented therein. The main conclusions of the Communication are as follows: Climate change is happening. Science tells us that we should be aiming to limit the future global average temperature increase to 2°C above pre-industrial levels in order to limit the damage. The 2°C target implies that policies are needed both to adapt to climate change and to mitigate climate change. Despite the implementation of already agreed policies, global emissions are likely to grow within the next two decades and global reductions of at least 15 % in emission by 2050 compared to 1990 levels would seem to be necessary, and will take significant effort. Doing nothing is not a sensible option. The more action is postponed, the greater the risk of irreversible climate change, as options to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations at lower levels are closed off. The science of climate change continues to develop and future evidence may show that change is taking place even faster than is apparent today. Therefore, a rational medium- and long-term climate policy should be based on a ‘keeping the door open’ strategy. Such a strategy would allow moving even to a lower than initially targeted concentration level in future, if new scientific knowledge points to the necessity to do so. Mitigation involves significant adjustments to our societies and economies, such as the restructuring of energy and transport systems. It is therefore imperative to use the most efficient and least-cost mix of adaptation and mitigation actions over time to meet our environmental objectives while maintaining our economic competitiveness. The future climate change strategy of the EU needs to include the following elements: 1) The broadening of participation: The EU will continue to play a leadership role in the multilateral approach to climate change, but wider participation on the basis of common but differentiated responsibilities is urgently required. Realistic progress towards the 2°C target is only within reach if more countries in the world take effective actions. In order to minimise negative economic impacts further policy efforts by the EU need to be accompanied by similar action of other major emitting nations. Moreover, policies to tackle climate change must be consistent with and contribute towards other important objectives (e.g. poverty reduction), accommodating the rather diverse conditions of current and future major emitters. The EU negotiating strategy should include an international process of negotiated actions to reduce emissions, with the aim of involving and committing all large emitters. These actions could consist of specific projects or programmes to improve energy efficiency or to promote low-carbon technologies as well as more comprehensive policies, including targets. 2) The inclusion of more policy areas: The scope of international action must be widened to cover all greenhouse gases and sectors. In particular, the fast growing emissions from aviation and maritime transport should be included. A fresh look will have to be taken at how to halt deforestation of the world’s forests. Addressing this problem as a specific issue in some regions is necessary as almost 20 % of global greenhouse gas emissions are currently emitted due to land use changes. 3) Enhanced innovation: The required transformation of energy and transport systems presents a major innovation challenge. Within the context of the Lisbon strategy, a technology policy employing an optimal mix of ‘push’ and ‘pull’ policy instruments should be developed to underpin the restructuring process. Placing an emphasis on cost-effective emission abatement would be essential. A portfolio of low emission technologies is already available and needs to be disseminated more widely. More research is needed to bring new technologies closer to the market. 4) The continued use of market based and flexible instruments: Successful structural elements of the Kyoto Protocol should be maintained in any new system post 2012. These include emissions trading, as introduced by the European Union, on the basis of emission limitations and project based mechanisms as building blocks to a truly international carbon market, the rules for monitoring and reporting on emissions, and a multi-lateral compliance regime. While continuing to promote the concept of targets and timetables, the scope of international negotiations has to be broadened so as to concretely link climate change issues with research, development, deployment and diffusion of new technologies, improving energy efficiency and developing low-carbon sources of energy and development policy. This broadening of the scope for negotiation has to be understood as a way of creating incentives and motivation for more countries to participate in actions against climate change. Developing countries will make huge investments into their energy infrastructure over the coming decades. Public funds that are channelled by the World Bank, EIB, EBRD and other development banks need to be used to leverage developing countries’ own savings towards climate-friendly investments, particularly in the energy sector. The potential of a global low-carbon energy programme and technology transfer and diffusion funds focusing on major emerging economies needs to be explored. 5) The inclusion of adaptation policies: More resources need to be allocated in the EU to adapt effectively to climate change. The adaptation efforts of the poorest and worst-affected countries should be financially supported.
  • date: 2005-05-12T00:00:00 type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2005-10-11T00:00:00 type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading body: EP summary: The committee adopted the own-initiative report drawn up by Anders WIJKMAN (EPP-ED, SE) in response to the Commission communication on "Winning the battle against global climate change". The report stressed that the EU strategy on climate change should be based on a seven-pronged approach, involving: building on key Kyoto elements (i.e.binding greenhouse gas emission targets, a global cap-and-trade system, and flexible mechanisms); undertaking strong emissions reductions at home (starting with 20-30% domestic reductions by 2020); adopting a proactive approach to engage other main actors, notably the US; developing a strategic partnership with countries like China, South Africa, Brazil and India to help them develop sustainable energy strategies; vigorously promoting research and innovation for sustainable energy technologies and removing ‘perverse’ incentives such as fossil fuel subsidies; using legislation to stimulate greater energy efficiency; and encouraging citizens to become directly involved to a much greater extent in mitigation efforts, inter alia through the provision of detailed information about the carbon content of products and services. Ahead of the forthcoming UN Conferences, MEPs urged the EU leadership to present proposals for a future climate regime "based on the overall objective that the average global temperature increase should not go beyond 2°C of pre-industrialisation levels". They said that, in the review of the current Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and its possible expansion, "the idea of grandfathering should be closely reconsidered because of its major shortcomings and alternatives such as benchmarking and auctioning – using an up-stream approach - should be explored". National emission quotas would also have to be reconsidered because of increased cross-border trade, notably electricity. The report said that a future regime should be based on "common but differentiated responsibilities aiming at contraction and convergence , on continued and progressively greater emission reductions and the involvement of more countries in the reduction efforts". A ny targets for emission cuts should be based on recent science and aiming to not exceed a global average temperature increase of 2°C with reasonable certainty. Cost-effectiveness should be a characteristic of all measures considered and a long-term goal should therefore be to develop a global carbon market, based on cap and trade. While welcoming the conclusion of the March 2005 European Council that developed countries should aim for emissions reductions in the order of 15-30% for 2020, MEPs insisted that "emissions reduction targets for the long term are needed as well" and suggested a target of 60-80% for 2050. They pointed out that the potential for energy savings was as high as 40% in the EU, but that to reach this goal binding targets must be set. Furthermore, with a systemic approach it would be possible for renewable energies to cover 25% of EU energy consumption by 2020. Other recommendations included the introduction of "strong measures" to reduce emissions from transport, including severe reduction targets for the aviation sector and a pilot aviation emissions trading scheme for the period 2008-2012; developing the use of biomass; transforming energy and transportation systems and the thermal design of buildings; and "setting targets for annual reductions in the energy intensity in the order of 2.5-3%".
  • date: 2005-10-21T00:00:00 type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A6-2005-312&language=EN title: A6-0312/2005
  • date: 2005-11-16T00:00:00 type: Results of vote in Parliament body: EP docs: url: https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=4304&l=en title: Results of vote in Parliament
  • date: 2005-11-16T00:00:00 type: Debate in Parliament body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20051116&type=CRE title: Debate in Parliament
  • date: 2005-11-16T00:00:00 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P6-TA-2005-433 title: T6-0433/2005 summary: The European Parliament adopted the resolution based on the own-initiative report drafted by Anders WIJKMAN (EPP-ED, SE) on winning the battle against climate change, enabling the European Parliament to express its opinion with a view to the United Nations Climate Change Conference, due to take place in Montreal, between 28 November and 9 December. The report was adopted 450 votes in favour, 66 against and 143 abstentions. (Please see the document dated 11/10/2005.) Parliament stressed that the EU strategy on climate change mitigation should be based on a seven-pronged approach: building on key Kyoto elements (i.e. binding greenhouse gas emission targets, a global cap-and-trade system, and flexible mechanisms); undertaking strong emissions reductions at home (starting with 20-30% domestic reductions by 2020); adopting a proactive approach to engage other main actors, notably the US; developing a strategic partnership with countries like China, South Africa, Brazil and India to help them develop sustainable energy strategies; vigorously promoting research and innovation for sustainable energy technologies and removing ‘perverse’ incentives such as fossil fuel subsidies; using legislation to stimulate greater energy efficiency; and encouraging citizens to become directly involved to a much greater extent in mitigation efforts, inter alia through the provision of detailed information about the carbon content of products and services. Parliament called on the EU to present, at the COP-11 and COP/MOP1, proposals for a future climate regime, based on the overall objective to limit the average global temperature increase to 2°C above pre-industrialisation levels. It felt that a future regime should be based on common but differentiated responsibilities aiming at contraction and convergence, as well as on progressively greater emission reductions and the involvement of more countries in the reduction effort. A long-term goal should be to develop a global carbon market, based on cap and trade. Parliament deplored the non-implementation by the current US administration of the commitments under the UNFCCC to return to 1990 emission levels and avoid dangerous climate change, and regrets its decision not to proceed with ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. The EU must ensure that the multilateral process is not paralysed by individual countries. The potential for energy savings is as high as 40% in the EU, but to reach this goal binding targets must be set. With a systemic approach it would be possible for renewable energies to cover 25% of EU energy consumption by 2020. Parliament underlined that effective climate change mitigation would require a major transformation of the energy and transportation systems and of the thermal design of buildings and that this transformation ought to become a driving force within the Lisbon Strategy, to boost growth and competitiveness. It called on the EU to develop a strategy to make Europe the most energy efficient economy in the world, by setting targets for annual reductions in energy intensity in the order of 2,5-3%. It pointed out that many of the technologies needed to reduce GHG emissions already exist. However, their market entry is hampered by numerous barriers, not least perverse incentives such as subsidies for fossil fuels. The Commission is asked to propose legislation to abolish all such subsidies and instead to put in place a positive incentive structure for the enhanced use of energy-efficient, low-carbon and carbon-free technologies. Parliament called for the pro-active use of public procurement within the EU to help bring down the costs for such technologies. In addition to focusing the Seventh Framework Programme on research in areas relating to climate change mitigation, Parliament asked for a Crash Programme - similar to the US Apollo Programme in the 1960s - to promote research and innovation in support of sustainable energy and land-use management. Developments within the transport sector are critical as it contributes to roughly 30% of the Community's CO2 equivalent emission, in which approximately 85% is the share of road transport. Parliament called for a policy of strong measures to reduce emissions from transport, including mandatory limits for CO2 emissions from new vehicles in the order of 80-100 gm/km for new vehicles in the medium term to be achieved through emission trading between car manufacturers. Parliament also noted with concern the increase in freight transport, and called on the Commission to make proposals to transfer a large proportion of road haulage traffic to more environmentally-friendly modes of transport. Parliament went on to state its support for the introduction of ecotaxes at Community level. Like other market instruments, they are essential to an effective pollution reduction policy. Member States should adopt the first European ecotax by 2009 at the latest. Parliament also pointed out that aviation is responsible for between 4% and 9% of all GHG emissions worldwide and emissions from aviation are increasing at an annual rate of 3%. There must be severe reduction targets for the aviation sector. Parliament went on to state that in the review of the current Greenhouse Gas Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) and its possible expansion, the idea of grandfathering should be closely reconsidered because of its major shortcomings, and alternatives such as benchmarking and auctioning – using an up-stream approach - should be explored. Moreover, national emission quotas also will have to be reconsidered because of increased cross-border trade, notably as regards electricity. With regard to developing countries' participation in the future climate regime, the EU should clearly recognise that the priority for these countries is poverty and development. However, the UN Millennium Development Goals will never be met if environment issues, such as climate change, are not properly addressed. Parliament therefore backed the creation of a new coherent political solution to improve the welfare of already vulnerable populations through a global strategy for development with appropriate economic support. This new strategy should be based on the link between climate change, natural resource management, disaster prevention and poverty eradication. The Commission, as part of the technology cooperation with Annex B countries and as part of its review of the Cotonou Agreement, should assist developing countries to adopt national energy strategies so as to minimise their dependence on imported fossil fuels, to promote technology leapfrogging, notably as regards renewable energy, in particular biomass, and to help them meet the UN Millennium Development Goals.
  • date: 2005-11-16T00:00:00 type: End of procedure in Parliament body: EP
  • date: 2005-12-01T00:00:00 type: Resolution/conclusions adopted by Council body: CSL summary: The Council held a policy debate on climate change and sustainable energy, that provided the Commission with indications on Member States concerns and priorities to be taken into consideration inter alia when the Commission develops its Action Plan on Energy Efficiency and Review of the European Emissions Trading Scheme. At the same time the medium and long-term EU strategy to combat climate change called for by the Spring European Council 2005 should : - focus in particular on environmental effectiveness; - take account of the need for promoting competitiveness and affordable energy supply; - promote cost-efficient measures to cut emissions; - recognise the need for global joint efforts, in line with common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities; - provide certainty for public and private investment. The Council stresses : - the need to raise the profile of energy efficiency across all sectors, including in the public sector which should lead by example for other sectors; - the importance of the exchange of best practice across the Union and the need to ensure synergy and consistency with other policy areas, particularly environment and transport policy; - that the transport and building sectors, in particular, hold a large potential for increased energy efficiency; - an increased emphasis on research, development and deployment of energy efficient products and technologies is needed, which could also be beneficial to the EU export potential; - the potential of more efficient energy generation, including with low or zero emissions. It urges the Member States to : - ensure effective application of Community legislation on energy efficiency including Directive 2002/91/EC on the Energy performance of Buildings, Directive 2004/8/EC on the promotion of co-generation and Directive 2005/32/EC on eco-design requirements for energy using products; - make good use of energy efficiency-related provisions under Directive 2003/54 on the internal market in electricity. The Commission is invited to : - ensure that energy efficiency is explicitly covered in its proposals on a revised EU sustainable development strategy and on the new European Climate Change Programme; - consider in detail when developing its cost-benefit analysis of climate change measures the contribution that can be made by energy efficiency measures and report on the effects of emissions trading instruments on other instruments in the energy sector as announced at the Spring European Council 2003; - take the need for long term regulatory certainty and transparency and cost-effectiveness into account in its forthcoming review of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, in the context of the ongoing development of the EU's medium and long-term strategy to tackle climate change. The Commission should thus review this scheme and should table as soon as possible proposals, as appropriate, to make this scheme more effective while taking into account the need for promoting competitiveness and an affordable energy supply; - base this review on comprehensive and reliable data and ensure that remedies to possible market disturbances in sectors affected by the EU Emissions Trading Scheme are provided in good time; - do its utmost to provide guidance early enough for the preparation of the 2nd national allocation plans; - move swiftly to implement measures within the framework provided by the eco-design directive.
  • date: 2006-03-09T00:00:00 type: Resolution/conclusions adopted by Council body: CSL summary:
links
other
  • body: CSL type: Council Meeting council: Former Council configuration
procedure/dossier_of_the_committee
Old
ENVI/6/27217
New
  • ENVI/6/27217
procedure/legal_basis/0
Rules of Procedure EP 52
procedure/legal_basis/0
Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 052
procedure/subject
Old
  • 3.70.02 Atmospheric pollution, motor vehicle pollution
  • 3.70.03 Climate change, ozone layer
  • 3.70.18 International and regional environment protection measures and agreements
New
3.70.02
Atmospheric pollution, motor vehicle pollution
3.70.03
Climate policy, climate change, ozone layer
3.70.18
International and regional environment protection measures and agreements
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2005/0035/COM_COM(2005)0035_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2005/0035/COM_COM(2005)0035_EN.pdf
procedure/subject/1
Old
3.70.03 Climate change, ozone
New
3.70.03 Climate change, ozone layer
procedure/subject/2
3.70.18 International and regional environment protection measures and agreements
activities
  • date: 2005-02-09T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2005/0035/COM_COM(2005)0035_EN.pdf title: COM(2005)0035 type: Non-legislative basic document published celexid: CELEX:52005DC0035:EN body: EC type: Non-legislative basic document published commission:
  • date: 2005-05-12T00:00:00 body: EP type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP responsible: False committee: DEVE date: 2005-05-24T00:00:00 committee_full: Development rapporteur: group: GUE/NGL name: VERGÈS Paul body: EP responsible: True committee: ENVI date: 2005-04-07T00:00:00 committee_full: Environment, Public Health and Food Safety rapporteur: group: PPE-DE name: WIJKMAN Anders body: EP responsible: False committee: ITRE date: 2005-05-25T00:00:00 committee_full: Industry, Research and Energy rapporteur: group: Verts/ALE name: HARMS Rebecca
  • date: 2005-10-11T00:00:00 body: EP committees: body: EP responsible: False committee: DEVE date: 2005-05-24T00:00:00 committee_full: Development rapporteur: group: GUE/NGL name: VERGÈS Paul body: EP responsible: True committee: ENVI date: 2005-04-07T00:00:00 committee_full: Environment, Public Health and Food Safety rapporteur: group: PPE-DE name: WIJKMAN Anders body: EP responsible: False committee: ITRE date: 2005-05-25T00:00:00 committee_full: Industry, Research and Energy rapporteur: group: Verts/ALE name: HARMS Rebecca type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
  • date: 2005-10-21T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A6-2005-312&language=EN type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading title: A6-0312/2005 body: EP type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
  • date: 2005-11-16T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=4304&l=en type: Results of vote in Parliament title: Results of vote in Parliament url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20051116&type=CRE type: Debate in Parliament title: Debate in Parliament url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P6-TA-2005-433 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T6-0433/2005 body: EP type: Results of vote in Parliament
  • body: CSL meeting_id: 2695 council: Transport, Telecommunications and Energy date: 2005-12-01T00:00:00 type: Council Meeting
  • body: CSL meeting_id: 2713 council: Environment date: 2006-03-09T00:00:00 type: Council Meeting
committees
  • body: EP responsible: False committee: DEVE date: 2005-05-24T00:00:00 committee_full: Development rapporteur: group: GUE/NGL name: VERGÈS Paul
  • body: EP responsible: True committee: ENVI date: 2005-04-07T00:00:00 committee_full: Environment, Public Health and Food Safety rapporteur: group: PPE-DE name: WIJKMAN Anders
  • body: EP responsible: False committee: ITRE date: 2005-05-25T00:00:00 committee_full: Industry, Research and Energy rapporteur: group: Verts/ALE name: HARMS Rebecca
links
other
  • body: CSL type: Council Meeting council: Former Council configuration
procedure
dossier_of_the_committee
ENVI/6/27217
reference
2005/2049(INI)
title
Winning the battle against global climate change
legal_basis
Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 052
stage_reached
Procedure completed
subtype
Strategic initiative
type
INI - Own-initiative procedure
subject