2016/2059(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

Amendment 10 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Is of the opinion that energy security can be achieved in the most efficient way through better coordination of national energy policies and consensus between the Member States on this matter; believes, in this context, that further integration of energy policy should be for the benefit of Member States and their citizens; points out that Russia’s isolation has entailed a high cost to the EU in terms of energy independence, bearing in mind that it has also coincided with periods of extreme instability in the EU’s southern neighbourhood;

Amendment 11 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

Amendment 12 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Highlights that energy is a basic human good and that an important goal of the Energy Union is to ensure equal and cheap access for all and to combat energy poverty; believes that through energy cooperation the EU can positively contribute to promoting and strengthening democracy, the rule of law and human rights in partnera fundamental issue for all countries of the world in respect of their independence; stresses that the EU's ultra-liberal policies have given rise to greater energy poverty; calls for energy, and climate, not to become an instrument for the Commission to meddle in the affairs of third countries~~; calls~~ , something th~~is context for better links between energy and climate policies~~at would undermine foreign policy and damage the interests of the Member States and, therefore, the EU;

Amendment 13 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

Amendment 14 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Highlights that energy is a basic human good and that an important goal of the Energy Union is to ensure equal and cheap access for all and to combat energy poverty; believes that through energy cooperation the EU can positively contribute to promoting and strengthening democracy, the rule of law and human rights in partner countries; calls in this context for better lcalls in this context for better links between energy and climate policies; believes that the EU should not make use of energy cooperation as a means of interfering with the internal political, social and economic workinkgs ~~between energy and climate polic~~of partner countries;

Amendment 15 #

Jacek SARYUSZ-WOLSKI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Highlights that energy is both a strategic resource and a basic human good and that an important goal of the Energy Union is to ensure security of supply for Member States and equal and cheap access for ~~all~~individuals and businesses and to combat energy poverty; believes that through energy cooperation the EU can positively contribute to promoting and strengthening democracy, the rule of law and human rights in partner countries; calls in this context for better links between energy and climate policies and the goals of the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the European Neighbourhood Policy;

Amendment 16 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Highlights that energy is a basic human good and that an important goal of the Energy Union is to ensure equal and cheap access for all and to combat energy poverty; believes that through energy cooperation the EU can positively contribute to promoting and strengthening democracy, the rule of law and human rights in partner countries; ~~calls in this context for better links between energy and climate policies~~reminds that climate change diplomacy is an integral part of the EU foreign policy and calls in this context for the full integration of its climate policies into the EU energy policy;

Amendment 17 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Highlights that energy is a basic ~~human good~~necessity and that an important goal of the Energy Union is to ensure equal and ~~cheap~~affordable access for all and to combat energy poverty~~; believes that through energy coopera~~ through a more efficient market; believes that through cooperation on energy issues which relate to transport, supply security and on production, the EU can positively contribute to promoting and strengthening democracy, the rule of law and human rights in partner countries; ~~calls in this context for better links between energy and climate policies;~~

Amendment 18 #

Georgios EPITIDEIOS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Highlights that energy is a basic human good and that an important goal of the Energy Union is to ensure equal and cheap access for all and to combat energy poverty; ~~believes that through energy cooperation the EU can positively contribute to promoting and strengthening democracy, the rule of law and human rights in partner countries;~~ calls in this context for better links between energy and climate policies;

Amendment 19 #

Cătălin Sorin IVAN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

Amendment 2 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Is of the opinion that energy security can be achieved in the most efficient way through better coordination of national energy policies and consensus between the Member States on this matter; believes, in this context, that further integration of energy policy should be for the benefit of Member States and their citizensby relying on the freedom of states to choose their energy mix and suppliers in order to ensure their energy independence;

Amendment 20 #

Javier NART, Carolina PUNSET, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Fredrick FEDERLEY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Highlights that energy is a basic human good and a right and that an important goal of the Energy Union is to ensure equal and cheap access ~~for all and to combat energy povert~~guaranteed for all in order to combat energy poverty; maintains that the Energy Union has to benefit all European citizens so as to enable them to exercise their right of access to energy; believes that through energy cooperation the EU can positively contribute to promoting and strengthening democracy, the rule of law and human rights in partner countries; calls in this context for better links between energy and climate policies;

Amendment 21 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

Amendment 22 #

Angel DZHAMBAZKI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Highlights that energy is a basic human good and that an important goal of the Energy Union is to ensure equal and cheap access for all and to combat energy poverty and energy monopolies; believes that through energy cooperation the EU can positively contribute to promoting and strengthening democracy, the rule of law and human rights in partner countries; calls in this context for better links between energy and climate policies;

Amendment 23 #

Urmas PAET

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Maintains that if the Energy Union is to work, it is essential to have sufficient connections between EU Member States and that this applies both to pipelines and to power networks; considers that only in that way will it be possible to minimise such adverse impacts as might be caused by suppliers;

Amendment 24 #

Javier NART, Carolina PUNSET, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN, Ivo VAJGL

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Calls for better links between energy and climate policies; reminds the need to avoid the creation of a new fossil fuel lock-in and the necessity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 80-95% below 1990 levels by 2050;

Amendment 25 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

Amendment 26 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Emphasises that liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas storage are of particular~~Stresses the importance ~~in order t~~of avoiding dependence on a single ~~energy~~ supplier~~; calls in this context for the promotion and development of new natural gas nodes and LNG storage stations in the central and south-eastern regions, the Baltic and the Mediterranean~~ in the energy sector, a rule that should apply to all foreign suppliers;

Amendment 27 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Emphasises that liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas storage are of particular importance in order to avoid dependence on a single energy supplier; calls in this context for the ~~promotion and development of new natural gas nodes and LNG storage stations in the central and south-eastern regions, the Baltic and the Mediterranean~~utilisation of the existing LNG storage terminals to be maximised, while making up for any deficiencies in infrastructure which will enable the operation of an integrated and flexible market also ensuring the security of supply;

Amendment 28 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Emphasises that liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas storage are of particular importance in order to avoid dependence on a single energy supplier~~; calls in this context for the promotion and development of new natural gas nodes and LNG storage stations in~~, but points out that LNG cannot be classed as an alternative energy source, given that the cen~~tral and south-eastern regions, the Baltic and the Mediterrane~~vironmental impact of its conversion process, though lower compared with other hydrocarbons, is nonetheless significant;

Amendment 29 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Emphasises that liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas storage are of particular importance ~~in order to avoid dependence on a single~~for energy s~~upplier~~ecurity; calls in this context for the promotion and development of new natural gas nodes ~~and LNG storage stations in the central and south-eastern regions, the Baltic and the Mediterranean~~, particularly in the Mediterranean EU Member States;

Amendment 3 #

Jacek SARYUSZ-WOLSKI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Is of the opinion that energy security can be achieved in the most efficient way through better coordination of national energy policies and consensus between the Member States on this matter; believes, in this context, that further integration of energy policy should be for the benefit of Member States and their citizensby building a genuine Energy Union and a single energy market, in accordance with the principle of real solidarity and trust and based on a competitive, sustainable economy benefiting from international energy trading;

Amendment 30 #

Javier NART, Carolina PUNSET, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN, Ivo VAJGL

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Emphasises that liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas storage ~~are of particular importanc~~can play a role in order to avoid dependence on a single energy supplier; calls in this context for ~~the promotion and develop~~a thorough assessment of where new natural gas nodes and LNG storage stations ~~in the central and south-eastern regions, the Baltic and the Mediterranean~~could improve energy security, taking into account the unused capacities of existing infrastructures, declining gas demand throughout Europe, the risk of stranded assets and EU 2030 and 2050 climate and energy objectives;

Amendment 31 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Emphasises that liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas storage are of particular importance in order to avoid dependence on a single energy supplier; as it is by nature diversified in its potential multiple origins; underlines the importance of maritime transportation to the efforts to find new suppliers and calls in this context for the promotion and development of new natural gas nodes and LNG storage stations in the central ~~and~~regions as well as the coastal areas of south-eastern regions, the Baltic and the Mediterranean;

Amendment 32 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Emphasises that liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas storage are of particular importance in order to avoid dependence on a single energy supplier; calls in this context for the promotion and development of new natural gas nodes and LNG storage stations in the central and south-eastern regions, the Baltic and the Mediterranean; highlights that the Commission should consider in upcoming gas supply contracts that in the future "artificial natural gas" production will play an important role;

Amendment 33 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Emphas~~Recognises th~~at liquefied natural gas (LNG)~~e importance of the US decision on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to EU countries; emphasises that LNG and gas storage are of particular importance in order to avoid dependence on a single energy supplier; calls in this context for the promotion and development of new natural gas nodes and LNG storage stations in the central and south-eastern regions, the Baltic and the Mediterranean;

Amendment 34 #

Jacek SARYUSZ-WOLSKI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. eEmphasises that liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas storage are of particular importance in order to avoid dependence on a single energy supplier; calls in this context for the promotion and development of new natural gas nodes, transmission corridors and LNG storage stations in the central and south-eastern regions, the Baltic and the Mediterranean;

Amendment 35 #

Georgios EPITIDEIOS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Notes that exploitation of large underwater gas reserves located within the Cyprus and Greece EEZ will ensure the energy independence of European countries for many decades;

Amendment 36 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Stresses the importance of reducing or removing the EU gas and oil dependence on authoritarian regimes that violate human rights as a matter of consistency with the EU founding values and the effectiveness of the EU external action;

Amendment 37 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Notes the prospect of a huge expansion (50%) of LNG in global supply over the coming years and consequently of lower prices which constitute a major opportunity for EU especially on the issues of gas security and resilience;

Amendment 38 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

Amendment 39 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Believ~~Stresses that LNG and gas storage are an important part of the Energy Union and should contribute towards ending any kind of energy isolation of the EU Member States and regions; highlights the need to support the most vulnerable countries in order to diversify their sources and routes of supplyit is important to support regions that depend on a single supplier in diversifying their energy supplies, and that energy policy should be implemented in a pragmatic, non- ideologically motivated manner in respect of long-established suppliers such as Russia;

Amendment 4 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Is of the opinion that energy security can be achieved in the most efficient way through better coordination of national energy policies and consensus between the Member States on this matter; believes, in this context, that further integration of energy policy should ~~be for the benefit of Member States and their~~serve the national interests of the Member States and be for the benefit of EU citizens;

Amendment 40 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Believe~~Maintains that LNG ~~and gas storage are an important part of the Energy Union and should contribute towards ending any kind of energy isolation of the EU Member States and region~~is often promoted more for strategic regions than to give EU citizens access to energy; points out that energy security, first and foremost in the Mediterranean, should be built on investment in clean alternative energy sources; highlights the need to support the most vulnerable countries in order to diversify their sources and routes of supply;

Amendment 41 #

Javier NART, Carolina PUNSET, Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN, Ivo VAJGL

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Believes that LNG and gas storage are an important part of the Energy Union and should contribute towards ending any kind of energy isolation of the EU Member States and regions; highlights the need to support the most vulnerable countries in order to diversify their sources and routes of supply, and to strengthen their energy security by reducing demand through efficiency measures; recalls that promoting LNG would push Member States to be more reliant on gas imports while for every 1% improvement in energy efficiency, EU gas imports fall by 2.6%;

Amendment 42 #

Francisco José MILLÁN MON

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Believes that LNG and gas storage are an important part of the Energy Union and should contribute towards ending any kind of energy isolation of the EU Member States and regions; highlights the need to support the most vulnerable countries in order to diversify their sources and routes of supply by creating new LNG terminals, distribution systems and gas interconnectors with reverse flow capabilities, especially in the more remote and or/les well connected Member States such as Greece, Bulgaria and the Baltic States;

Amendment 43 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Believes that LNG and gas storage are an important part of the Energy Union and should contribute towards ending any kind of energy isolation of the EU Member States and regions; highlights the need to support the most vulnerable countries in order to diversify their sources and routes of supply and the need to ensure the security of maritime supply routes in order to guarantee the continuity of supply;

Amendment 44 #

Ivan JAKOVČIĆ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Believes that LNG and gas storage are an important part of the Energy Union and should contribute towards ending any kind of energy isolation of the EU Member States and regions; highlights the need to support the most vulnerable countries in order to diversify their sources and routes of supply; calls for the countries of South- East Europe, and candidate countries in particular, to be included in activities of that type;

Amendment 45 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Believes that LNG, interconnections and gas storage are an important part of the Energy Union and should contribute towards ending any kind of energy isolation of the EU Member States and regions; highlights the need to support the most vulnerable countries in order to diversify their sources and routes of supply;

Amendment 46 #

Francisco José MILLÁN MON

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Believes that LNG ~~and gas storage ar~~storage should be an important part of the Energy Union and ~~should~~ contribute towards ending any kind of energy isolation of the EU Member States and regions; highlights the need to support the most vulnerable ~~countri~~Member States in order to diversify their sources and routes of supply;

Amendment 47 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Expresses concern over the proposed project of doubling the existing capacity of the Nord Stream gas pipeline and emphasises that this project runs contrary to the underlying principles of a fully integrated, secure, competitive and sustainable Energy Union and raises serious reservations regarding its compatibility with the internal energy market, particularly the Third Energy Package; highlights that the Nord Stream 2, if implemented, will go against the principle of solidarity and trust among Member States, undermine efforts up-to- date of diversification of supply sources, in particular in Central and South- Eastern Europe, and affect negatively the economic sustainability and efficiency of existing and future LNG terminals;

Amendment 48 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Points out that, given the prospects for growth in the supply of LNG in the coming years, this strategy might be complemented by an assessment of the needs in terms of LNG-carrying vessels and measures to enable the EU shipbuilding industry to seize this opportunity, thereby contributing to the target of increasing industry’s share of GDP to 20% in 2020; calls for safety standards for the transport of LNG to be monitored and if necessary made more stringent in the context of measures to prevent terrorism;

Amendment 49 #

Georgios EPITIDEIOS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Calls for greater institutional convergence and synergy, and in particular for better integration of external energy security priorities in policies pursued by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR)better integration of external energy security priorities and better coordination between the ~~VP/HR and the~~ responsible Commissioners ~~welcomes in this context~~; notes the EU Energy Diplomacy Action Plan and invites the VP/HR to regularly inform Parliament about the implementation thereof.

Amendment 5 #

Angel DZHAMBAZKI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Is of the opinion that energy security can be achieved in the most efficient way through better coordination of national energy policies and through a consensus between the Member States on this matter, which is compatible with their interests and does not impede their economic growth; believes, in this context, that further integration of energy policy should be for the benefit of all Member States and ~~their~~European citizens;

Amendment 50 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Calls for greater institutional convergence and synergy, and in particular for better integration of external energy security priorities in policies pursued by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) and better coordination between the VP/HR and the responsible Commissioners; ~~welcome~~calls in this context ~~the EU Energy Diplomacy Action Plan and invites~~on the VP/HR to regularly inform Parliament about the implementation ~~thereof~~of the EU Energy Diplomacy Action Plan.

Amendment 51 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Highlights that EU is the second largest importer of LNG in the world; Calls for greater institutional convergence and synergy, and in particular for better integration of external energy security priorities in policies pursued by the Vice- President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) and better coordination between the VP/HR and the responsible Commissioners; calls the VP/HR along with Member States to enhance existing and to establish new energy cooperation with current and potential suppliers as well as transit states and other key players; welcomes in this context the EU Energy Diplomacy Action Plan and invites the VP/HR to regularly inform Parliament about the implementation thereof.

Amendment 52 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Is of the opinion that the EU should work closely with international partners and in international fora to ensure a free, liquid and transparent LNG market around the world.

Amendment 6 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Is of the opinion that energy security can be achieved in the most efficient way through better coordination of national energy policies and co~~nsensus~~operation between the Member States on this matter; believes, in this context, that further integration of energy policy should be for the benefit of Member States and their citizens; supports the efforts for a common EU position in multilateral energy institutions and frameworks;

Amendment 7 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Is of the opinion that energy security can be achieved in the most efficient way through better coordination of national enmerg~~y policie~~ency plans and consensus between the Member States on this matter; believes, in this context, that further ~~integ~~cooperation of energy policy should be for the benefit of Member States and their citizens;

Amendment 8 #

Francisco de Paula GAMBUS MILLET

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Is of the opinion that energy security can be achieved in the most efficient way through better coordination of national energy policies and consensus between the Member States on this matter in line with EU targets and international obligations as well as with the objectives and the consistency of the Common Foreign and Security Policy; believes, in this context, that further integration of energy policy should be for the benefit of non EU and EU Member States and their citizens;

Amendment 9 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Is of the opinion that energy security can be achieved in the most efficient way by setting up a common energy policy, through better coordination of national energy policies and consensus between the Member States on this matter; believes, in this context, that further integration of energy policy should be for the benefit of Member States and their citizens;

source: 583.931

2016/06/16 ITRE 265 amendments...

Amendment 1 #

Carolina PUNSET, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Morten PETERSEN, Pavel TELIČKA, Lieve WIERINCK

Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)

- having regard to the 2030 Energy strategy, "A policy framework for climate and energy in the period from 2020 to 2030" (COM(2014)15),

Amendment 10 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN, Lieve WIERINCK

Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 b (new)

- having regard to the 2050 Energy roadmap (COM(2011)885),

Amendment 100 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Underlines that, in most cases, priority should be given to market-based solutions and to the utilisation of existing LNG infrastructure on a regional level; notes, however, that solutions can be different depending on national and market specificities, such as the level of interconnectivity, availability of storage solutions and market structure;

Amendment 101 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Carlos ZORRINHO, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Underlines that priority should be given to ~~market-based solution~~solutions founded on the interest of the peoples and the will of their governments and to the utilisation of existing LNG infrastructure on a regional level;

Amendment 102 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Underlines that priority should be given to market-based solutions and to the utilisation of existing LNG infrastructure on a regional level, as this would reduce the risk of stranded assets;

Amendment 103 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN, Lieve WIERINCK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Urges the Commission to make forecasts of gas consumption based on real demand data that incorporate energy efficiency targets, renewables, changes in industrial demand and falling energy consumption to avoid inflated projections of consumption that will lead to fossil fuel lock-in;

Amendment 104 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Stresses that in order to avoid stranded assets, ~~a careful analysis of LNG supply alternatives and options in a regional perspective should be carried out before deciding about new infrastructure in order~~the Commission needs to carefully revise its analysis for gas demand and risks and needs assessments, ensuring that data is not only coming from gas transmission operators and truly factor in structural changes in energy demand as well as the EU´s energy and climate targets, as already requested by a report of the European Court of Auditors; a careful analysis of LNG supply alternatives and options in a regional perspective - including electricity interconnections, renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency measures - should be carried out before deciding about new infrastructure in order to improve energy security, while avoiding the creation of induced demand, and to guarantee the most efficient use of existing infrastructure;

Amendment 105 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Stresses that in order to avoid stranded assets, a careful analysis of LNG supply alternatives and options in a regional perspective should be carried out ~~before deciding about new infrastructure in order to guarantee the most efficient~~in order to guarantee the most efficient use of existing and future infrastructure; when having to decide how to give access to LNG for a given Member State, it should be assessed whether it is better to enhance/develop interconnections and use of existing LNG infrastructure; in other Member States against building a new LNG terminal in that Member State;

Amendment 106 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. SPoints out that it is important to address the market uncertainties delaying the necessary investments and to give a strong boost to the competitiveness of this energy source in order to ensure that consumers do not have to bear the costs of any new projects; stresses that in order to avoid stranded assets, a careful analysis of LNG supply ~~alternatives and~~ options in a regional perspective should be carried out before deciding about new infrastructure in ~~order to guarantee the most efficient use of existing infrastructure~~vestments;

Amendment 107 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Stresses that, in order to avoid stranded assets, a careful analysis of LNG supply alternatives and options in a regional perspective should be carried out before deciding about new infrastructure in order to guarantee the most efficient use of existingguarantee the most efficient use of existing and future infrastructure, avoid stranded assets and optimize new investments, a careful analysis of LNG supply alternatives and options in a regional perspective, including the development or enhancement of existing LNG infrastructure to another Member State, should be carried out before deciding about new infrastructure;

Amendment 108 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN, Pavel TELIČKA, Lieve WIERINCK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Stresses that in order to avoid still another generation of stranded assets, a careful analysis of LNG supply alternatives and options in a regional perspective should be carried out before deciding about new infrastructure in order to guarantee th~~e most efficient use of existing infrastructur~~at, before committing any new expenditure, existing infrastructure is brought into effective use;

Amendment 109 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Dan NICA, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Carlos ZORRINHO, Miroslav POCHE, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Edouard MARTIN, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Stresses that in order to avoid stranded assets, a careful analysis of LNG supply alternatives and options in a regional ~~perspective~~as well as from an environmentally sustainable perspective, taking into account the Union's climate and energy targets, should be carried out before deciding about new infrastructure in order to guarantee the most efficient use of existing infrastructure;

Amendment 11 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Patrizia TOIA, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Carlos ZORRINHO, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Miroslav POCHE, Edouard MARTIN, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)

- having regard to the Commission communication of 8 March 2011 entitled 'Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050' (COM(2011)0112),

Amendment 110 #

Ivan JAKOVČIĆ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Stresses that~~Calls on the Commission and the Member States, in order to avoid stranded assets, to carry out a careful analysis of LNG supply alternatives and options in a regional perspective ~~should be carried out~~ before deciding about new infrastructure in order to guarantee the most efficient use of existing infrastructure;

Amendment 111 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Stresses that in order to avoid stranded assets, a careful analysis of LNG supply alternatives and options, including renewables and energy efficiency, in a regional perspective should be carried out before deciding about new infrastructure in order to guarantee the most efficient use of existing infrastructure;

Amendment 112 #

Evžen TOŠENOVSKÝ, Hans-Olaf HENKEL, Anneleen VAN BOSSUYT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Believes that the principle of geographical balance should be taken into account when selecting the future location of new or modernisation/increasing capacity of existing LNG terminals and gas storages supported from EU funds; reminds that those projects must provide an added value to contribute to the energy security of particular region with adequate cost- benefit analyses and be in line with the internal energy market rules;

Amendment 113 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Stresses the importance of regional cooperation when building new LNG terminals and underlines that Member States with access to the sea should cooperate closely with landlocked countries; stresses that such cooperation mechanisms could streamline political and energy market co-operation and facilitate joint decisions on essential gas infrastructure investment in the regions; believes that knowledge and information could be developed jointly on issues such as energy storage facilities, and tendering processes for LNG and interconnectors;

Amendment 114 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Patrizia TOIA, Dan NICA, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Eva KAILI, Miroslav POCHE, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Stresses the importance of regional cooperation when building new LNG terminals and underlines that Member States with access to the sea should cooperate closely with landlocked countries; stresses that, in this regards, an optimal use of the west-east and south- north corridors with improved reverse- flow capacity, would allow the transmission of LNG in countries that don't have direct access to a regasification terminal;

Amendment 115 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Strongly believes that the EU strategy has to ensure that LNG is accessible at regional level all over Europe; stresses the importance of regional cooperation when building new LNG terminals and underlines that Member States with access to the sea should cooperate closely with landlocked countries;

Amendment 116 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN, Pavel TELIČKA, Lieve WIERINCK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Stresses the importance of regional cooperation when ~~building new~~planning how to bring into effective use existing LNG terminals and underlines that Member States with access to the sea should cooperate closely with landlocked countries;

Amendment 117 #

Ivan JAKOVČIĆ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. ~~Stresses the importance of~~Calls on the Member States to work in regional cooperation when building new LNG terminals and underlines that Member States with access to the sea should cooperate closely with landlocked countries; calls on the Commission to coordinate the above activity;

Amendment 118 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Stresses the importance of regional cooperation when building new LNG terminals and interconnections and underlines that Member States with access to the sea should cooperate closely with landlocked countries to avoid over- investment in unnecessary or uneconomic projects;

Amendment 119 #

Evžen TOŠENOVSKÝ, Hans-Olaf HENKEL, Anneleen VAN BOSSUYT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Highlights the importance of LNG terminals for the Central and Eastern European member states where a robust connection between the LNG terminals at the Baltic and Adriatic Sea (i.e. the 'North-South Corridor') and subsequent adequate network of interconnectors must be built to ensure the diversification of gas supply;

Amendment 12 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Patrizia TOIA, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Carlos ZORRINHO, Miroslav POCHE, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Edouard MARTIN, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 c (new)

- having regard to the Third Energy Package,

Amendment 120 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Urges the Commission and the Member States to fully implement key projects of common interest (PCIs), that focus on energy efficiency and savings projects and to assign high priority to projects identified by the three regional high-level groups; stresses that building LNG terminals ~~is not sufficient – supporting pipeline infrastructure with appropriate tariffs i~~should only be realised, if other sources of renewable energy, coupled with energy efficiency measures, cannot meet the same objective; supports a holistic approach not only better integrating gas iand~~ispensable for the benefits to be realised outside the receiving countri~~ electricity markets but that also enhances cooperation and solidarity between Member States;

Amendment 121 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Urges the Commission and the Member States to ~~fully~~ implement key projects of common interest (PCIs), that will contribute to improving energy efficiency and ensuring security of supply, and to assign high priority to projects identified by the three regional high-level groups; stresses that building new LNG terminals ~~is not sufficient – supporting pipeline infrastructure with appropriate tariffs is indispensable for the benefits~~should only be done if renewables, coupled with energy efficiency measures, cannot meet the same objective and that their construction should respond to be real~~ised outside the receiving countrie~~ demand or to well justified geo-strategic reasons;

Amendment 122 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Urges the Commission and the Member States to ~~fully implement~~review, in the light of evidence accumulated, the list of key projects of common interest (PCIs), and to assign high priority to projects identified by the three regional high-level groups; stresses that ~~building LNG terminals is not sufficient – supporting pipeline infrastructure with appropriate tariffs is indispensable for the benefits to be realised outside the receiving countrie~~even when the conditions above mentioned are met, and the existing LNG terminals will be brought into use, they must be coordinated by supporting pipeline infrastructure with appropriate tariffs;

Amendment 123 #

Tonino PICULA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Urges the Commission and the Member States to fully implement key projects of common interest (PCIs), ~~and~~ to assign high priority to projects identified by the three regional high-level groups and to allocate EU funds to support their implementation; stresses that building LNG terminals is not sufficient – supporting pipeline infrastructure with appropriate tariffs is indispensable for the benefits to be realised outside the receiving countries;

Amendment 124 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Carlos ZORRINHO, Miroslav POCHE, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Edouard MARTIN, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Urges the Commission and the Member States to fully implement key projects of common interest (PCIs), and to assign high priority to projects identified by the three regional high-level groups; stresses that building LNG terminals which are necessary and compatible to gas demands is not sufficient – supporting pipeline infrastructure with appropriate tariffs is indispensable for the benefits to be realised outside the receiving countries;

Amendment 125 #

Françoise GROSSETÊTE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Urges the Commission and the Member States to fully implement key projects of common interest (PCIs), and to assign high priority tonly to the most economically efficient projects identified by the three regional high-level groups; stresses that building LNG terminals is not sufficient – supporting pipeline infrastructure with appropriate tariffs is indispensable for the benefits to be realised outside the receiving countries;

Amendment 126 #

Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO, Sofia SAKORAFA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

Amendment 127 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

Amendment 128 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Supports the Commission proposal in the ongoing revision of the Security of Supply Regulation to review the existing reverse flow exemptions on interconnectors ~~and endorses the increased role of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) in the process~~;

Amendment 129 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. ~~Support~~Notes the Commission proposal in the ongoing revision of the Security of Supply Regulation to review the existing reverse flow exemptions on interconnectors and ~~endorses the increased role~~calls for the Member States to play an increased role in the management and decision-making of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) ~~in the process~~;

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 d (new)

- having regard to the Commission communication to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 16 February 2016 on 'an EU Strategy on Heating and Cooling' (COM(2016)0051),

Amendment 130 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Supports the Commission proposal in the ongoing revision of the Security of Supply Regulation to review the existing reverse flow exemptions on interconnectors and endorses the increased role of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) in the process; notes the understaffing and lack of resources of ACER; underlines the need for providing ACER with the necessary resources, in particular sufficient own staff, in order to allow the agency to fulfil the tasks assigned to it by legislation;

Amendment 131 #

Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO, Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Supports the Commission proposal in the ongoing revision of the Security of Supply Regulation to review the existing reverse flow exemptions on interconnectors, provided that the review is based on adequate demand projections, and endorses the increased role of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) in the process;

Amendment 132 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Recalls that geology is a major determining factor when developing new gas storages and notes the current excess capacities in European gas storages; stresses that regional cooperation could significantly improve the utilisation rate of existing gas storages; highlights the need to ensure the application of the highest environmental standards in the planning, construction and use of LNG storage infrastructure;

Amendment 133 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Recalls that geology is a major determining factor when developing new gas storages and notes the current excess capacities also in European gas storages; stresses that regional cooperation, supported by more realistic demand projections than those uncritically used in the recent past, could significantly improve the utilisation rate of existing gas storages;

Amendment 134 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Recalls that geology is a major determining factor when developing new gas storages and notes the current excess capacities in European gas storages; stresses that regional cooperation and an adequate level of gas interconnections could significantly improve the utilisation rate of existing gas storages;

Amendment 135 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Reminds that significant seismic activity resulting from the injection of gas in the ground has rendered some gas storage facilities unusable in certain Member States; calls on the Member States to ensure that independent geological and geotechnical studies are conducted prior to the construction of gas storage facilities to determine their geological suitability;

Amendment 136 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Patrizia TOIA, Dan NICA, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Carlos ZORRINHO, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Edouard MARTIN, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Recalls that the development of interconnections and the removal of internal bottlenecks will promote a better use of existing storage facilities even in the Member States that do not have sufficient storage capacity available in their territory;

Amendment 137 #

Evžen TOŠENOVSKÝ, Hans-Olaf HENKEL, Anneleen VAN BOSSUYT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Reminds that the cross-border accessibility of gas storages is one of the key tools to implement the principle of energy solidarity during gas shortages and emergency crisis;

Amendment 138 #

Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO, Sofia SAKORAFA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Stresses that it is of high importance to ensure that Member States maintain control over the infrastructure of LNG for maximising the benefits for the peoples;

Amendment 139 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

Amendment 14 #

Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 c (new)

- having regard to Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on energy efficiency, amending Directives 2009/125/EC and 2010/30/EU and repealing Directives 2004/8/EC and 2006/32/EC Text with EEA relevance,

Amendment 140 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

Amendment 141 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Emphasises that ~~a more extensive use~~the consideration of Ukraine’'s storage capacity within the Energy Union planning will only be possible ifwhen an appropriate, stable commercial and legal framework and the integrity of supply and transit infrastructure ishall be guaranteed in Ukraine;

Amendment 142 #

José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Flavio ZANONATO

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Emphasises that a more extensive use of Ukraine’s storage capacity will only be possible if an appropriate, stable commercial and legal framework and the integrity of supply infrastructure is guaranteed in Ukraine; furthermore emphasises that as Ukraine's gas- dependent industrial sector rebounds in the short term, additional gas supplies will have to be imported; considers that the EU should support Ukraine in transitioning from Russian natural gas dependency to LNG;

Amendment 143 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Emphasises that a more extensive use of Ukraine’s storage capacity will only be possible if an appropriate, stable commercial and legal framework and the integrity of supply infrastructure is guaranteed in Ukraine provided the right level of gas interconnections is in place, so that energy can flow freely across the borders without physical barriers;

Amendment 144 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Emphasises the importance of the work of regional high-level groups, such as the Central East South Europe Gas Connectivity (CESEC), Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan (BEMIP) and South-West Europe high level groups; believes that this type of voluntary-based regional coordination iscan be highly effective, provided it is supported by adequate demand projections and guided by a comprehensive long-term energy strategy, not just a fossil-focussed, infrastructure-focussed one, and welcomes the facilitating role of the Commission in these arrangements, and at the same time stresses the need for pragmatic and timely ~~execution~~critical review of the approved action plans and urges a close follow-up of the implementation;

Amendment 145 #

13. Emphasises the importance of the work of regional high-level groups, such as the Central East South Europe Gas Connectivity (CESEC), Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan (BEMIP) and South-West Europe high level groups; believes that this type of voluntary-based regional coordination is highly effective and welcomes the facilitating role of the Commission in these arrangements, and at the same time stresses the need for pragmatic and timely execution of the approved action plans and urges the Member States to undertake a close follow-up of the implementation;

Amendment 146 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Calls for the prioritisation of developing LNG capacities and indigenous production in the Mediterranean countries and in South Eastern Europe, as well as interconnecting land-locked countries in Central Europe to these new capacities in order to diversify supply sources in these regions; notes that this will allow gas-on- gas competition and will replace imports of natural gas volumes under oil-indexed contracts thus increasing Member States bargaining power;

Amendment 147 #

Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS, Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU, Eva KAILI, Sofia SAKORAFA, Miriam DALLI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Stresses the importance of finding ~~cost effic~~resilient energy supply options, to ~~increase supply security in the Member States on the periphery of the EU, such as~~gether with an intensive implementation of efficiency, renewables and electricity interconnection infrastructures, to increase energy security in the Member States on specific geographic locations in the EU, such as the Baltic States, Cyprus, Malta and Ireland, which are not wyet adequatelly connected to the internal energy market and deserve full support of the Union, in the name of the principle of solidarity;

Amendment 148 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Stresses the importance of finding cost efficient energy supply options to increase supply security in the Member States on the periphery of the EU, such as ~~Cyprus, Malta and Ire~~Ireland, which is not well connected to the internal energy market; highlights also the need to support the most vulnerable countries that continuous to remain energy islands, ~~which are not well connected to the internal energy market;~~ such as Cyprus and Malta, in order to diversify their sources and routes of supply; in this context stresses that LNG and gas storage shall contribute towards ending any kind of energy isolation of the Member States and regions of the EU; furthermore, urgent action is needed for the implementation of key PCIs in these countries;

Amendment 149 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Stresses the importance of finding cost efficient ~~energy supply~~ options to increase supply security ~~in the Member States on~~and market integration for Cyprus, Malta, the pIberi~~phery of the EU, suc~~an Peninsula, the South-South Eas ~~Cyprus, Malta~~t region, the Baltic States and Ireland, which are not well connected and/or integrated to the internal energy market;

Amendment 15 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 d (new)

Amendment 150 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Stresses the importance of finding cost efficient energy supply options to increase supply security ~~in the Member States on~~for Cyprus, Malta, the pIberi~~phery of the EU, suc~~an Peninsula, the South-South Eas ~~Cyprus, Malta~~t region, the Baltic States and Ireland, which are not well connected and/or integrated to the internal energy market;

Amendment 151 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Stresses the importance of finding cost efficient energy supply options to increase supply security in the Member States on the periphery of the EU, such as Cyprus, Malta and Ireland, which are not well connected to the inter~~nal~~-state energy market; notes that this solution cannot be based on private investment, given the high costs of the infrastructure to be installed in view of its low profitability;

Amendment 152 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Stresses the importance of finding cost efficient sustainable energy supply options to increase long-term supply security in the Member States on the periphery of the EU, such as Cyprus, Malta and Ireland, which are not well connected to the internal energy and electricity markets;

Amendment 153 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Stresses the importance of finding cost efficient energy supply options to increase supply security in the Member States on the periphery of the EU, such as Cyprus, Malta and Ireland, which are not well connected to the internal energy market; underlines that the issue of 'energy islands' must be solved as soon as possible and that EU support for LNG investments in these countries should be given a priority;

Amendment 154 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Dan NICA, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI, José BLANCO LÓPEZ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Stresses the importance of finding cost efficient energy supply options to increase supply security in the Member States on the periphery of the EU, such as Cyprus, Malta and Ireland, as well as other islands that belong to Member States, which are not well connected to the internal energy market;

Amendment 155 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Stresses the importance of finding cost efficient and environmentally sustainable energy supply options to increase supply security in the Member States on the periphery of the EU, such as Cyprus, Malta and Ireland, which are not well connected to the internal energy market;

Amendment 156 #

Patrizia TOIA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Emphasises that diversifying supply routes by developing a comprehensive LNG strategy and a Mediterranean & Southern Gas Corridor is as a crucial step in order to achieve energy security and energy solidarity;

Amendment 157 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Reiterates the importance of the Black Sea Region geostrategic importance for the energy security and the diversification of EU energy supply from Caspian Sea, the Middle East and Central Asia;

Amendment 158 #

Patrizia TOIA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)

14b. Underlines that developments of new interconnections, LNG and storage facilities, as well as all the investments diversification to the south-north corridor through a strategic vision, will bring major benefits in terms of security of supply to the European Gas Market enhancing industry competitiveness and lower prices for citizens;

Amendment 159 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)

14b. Stresses the importance of supply security in the Member States from the Black Sea Region which has the increasing potential for further development of LNG Projects, aiming the transport of natural gas from Caspian region to Europe;

Amendment 16 #

- having regard to the Special Report 2015/16 "Improving the security of energy supply by developing the internal energy market: more efforts needed", of the European Court of Auditors,

Amendment 160 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)

14c. Believes that the Black Sea Region should constitute an adequate framework for infrastructure projects of strategic importance for LNG supply through diversifying both suppliers and routes, such as the trans-Caspian/trans-Black Sea energy corridor;

Amendment 161 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. ~~Support~~Recommends the Commission’'s ~~ambition~~ to provide ~~more information and assistance to project promoters on various project financing options, such as the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI)~~serious financing options for the energy transition, twhe ~~Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and on various technical solution~~re a solid core of public financing freed from stability constraints must lead the way to engage significant private investments;

Amendment 162 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Supports the Commission’s ambition to provide more information and assistance to project promoters on various project financing options, such as the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and on various technical solutions;. Stresses that the EFSI should function as a mechanism for turning infrastructure investment into a fully liquid asset class with bonds that can be pooled and traded on European and global markets; furthermore notes that Institutional investors such as insurers or pension funds, which are naturally disposed to making long-term investments in real assets, would be attracted only by standardised investment products and a solid project pipeline that can guarantee sound business cases.

Amendment 163 #

Evžen TOŠENOVSKÝ, Hans-Olaf HENKEL, Anneleen VAN BOSSUYT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Supports the Commission’'s ambition to provide more information and assistance to project promoters on various project financing options, such as the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and on various technical and climate-friendly solutions;

Amendment 164 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

Amendment 165 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Notes that finding ~~cost efficient~~resilient, balanced, long-term solutions should be a key principle in reaching ~~the~~a new EU and regional optimum and calls on the Commission, the Member States and national regulatory authorities to ~~allocate the limited available resources to the development of critical infrastructure~~expand the available resources and to allocate them to the various dimensions of the energy transition;

Amendment 166 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN, Pavel TELIČKA, Lieve WIERINCK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Notes that finding cost efficient solutions should be a key principle in reaching the EU and regional optimum and calls on the Commission, the Member States and national regulatory authorities to allocate the limited available resources to the development of critical infrastructure in compliance with the EU 2030 and 2050 energy and climate targets and in accordance with genuine demand analysis;

Amendment 167 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Notes that finding cost efficient solutions should be a key principle in reaching the EU and regional optimum and calls on the Commission, the Member States and national regulatory authorities to allocate the limited available resources to the development of critical infrastructure that corresponds to real demand, as established by independent forecasts, or to well-justified geo-strategic reasons;

Amendment 168 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Notes that finding cost efficient solutions should be a key principle in reaching the EU and regional optimum and calls on the Commission, the Member States and national regulatory authorities to allocate the limited available resources to the development of critical infrastructure, mainly the projects identified in the Commission communication COM(2016) on an EU strategy for liquefied natural gas and gas storage;

Amendment 169 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Notes that finding cost efficient solutions should be a key principle in reaching the EU and regional optimum and calls on the Commission, the Member States and national regulatory authorities to allocate the limited available resources to the development of critical infrastructure; so as to attract private investment for LNG infrastructure and interconnectors;

Amendment 17 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 e (new)

- having regard to the European Court of Auditors special report No.16 "Improving the security of energy supply by developing the internal energy market: more efforts needed" (2015),

Amendment 170 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Notes that finding cost efficient and environmentally sustainable solutions should be a key principle in reaching the EU and regional optimum and calls on the Commission, the Member States and national regulatory authorities to allocate the limited available resources to the development of critical infrastructure;

Amendment 171 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Patrizia TOIA, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Miroslav POCHE, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Edouard MARTIN, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a. Highlights the Commission's Communication of the 2050 Energy Roadmap, which illustrates that fossil fuels such as gas will need to be phased out by 2050; considers therefore that new gas infrastructure should only be prioritised in case of necessity and should always respond to a real gas demand, in order to avoid the creation of a new carbon lock-in and of possible stranded assets;

Amendment 172 #

Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO, Sofia SAKORAFA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

Amendment 173 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

Amendment 174 #

Barbara KAPPEL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

Amendment 175 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. ~~Expresses concern at~~Notes the proposed doubling of capacity of the Nord Stream pipeline, and ~~the~~its effects ~~this would have~~ on energy security ~~and~~, diversification of supply sources and the principle of solidarity among Member States; highlights that the project ~~runs contrary to~~is directly in line with the underlying principles of ~~a fully integrated, secure, competitive and sustainable Energy Union and as such should not benefit from the EU’s financial support or from derogations from EU law~~the Energy Union, as it is the result of the desire of private monopoly stakeholders and, therefore, is the result of EU legislation, of Germany's desire to achieve hegemony and monopolise this liberalised internal market, and of Poland's policy of non-cooperation towards the Russian gas stakeholders in the Yamal-Europe 2 gas pipeline construction project;

Amendment 176 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. ~~Expresses concern at~~With the justified exceptions noted in paragraph 14, intended to address specific national situations in the name of the principle of solidarity, expresses deep concern about any further expenditure in fossil infrastructures in any point of the Energy Union, including the proposed doubling of capacity of the Nord Stream pipeline, and the negative effects th~~is would~~at such expenditure will certainly have on energy security and diversification of supply sources and the principle of solidarity among Member States; highlights that ~~the~~such projects runs contrary to the underlying principles of a fully integrated, secure, competitive and sustainable Energy Union and as such should not benefit from the EU’'s financial support or from derogations from EU law;

Amendment 177 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. ~~Expresses concern at~~Condemns the proposed doubling of capacity of the Nord Stream pipeline, and the counterproductive effects this would have on energy security and diversification of supply sources and the principle of solidarity among Member States; highlights th~~at the project runs contrary to~~e geopolitical implications of the project, the risk to further destabilise Ukraine while impairing the internal energy market as well as the underlying principles of a fully integrated, secure, competitive and sustainable Energy Union and as such should not benefit from the EU’'s financial support or from any derogations from EU law;

Amendment 178 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Expresses concern at the proposed doubling of capacity of the Nord Stream pipeline, and the effects this would have on energy security and diversification of supply sources and the principle of solidarity among Member States; highlights that the project runs contrary to the underlying principles of a fully integrated, secure, competitive and sustainable Energy Union and as such should not benefit from the EU’s financial support or from derogations from EU law; furthermore, points to the potential political implications of allowing Gazprom, which operates under principles contrary to the Third Energy Package, to operate an even larger share of Europe's natural gas supply;

Amendment 179 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Underlines that a doubling of the capacity of the Nord Stream pipeline would give Gazprom a dominant position on the European gas market, thus changing its architecture;

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 f (new)

- having regard to its resolution of 15 December 2016 entitled 'Towards a European Energy Union',

Amendment 180 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Patrizia TOIA, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Carlos ZORRINHO, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Edouard MARTIN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

Amendment 181 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

Amendment 182 #

Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS, Sofia SAKORAFA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Considers that ~~if, contrary to~~ European interests~~, Nord Stream 2 were to be built, the importance of enabling access to LNG terminals and completing the North-South Gas Corridor in central and south-eastern Europe will significantly increase~~ must prevail and that such infrastructure expenditures should be better addressed to other future-friendly energy projects;

Amendment 183 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Considers ~~that if, contrary to European interests, Nord Stream 2 were to be built,~~ the importance of enabling access to LNG terminals and completing the North-South Gas Corridor in central and south-eastern Europe ~~will significantly increase~~;

Amendment 184 #

Barbara KAPPEL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Considers that ~~if, contrary to European interests, Nord Stream 2 were to be built,~~ the importance of enabling access to LNG terminals and completing the North-South Gas Corridor in central and south-eastern Europe will significantly increase;

Amendment 185 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Considers that if~~, contrary to European interests,~~ Nord Stream 2 were to be built, ~~the importance of enabling~~ access to LNG terminals and completingon of the North-South Gas Corridor in central and south-eastern Europe w~~ill significantly increase~~ould be even more at risk than today;

Amendment 186 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Considers that, if~~, contrary to European interests,~~ Nord Stream 2 were to be built, the importance of enabling access to LNG terminals and completing the North-South Gas Corridor in central and south-eastern Europe will significantly increase;

Amendment 187 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Considers that if, contrary to European interests, Nord Stream 2 were to be built, the importance of enabling access to LNG terminals and completing the North-South Gas Corridor in central and south-eastern Europe will significantly increase; recalls, however, that the Nord Stream 2 pipeline is neither commercially feasible, nor necessary for securing European gas supply and stands contrary to the goals and ambitions of a European energy union based on energy independence and competition;

Amendment 188 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)

18a. Regrets that Member States’ interests are being undermined by geopolitical considerations that stem essentially from historical resentment; regrets that foreign powers are seeking to cut the countries of Europe off from a natural and reliable partner, Russia, in favour of an increased dependency on US shale gas and on LNG from Qatar;

Amendment 189 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6

~~Completing the internal gas market: commercial, legal and regulatory aspects~~Trying to bring back into the market the overdimensioned LNG infrastructure

Amendment 19 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)

-A. whereas the EU has committed itself to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 80-95% below 1990 levels by 2050;

Amendment 190 #

Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS, Xabier BENITO ZILUAGA, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

~~19. Urges the Member States to fully implement the Third Energy Package and gas network codes;~~deleted

Amendment 191 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

~~19. Urges the Member States to fully implement the Third Energy Package and gas network codes;~~deleted

Amendment 192 #

José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Flavio ZANONATO, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Highlights the important role that ~~liquid gas hubs play on the gas market~~bringing into proper functioning the existing liquid gas infrastructure can play on the energy markets, demonstrating that the Union is able to correct its mistakes;

Amendment 193 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Highlights the important role that well-interconnected liquid gas hubs play on the gas markets, that would ensure a single integrated market where gas can freely flow across the borders according to market price signals;

Amendment 194 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Highlights the important role that liquid gas hubs play on the gas markets; stresses that the Mediterranean region is particularly important in this sense and calls for a Mediterranean gas hub in Southern Europe;

Amendment 195 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Highlights the important role that liquid gas hubs play on the gas markets, as well as their role in facilitating the decrease in gas demand in the coming decades;

Amendment 196 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Highlights the important role that well-interconnected liquid gas hubs play on the gas markets;

Amendment 197 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Highlights the important role that liquid gas hubs play on thmature gas markets;

Amendment 198 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Stresses that significant gas reserves in the North African countries and recent discoveries in the Eastern Mediterranean provide the region with an opportunity to emerge as a vibrant centre for transporting gas into Europe; believes that new LNG capacity being developed in the Mediterranean could form the basis of an infrastructure hub;

Amendment 199 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN, Pavel TELIČKA, Lieve WIERINCK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Insists that the completion of the internal gas market and the elimination of regulatory obstacles would greatly improve the liquidity of gas markets; urges stakeholders to finalise the network code on rules regarding harmonised transmission tariff structures for gas as soon as possible;deleted

Amendment 2 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 c (new)

- having regard to the Commission Energy Efficiency Communication (COM(2014)520),

Amendment 20 #

Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS, Xabier BENITO ZILUAGA, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas ~~gas is expected to continue to play an important role in the EU energy system for decade~~in line with the COP 21 Paris Agreement the EU gas policy needs to be adapted complying with the concluded goal of keeping global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre- industrial levels; whereas gas is expected to continue to play at role in the EU energy system until 2050, when in accordance with the Paris Agreement and the EU Energy Roadmap greenhouse gas emissions will have to be reduced to 80- 90% below 1990 levels, especially in industrial production and as a source of heat in buildings,; wh~~ile~~ereas the role for gas will diminish and needs to be phased out, as the EU meets its ambitious targets on greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency and renewables and makes the transition to a low-carbon economy;

Amendment 200 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

Amendment 201 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. ~~Insists that the completion of the int~~Stresses that speeding up libernal gas market and the elimination of regulatory obstacles would greatly improve the liquidity of gas markets; urges stakeholders to finalise the network code on rules regarding harmonised transmission tariff structures for gas as soon as possibleisation will greatly strengthen the hold that transnational oligopolies will have on gas markets;

Amendment 202 #

José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Flavio ZANONATO, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Insists that the completion of the internal gas market and the ~~elimin~~modernisation of regulatory ~~obstacles would greatly improve the liquidity of gas markets; urges stakeholders to finalise the network code on rules regarding harmonised transmission tariff structures for gas as soon as possible~~requirements, adapting them to the renewed Energy Transition Strategy, would contribute to the liquidity of energy markets;

Amendment 203 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Recalls the continuous need for active cooperation between ~~the~~Governments, national regulatory authorities and main stakeholders on cross-border investments, keeping always in mind an European perspective besides the national interests;

Amendment 204 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Recalls the continuous need for active cooperation between the national regulatory authorities, and of their strategic reinforcement, in order to be able to deliver the public service corresponding to their role;

Amendment 205 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Highlights the need to develop harmonised tariff structures across the EU and to increase transparency in tariff definition in order to reach a higher utilisation rate of existing gas storages and takes the view that the network code on rules regarding harmonised transmission tariff structures for gas should take into consideration the need for harmonisation;deleted

Amendment 206 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Carlos ZORRINHO, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Edouard MARTIN, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Highlights the need to develop harmonised tariff structures across the EU and to increase transparency in tariff definition, including the equally transparent consideration of externalities, in order to reach a higher utilisation rate of existing gas storages and takes the view that the network code on rules regarding harmonised transmission tariff structures for gas should take into consideration the need for harmonisation;

Amendment 207 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

Amendment 208 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Carlos ZORRINHO, Miroslav POCHE, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Edouard MARTIN, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Supports the Commission’'s proposal to enable the deployment of bio- methane, providing that it is generated from waste or from products or subproducts non affecting needs of food or feed production, or soil use, after adequate assessments of the impact on air quality, and providing that local territory acceptance is ensured and that local and other renewable gases which comply with relevant EU quality standards in gas transmission, distribution and storage; emphasises that this should not put additional burden on the industry; recommends, in this respect, the consideration of technical parameters, gas quality, cost efficiency, economies of scale and possible local or regional grid solutions;

Amendment 209 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Supports the Commission’'s proposal to enable the deployment of bio- methane and other renewable gases which comply with relevant EU quality standards in gas transmission, distribution and storage; ~~emphasises that this should not put additional burden on the industry; recommends~~asks the Commission, in this respect, theo consider~~ation of technical parameters, gas quality, cost efficiency, economies of scale and~~ and develop harmonised technical parameters, criteria for gas quality, and to develop a strategy encouraging possible local or regional grid solutions;

Amendment 21 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN, Pavel TELIČKA

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas gas ~~is expected to continue to~~can play an important role in the EU energy system for ~~decades, especially in industrial production and as~~the coming decades, as s~~ource of heat in buildings~~upport to renewable energy, while the EU meets its ambitious targets on greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency and renewables and makes the transition to a low-carbon economy, where the role of gas will gradually decrease in favour of clean energies;

Amendment 210 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Supports the Commission’'s proposal to enable the deployment of bio- methane and other renewable gases which comply with relevant EU quality standards in gas transmission, distribution and storage~~; emphasises that this should not put additional burden on the industry~~ while ensuring that the polluters pay principle is respected; ; recommends, in this respect, the consideration of technical parameters, gas quality, cost efficiency, economies of scale and possible local or regional grid solutions;

Amendment 211 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Supports the Commission’s proposal to enable the deployment of bio- methane and other renewable gases (such as synthetic gas produced by Power-to- Gas technology) which comply with relevant EU quality standards in gas transmission, distribution and storage; emphasises that this should not put additional burden on the industry; recommends, in this respect, the consideration of technical parameters, gas quality, cost efficiency, economies of scale and possible local or regional grid solutions;

Amendment 212 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Patrizia TOIA, Dan NICA, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Carlos ZORRINHO, Miroslav POCHE, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Edouard MARTIN, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)

24a. Urges the Members States to fully implement the third energy package particularly in relation to the provisions on granting access to bio-methane to the grid and to storage facilities; highlights in this regard Directive 2009/73/EC, according to which Member States should ensure that, taking into account the necessary quality requirements, biogas and gas from biomass or other types of gas are granted non-discriminatory access to the gas system, provided such access is permanently compatible with the relevant technical rules and safety standards;

Amendment 213 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Encourages LNG and storage operators ~~and~~in cooperation with national regulatory authorities to develop new flexible products and services ~~in order to make storing more attractive and to create the still missing technical, regulatory and market conditions~~, compliant with the EU current legislation, in order to make LNG regasification and storing more attractive, and in order to maximise the utilisation of existing ~~storag~~LNG and storages facilities;

Amendment 214 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Encourages LNG and storage operators and national regulatory authorities to develop new flexible products and services in order to make storing more attractive, and to create the still missing technical, regulatory and market conditions in order to maximise the utilisation of existing storages;

Amendment 215 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Encourages storage operators and national regulatory authorities to develop new flexible products and services in order to make storing more attractive and to create the still missing technical, regulatory and market conditions in order to ma~~ximise~~ke efficient the utilisation of existing storages;

Amendment 216 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 9

~~Optim~~Rationalising the role of storage for security of gas supply

Amendment 217 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Carlos ZORRINHO, Miroslav POCHE, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Highlights the role of immediate, high-flexibility services that gas storage offers and points out the different role that storage can play during a supply disruption compared to LNG where logistics in the supply chain are rather rigid on such a short-term basis; accordingly, considers that in the present context the rationalisation of storage must have priority over the consideration of new LNG infrastructure;

Amendment 218 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Highlights the role of immediate, high-flexibility services that gas storage offers and points out the different role that storage can play during a supply disruption compared to LNG where logistics in the supply chain ~~are rather rigid on such a short-term basi~~might not grant the same responsiveness;

Amendment 219 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Highlights the role of immediate, high-flexibility services that gas storage offers in some Member States and points out the different role that storage can play during a supply disruption compared to LNG where logistics in the supply chain are rather rigid on such a short-term basis;

Amendment 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas gas is expected to continue to play an important role in the EU energy system for decades, even taking into account the continuing trend of reduction of demand, especially in industrial production and as a source of heat in buildings, while the EU ~~meet~~proceeds towards its ambitious targets on greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency and renewables and makes the transition to a low-carbon economy;

Amendment 220 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Highlights the role of immediate, high-flexibility services that gas storage offers in some countries and points out the different role that storage can play during a supply disruption compared to LNG where logistics in the supply chain are rather rigid on such a short-term basis;

Amendment 221 #

Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)

26a. Reminds that LNG is a global good that can be shipped freely in the global markets;

Amendment 222 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Underlines the importance of ~~eliminat~~modernising regulatory ~~barrier~~requirements to developing regional storage concepts; believes that certain storages could offer tailor-made international services, i.e. storage services tied with cross-border transportation; proposes that the regional high-level groups cooperate more extensively to find innovative solutions on how to use strategically valuable assets effectively at regional and European level;

Amendment 223 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 10

~~The EU as a player on international LNG markets~~deleted

Amendment 224 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 10

The EU as a player on international LNG and energy markets

Amendment 225 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Carlos ZORRINHO, Miroslav POCHE, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

~~28. Notes the emerging global trend for increasing liquefaction capacity and its expected positive effect on the European gas markets;~~deleted

Amendment 226 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Notes the emerging global trend for increasing liquefaction capacity and its ~~expected positive effe~~potential impact on the European gas markets;

Amendment 227 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN, Pavel TELIČKA, Lieve WIERINCK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Notes the emerging global trend for increasing liquefaction capacity and its ~~expected positive effe~~potential impact on the European gas markets;

Amendment 228 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Notes the emerging global trend for increasing liquefaction capacity and its ~~expected~~potential positive effect on the European gas markets;

Amendment 229 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Notes the emerging global trend for increasing liquefaction capacity and its ~~expected positive~~ effect on the European gas markets;

Amendment 23 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Patrizia TOIA, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI, Carlos ZORRINHO, Edouard MARTIN, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas gas is expected to continue to play an important role in the EU energy system for decades, especially in industrial production and as a source of heat in buildings, while the EU meets its ~~ambitious~~ targets on greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency and renewables and makes the transition to a ~~low-~~decarbonized economy;

Amendment 230 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29

29. Urges the Commission and the European External Action Service to actively pursue the approved Energy Diplomacy Action Plan and to promote a rule-based, transparent and well- functioning global gas market;deleted

Amendment 231 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29

29. ~~Urg~~Invites the ~~Commission and the European External Action Service to actively pursue the approved E~~Member States to cooperate in defining and implementing their energy Ddiplomacy ~~Action Plan~~ and to promote ~~a rule-based, transparent and well- functioning global gas market~~the supply security of each Member State for the benefit of the security of all;

Amendment 232 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29

Amendment 233 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

Amendment 234 #

Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS, Xabier BENITO ZILUAGA, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

Amendment 235 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

Amendment 236 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Pavel TELIČKA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Stresses the necessity of ~~eliminating all barriers to global free trade of LNG; urges,~~ reinforcing th~~is context, US policy makers to increase investment certainty by introducing clear criteria and deadlines in the authorisation process for gas exports to non-FTA countri~~e energy independence of European states;

Amendment 237 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Stresses the necessity of ~~eliminating all barriers to global free trade of LNG~~applying a system of quality control on LNG imports that guarantees the elimination of methane leakage during all stages of the gas life-cycle; uUrges, in this context, ~~US policy makers to increase investment certainty by introducing clear criteria and deadlines in the authorisation process for gas exports to non-FTA countries;~~ the European Commission and the External Action Service to ensure that production conditions meet the high standards required in the European Union and Members States, that the producing countries, many of them outside the OECD, are subject to independent audits and quality controls, and not to favour LNG that is not compliant with these high standards;

Amendment 238 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI, Carlos ZORRINHO, Miroslav POCHE, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Edouard MARTIN, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Stresses the necessity of eliminating all barriers to global free trade of LNG; urges, in this context, US policy makers to increase investment certainty by introducing clear criteria and deadlines in the authorisation process for gas exports to non-FTA countrieraising awareness to environmental, climate and social impacts of imported LNG in global free trade fora; asks the Commission in this context to require gas suppliers that production conditions meet standards required for production in the EU, and Member States to refuse LNG that has been produced under conditions infringing their own national standards;

Amendment 239 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Stresses the necessity of eliminating ~~all~~ barriers to global free trade of LNG, whose production must be sustainable; urges, in this context, US policy makers to increase investment certainty by introducing clear criteria and deadlines in the authorisation process for gas exports to non-FTA countries;

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)

Aa. whereas gas remains a fossil fuel that emits significant amounts methane along its lifecycle (production, transport, consumption); whereas methane has a global warming potential 86 times higher than CO2 on a 20-year timescale and thus a considerable impact on climate change, so that gas cannot not be considered as a low-carbon energy source to reach our climate goals;

Amendment 240 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)

30a. Points out that, given the prospects for increased LNG supplies in the coming years, this strategy might be accompanied by an assessment of needs in terms of LNG carriers and measures to enable the EU shipbuilding industry to benefit from the increased transport volumes anticipated, thereby helping the industry to achieve its target of 20% of GDP by 2020;

Amendment 241 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)

30a. Reminds that any international trade flows of energy must be subject to considerations regarding their compatibility with major goals, first of all the fight against climate change and for peace and stability; moreover, since not all sources are equal, any imports to the Union linked to a specific source should be ready to meet similar rules than those applied to the same source within the European Union;

Amendment 242 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)

30a. Considers that the extraction of shale gas using hydraulic fracturing does not contribute to the achievement of EU's climate objectives due to methane leaks whose greenhouse gas emissions are many times higher than from CO2 and, therefore, cannot be considered a low- carbon energy source;

Amendment 243 #

Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO, Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)

30a. Stresses that the development of LNG should be compatible with the reduction of the EU's dependency or gas imports and should not facilitate the entry of gas from hydraulic fracturing;

Amendment 244 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)

30a. Considers that EU-US LNG trade would fully integrate the EU gas market into the global one and would contribute significantly to the completion of the Internal Energy Market;

Amendment 245 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 b (new)

30b. Acknowledges the public concerns about hydraulic fracturing and the negative consequences this technology entails for the achievement of the EU's long term decarbonisation goals, as well as for climate, environment and public health and that these effects are transnational; Considering that the energy mix is primarily a Member State competence and that some Member States have banned fracking in their territory, urges the Commission to recommend to Member States not to import LNG originating from fracking;

Amendment 246 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 b (new)

30b. Encourages the Commission to consider the Eastern Mediterranean and the Caspian Region as important case studies for its Energy Diplomacy given the opportunities for energy trade and available resources;

Amendment 247 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Acknowledges the potential ~~of LNG as a sustainable fuel, both in road and maritime transport; underlines that wider use of LNG in freight transport could contribute to the decrease of global CO2~~climatic risk of LNG due to methane leaks all along the lifecycle of gas; encourages further scientific research to be done on the exact implications of LNG via its entire life-cycle on greenhouse gas emissions;

Amendment 248 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Acknowledges the potential of ~~LNG~~gas as a s~~ustainable fuel~~pecialty energy vector that can cover some highly specific needs linked to the transition period towards a fully renewable energy system, both in road and maritime transport; underlines that wider use of ~~LNG~~gas in freight transport could contribute to the decrease of global CO2 emissions, when substituting heavier hydrocarbons; reminds that any such measures must be assessed for their overall impact on greenhouse emissions, considering the negative impact of gas leaks in extraction, transport and distribution;

Amendment 249 #

Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Acknowledges the potential of LNG as a ~~sustainable~~ fuel, both in road and maritime transport; underlines that wider use of LNG in freight transport could contribute to the decrease of global CO2 ~~emissions~~, SOx and NOx emissions, especially though the increased amount of LNG engines in maritime transport;

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)

Aa. whereas gas is a fossil fuel, with CO2 emissions during combustion and methane emissions during the whole gas life-cycle, with a global warming potential much higher than CO2;

Amendment 250 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Acknowledges the potential of LNG as a ~~sustainabl~~n alternative fuel, both in road and maritime transport; underlines that wider use of LNG in freight transport could contribute to the decrease of global CO2 emissions provided methane leaks are prevented in all stages of the gas life- cycle;

Amendment 251 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Acknowledges the potential of LNG as a sustainable fuel, both in road and maritime transport; underlines that wider use of LNG in freight transport could contribute to the decrease of global ~~CO2~~ emissions of CO2 and nitrogen oxides (NOx) and to eliminate sulphur oxides (SOx) and particles;

Amendment 252 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Carlos ZORRINHO, Miroslav POCHE, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Edouard MARTIN, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Acknowledges the potential of LNG ~~as a sustainable fuel~~, both in road and maritime transport; underlines that wider use of LNG in freight transport could contribute to the decrease of global CO2 emissions;

Amendment 253 #

Amendment 254 #

Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS, Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU, Eva KAILI, Sofia SAKORAFA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)

31a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure full implementation of Directive 2014/94/EU on alternative fuels, including the establishment of LNG refuelling points across the TEN-T corridors and at maritime and inland ports by establishing a harmonised regulatory and standardisation framework that encourages the development of LNG as alternative fuel for road and maritime transport, replacing more polluting conventional fuels;

Amendment 255 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)

31a. Stresses that the Eastern Mediterranean is a promising future source of gas supply for the EU, with significant resources available in the EEZ of Egypt, Israel, Lebanon and Cyprus. No single energy source will ever fulfil EU's energy needs, and diversity from both domestic and foreign markets is essential. Therefore, the development of the domestic conventional gas resources discovered in Cyprus should be actively pursued;

Amendment 256 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)

31a. Underlines that EU should continue to support the growth of LNG as an alternative fuel only where it replaces more polluting conventional fuels and does not take the place of renewable energy sources, consistent with sustainability goals;

Amendment 257 #

Evžen TOŠENOVSKÝ, Hans-Olaf HENKEL, Anneleen VAN BOSSUYT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)

31a. Underlines the fact that the dense network of fuelling infrastructure is a prerequisite for substantive deployment of LNG as an alternative fuel in the transport sector;

Amendment 258 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32

32. Notes that the use of small-scale LNG technology in certain areas, such as long-range transportation or industrial high performance applications~~, might not only contribute to climate policy objectives but could also result in significant business advantage~~ could result in significant business advantage; warns that these advantages should be balanced with the environmental and health impacts related to LNG, which necessitate further research;

Amendment 259 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32

32. Notes that the use of small-scale LNG technology in certain areas, such as long-range transportation or industrial high performance applications, might ~~not only~~ contribute to climate policy objectives ~~but could also result in significant business advantag~~provided methane leaks are prevented in all stages of the gas life-cycle;

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)

Ab. whereas EU leaders have committed to reducing Europe's greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95 % compared to 1990 levels by 2050; whereas 80% of these greenhouse gas emissions are coming from fuel combustion, fugitive emissions and transport; whereas this requires the immediate phase-out of and thus end to subsidies and other -direct and indirect- incentives for, gas, oil and coal during the next 35 years;

Amendment 260 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32

32. Notes that the use of small-scale LNG technology in certain areas, such as long-range transportation or industrial high performance applications, subject to comprehensive assessments, with a special attention to safety in the concerned areas, might not only contribute to climate policy objectives but could also result in significant business advantage;

Amendment 261 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32

32. Notes that the use of small-scale LNG technology in certain areas, such as long-range transportation or industrial high performance applications, might not only contribute to climate policy objectives but could also result in significant business advantage, as it makes a longer range possible than compressed natural gas;

Amendment 262 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)

32a. Urges that transport policies, such as the Directive 2014/94 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, make a stronger case to move to natural gas to improve air quality, as gas is the only alternative to diesel oil in heavy transport; in this sense, there is also room to consider establishing an Emission Control Area (ECA) in the Mediterranean Sea to abate emissions from maritime transport;

Amendment 263 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)

32a. Underlines that it must be ensured that an appropriate number of refuelling points for LNG are put in place at European maritime ports to enable LNG inland waterways vessels or seagoing ships to circulate all over European seas and waters;

Amendment 264 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 b (new)

32b. Considers that fostering the use of natural gas as an alternative fuel in transport is an important global challenge and calls for a commitment to achieve emission reductions should be obtained through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO);

Amendment 265 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN, Lieve WIERINCK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Court of Auditors, the Member States, Energy Community Secretariat and the Contracting Parties of the Energy Community.

Amendment 27 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)

Ab. whereas the European Union is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 80- 95% below 1990 levels by 2050;

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)

Ac. whereas the EU´s current development plans for gas infrastructure projects are based on the expectation of rising demand, yet gas consumption in Europe has been falling and by 2014 was 23% lower than its peak in 2010; whereas gas infrastructure planning should be based on decreasing gas demand, the ´energy efficiency first principle´ and take account of the rapid expansion of renewables;

Amendment 29 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN, Lieve WIERINCK

Motion for a resolution
Recital Β

Β. whereas European gas import dependency in the upcoming years is expected to grow and in certain Member States has already reached 100 % in cases where there are no or limited numbers of alternative suppliers or supply routes;deleted

Amendment 3 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 e (new)

- having regard to the Fifth IPCC Assessment Report - Working Group I Report "Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis",

Amendment 30 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN, Pavel TELIČKA, Lieve WIERINCK

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas European gas import dependency in ~~the upcoming years is expected to grow and in~~ certain Member States has already reached 100 % ~~in cases where there are no or limited numbers of alternative suppliers or supply rout~~and boosting renewable energy and improving energy efficiency represent an opportunity to reduce gas demand in these countries;

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas European gas import dependency in the upcoming years ~~is expected to~~could grow and in certain Member States has already reached 100 % in cases where there are no or limited numbers of alternative suppliers or supply routes; whereas ambitious policies for renewable energy, in combination with energy efficiency and demand reduction, are a major driving force in reducing the EU´s imports dependency and therefore its external energy bill and those of consumers while enhancing its energy security vis-à-vis external providers; whereas very 1% increase in energy savings reduces gas imports by 2,6%;

Amendment 32 #

Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS, Xabier BENITO ZILUAGA, Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU, Eva KAILI, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO, Sofia SAKORAFA

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas European relative gas import dependency in the upcoming years is expected to grow (although the absolute dependency must be decreased if the transition to renewables is effectively enacted) and in certain Member States has already reached 100 % in cases where there are no or limited numbers of alternative suppliers or supply routes;

Amendment 33 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)

Ba. whereas energy is a basic human good and an important goal of the EU energy strategy must be to combat energy poverty and ensure equal access to affordable energy for all; whereas energy and climate policies must be better interlinked;

Amendment 34 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)

Ba. whereas Europe has already a significant LNG import infrastructure: the EU currently has 197 bcm of LNG import capacity with a further 77 bcm of LNG import capacity under development;

Amendment 35 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas liquefied natural gas (LNG) presents an opportunity for Europe both in terms of increasing competitiveness by exerting downward pressure on natural gas prices and increasing supply security; whereas natural gas ~~is also a flexible backup to renewables in electricity production~~may only serve as an interim solution to complement renewable energy production and increased energy efficiency measures and that needs to be bound to a tight phased-out schedule in line with the EU 2050 climate and energy targets;

Amendment 36 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

Amendment 37 #

Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS, Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU, Eva KAILI, Sofia SAKORAFA

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas new gas infrastructure, if not responding to actual demand, will risk becoming stranded assets while diverting significant financial investments away from renewable energy and energy efficiency measures; whereas a smart integration of the European gas and electricity systems as well as demand management can significantly decrease needs for investment in gas infrastructure; whereas the dual impact of economy-wide energy efficiency improvements and electrification trends will further sharply reduce gas demand;

Amendment 38 #

Patrizia TOIA

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. Considering that, using natural gas in transportation (CNG and LNG), as provided for by the European Directive 2014/97/EU on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, would generate great environmental benefits;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas the EU should actively pursue the development of EU's domestic conventional gas resources, such as those discovered in Cyprus;

Amendment 4 #

Evžen TOŠENOVSKÝ, Hans-Olaf HENKEL, Anneleen VAN BOSSUYT

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)

- having regard to Directive 2014/94/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure (OJ L 307/1, 28.10.2014),

Amendment 40 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Pavel TELIČKA

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas the EU, as ~~the second largest LNG importer in the world, should explo~~a relevant world energy importer, should endeavour to connect this role coherently with its m~~ore opportunities in the international energy diplomacy arena~~ajor diplomatic initiatives for peace, stability, respect of fundamental rights, protection of the environment and social rights worldwide;

Amendment 41 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas the EU, as the second largest LNG importer in the world, should exploit more opportunities in the international energy diplomacy arena to require from LNG producing countries to comply with high environmental standards in all stages of the gas life-cycle to avoid harmful methane leakage;

Amendment 42 #

Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS, Eva KAILI, Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas the EU, as the second largest LNG importer in the world, should ~~exploit more opportunities~~act in the international energy diplomacy arena based on its actual declining trend of gas demand;

Amendment 43 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Carlos ZORRINHO, Eva KAILI, Miroslav POCHE, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Edouard MARTIN, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas the EU, as the second largest LNG importer in the world, should ~~exploit more opportunities~~play a more proactive role in the international energy diplomacy arena;

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

Da. whereas it is important to promote an integrated proposal for the use of indigenous energy sources, such as natural gas deposits in the Cyprus EEZ, and to support the creation of a LNG liquefaction terminal in Cyprus to exploit deposits from neighbouring areas also;

Amendment 45 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas the EU ~~is still not able~~needs to fully exploit the benefits of an integrated internal energy market ~~due to a lack of key gas infrastructure that would properly connect the markets and due to incomplete implementation of the Third Energy Package~~completing the implementation of the Third Energy Package, while making better use of existing infrastructure, streamlining regulation, better linking its gas and electricity systems as well as modernising towards an efficient renewable based heating and cooling sector, in order to drive forward a sustainable energy transition;

Amendment 46 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas the EU is still not able to fully exploit the benefits of an integrated internal energy market due to ~~a lack of key gas infrastructure that would properly connect the markets and due to~~ incomplete implementation of the Third Energy Package;

Amendment 47 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN, Pavel TELIČKA, Lieve WIERINCK

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas the EU is still not able to fully exploit the benefits of an integrated internal energy market due to a lack of key gas infrastructure that would properly connect the markets ~~and due to incomplete implementation of the Third Energy Package~~;

Amendment 48 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas the EU is still not able to fully exploit the benefits of an integrated internal energy market due to a lack of ~~key gas infrastructure that would properly connect the market~~sufficient interconnections and due to incomplete implementation of the Third Energy Package;

Amendment 49 #

E. whereas the EU is still not able to fully exploit the benefits of an integrated internal energy market due to a lack of coherence and key gas infrastructure that would properly connect the markets and due to incomplete implementation of the Third Energy Package;

Amendment 5 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Lieve WIERINCK

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)

- having regard to the Paris Agreement made in December 2015 at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the UNFCCC,

Amendment 50 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)

Ea. whereas gas consumption forecasts in the past have been overestimated;

Amendment 51 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN, Pavel TELIČKA, Lieve WIERINCK

Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)

Eb. whereas the current LNG infrastructure in Europe works at 25% of its capacity, according to the 2016 LNG report by IGU, and in some Member States there is infrastructure that has not been used since its construction;

Amendment 52 #

Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS, Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO, Sofia SAKORAFA

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas the framework ~~strategy for a resilient Energy Union~~of the EU's energy strategy with a forward- looking climate change policy should defines as a priority fighting energy poverty, enhancing supply security, diversification, sustainability goals, and ~~promotes more competitiv~~should promote also affordable energy prices for all;

Amendment 53 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Patrizia TOIA, Theresa GRIFFIN, Simona BONAFÈ, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Carlos ZORRINHO, Miroslav POCHE, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Edouard MARTIN, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas the framework strategy for a resilient Energy Union with a forward- looking climate change policy defines ~~as a priority supply security, diversification, sustainability goals and promotes more competitive energy price~~five mutually-reinforcing and closely interrelated dimensions: Energy security, a fully integrated European energy market; Energy efficiency, decarbonisation of the economy, and Research, Innovation and Competitiveness;

Amendment 54 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas the framework strategy for a resilient Energy Union with a forward- looking climate change policy defines as a priority energy efficiency, reduction of demand, solidarity, supply security, diversification, sustainability goals and promotes an adequate accountancy of the comprehensive externalities of the energy systems and more competitive energy prices;

Amendment 55 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas the framework strategy for a resilient Energy Union with a forward- looking climate change policy defines as a priority supply security, diversification, sustainability goals and promotes more competitive energy prices; whereas European gas policies should be based on the ultimate goal of phasing out gas and hence reducing demand in line with the Paris Agreement;

Amendment 56 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1

Introduction - LNG and gas storage in the context of the EU´s energy and climate goals

Amendment 57 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Welcom~~Notes the Commission communication entitled ‘'An EU strategy for liquefied natural gas and gas storage’'; ~~believes that an internal energy market which fully integrates LNG and gas~~underlines that LNG strategy needs to fit into the wider European climate and energy priorities implying a focus on demand reduction, energy efficiency and a wider exit stora~~ge will play a significant role in achieving the ultimate objective of a resilient Energy Union~~tegy for gas till 2050 - which in turn should inform how to assess and prioritise policy and infrastructure choices across the different elements of the European energy system;

Amendment 58 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the Commission communication entitled ‘'An EU strategy for liquefied natural gas and gas storage’'; ~~belie~~observes that gas demand in~~ternal energy market which fully integrates LNG and gas storage will play a significant role in achieving the ultimate objective of a resilient Energy Union~~ Europe has decreased by 14% between 2000 and 2014 and by 23% between 2010 and 2014, partly because of the economic crisis but also thanks to the implementation of energy efficiency policies; believes that this trend is likely to continue with the EU 2030 Energy Strategy;

Amendment 59 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN, Pavel TELIČKA, Lieve WIERINCK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Welcom~~Notes the Commission communication entitled ‘An EU strategy for liquefied natural gas and gas storage’; believes that an inter~~nal~~-state energy market which fully integrates LNG and gas storage will play a significant role in achieving the ultimate objective of a resilient Energy Union;

Amendment 6 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 d (new)

- having regard to the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement (COP21),

Amendment 60 #

Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS, Sofia SAKORAFA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Welcom~~Notes the Commission communication entitled ‘An EU strategy for liquefied natural gas and gas storage’; believes that an internal energy market which fully integrates LNG and gas storage will play a significant role in achieving the ultimate objective of ~~a resilient Energy Union~~ensuring equal access to energy, as a public social good, for all;

Amendment 61 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Welcom~~Acknowledges the Commission communication entitled ‘'An EU strategy for liquefied natural gas and gas storage’'; believes that an internal energy market which fully integrates LNG and gas storage will p~~lay a significant role in~~robably contribute to achieving the ultimate objective of a resilient Energy Union;

Amendment 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Observes a significant decrease of European gas demand by 14% between 2000 and 2014 and by 23% between 2010 and 2014, partly due to the economic crisis but also a structural shift in gas demand thanks to the successful implementation of energy efficiency and renewable policies; sees that this trend is likely to continue with the implementation of the even rather restrained EU 2030 Energy targets;

Amendment 63 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Patrizia TOIA, Dan NICA, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Carlos ZORRINHO, Eva KAILI, Miroslav POCHE, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Edouard MARTIN, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Stresses that an EU Strategy for liquefied natural gas must be consistent with the framework strategy for a resilient Energy Union so as to contribute to increased security of energy supply, decarbonisation, the long-term sustainability of the economy and the delivery of affordable and competitive energy prices;

Amendment 64 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Dan NICA, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Miroslav POCHE, Eva KAILI, Carlos ZORRINHO, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI, Simona BONAFÈ, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Theresa GRIFFIN, Edouard MARTIN, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. Stress the need to make the EU gas system more diverse and flexible, thus contributing to the key Energy Union objective of a secure, resilient and competitive gas supply;

Amendment 65 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Agrees with the assessment of the Commission that Member States in the Baltic region and in central and south- eastern Europe, and Ireland – despite the huge infrastructure development efforts realised by certain Member States – are still dependent on a single supplier and are exposed to supply shocks and disruptions;deleted

Amendment 66 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Agrees with the assessment of the Commission that Member States in ~~the Baltic region and in~~ central and south- eastern Europe, and Ireland – despite the huge infrastructure development efforts realised by certain Member States – are still dependent on a single supplier and arcould be exposed to supply shocks and disruptions; notes that 80% of gas demand comes from six western European countries (DE, UK, FR, NL, ES, BE) with strong energy efficiency and renewable policies in place, where gas demand is likely to decrease even further in future;

Amendment 67 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Agrees with the assessment of the Commission that Member States in the Baltic region ~~and in central and south- eastern Europe, and Ireland~~together with Ireland, Cyprus and Malta – despite the huge infrastructure development efforts realised by certain Member States – are still dependent on a single supplier and are exposed to supply shocks and disruptions;

Amendment 68 #

Rolandas PAKSAS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Agrees with the assessment of the Commission that Member States in ~~the Baltic region and in~~ central and south- eastern Europe, ~~and Ire~~Ireland and Finland – despite the huge infrastructure development efforts realised by certain Member States – are still dependent on a single supplier and are exposed to supply shocks and disruptions;

Amendment 69 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Agrees with the assessment of the Commission that Member States in the Baltic region and in central and south- eastern Europe, and Ireland – despite the huge infrastructure development efforts realised by certain Member States – are still dependent on a single supplier, and arin some cases also to unstable transit routes, and as a consequence could be exposed to supply shocks and disruptions;

Amendment 7 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 e (new)

- having regard to the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement,

Amendment 70 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Theresa GRIFFIN, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Miroslav POCHE, Carlos ZORRINHO, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Simona BONAFÈ, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Edouard MARTIN, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Agrees with the assessment of the Commission that Member States in the Baltic region and in central and south- eastern Europe, and Ireland – despite the huge infrastructure development efforts realised by certain Member States – are still ~~depende~~heavily reliant on a single supplier and are exposed to supply shocks and disruptions;

Amendment 71 #

Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Agrees with the assessment of the Commission that Member States in the Baltic Sea region and in central and south- eastern Europe, and Ireland – despite the huge infrastructure development efforts realised by certain Member States – are still dependent on a single supplier and are exposed to supply shocks and disruptions;

Amendment 72 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Acknowledges that the availability of LNG, including supporting pipeline infrastructure, in these Member States could significantly improve the current supply security situation not only in physical but also in economic terms, contributing to more competitive energy prices;deleted

Amendment 73 #

Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS, Sofia SAKORAFA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Acknowledges that the availability of LNG, including supporting pipeline infrastructure, ~~in these Member States coul~~but notably a boost in energy efficiency measures and a switch to efficient renewable heating and cooling, in vulnerable Member States could enhance the reduction of energy demand and significantly improve the current supply security situation not only in physical but also in economic terms, contributing to more competitive energy prices and the creation of local sustainable jobs;

Amendment 74 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

Amendment 75 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN

Amendment 76 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Warns against any investment in fossil infrastructures that is not strictly justified by solid demand projections, something which unfortunately has been lacking in the recent past, as highlighted by the ECA Special report 2015/16;

Amendment 77 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)

3b. Strongly advises to consider that any investment in fossil infrastructures locks-in the same situation that it declares to fight against, that is to say, the structural geopolitical dependency of the Union, and continues to emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere; this worrying lack of coherence must be urgently addressed by the Union in order to deserve trust of its citizens, and very especially from its younger generations to which such expensive, dangerous and self-damaging fossil infrastructures will be bequeathed;

Amendment 78 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Morten PETERSEN, Lieve WIERINCK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)

3c. Warns that any investment in fossil infrastructures deviates resources from efficiency and renewables initiatives, and that accordingly it delays the complete energy transition towards carbon-free and nuclear-free energy sources, which is already technologically feasible and is lacking only political vision and decision, and the ensuing allocation of resources;

Amendment 79 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Urges the Commission and the 4. Member States to promote and incentivise a more efficient and ~~bet~~coordinaterd use of existing infrastructure, including gas storage; reiterates that a more efficient use of existing terminals should be prioritized over the construction of new projects, which would not necessarily respond to a real demand and could result in important stranded assets with important additional costs to final consumers;

Amendment 8 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)

- having regard to the Commission communication of 15 December 2011 entitled 'Energy Roadmap 2050' (COM(2011)0885),

Amendment 80 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Urges the Commission and the Member States to promote and incentivise a much more efficient and better use of all existing energy infrastructure, ~~including gas storage~~considering the evidence of capacity excess currently plaguing many sub-sectors, and particularly the LNG terminals;

Amendment 81 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Urges the Commission and the Member States to promote and incentivise a more efficient and better use of existing infrastructure, including gas storage; as well as to foster a comprehensive fuel switch from gas to renewable energy sources and hence a phasing out of fossil subsidies, in order to reach a fossil free economy by 2050;

Amendment 82 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Patrizia TOIA, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Miroslav POCHE, Carlos ZORRINHO, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Edouard MARTIN, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Calls on the Commission to develop a strategy that aims at lessening EU gas dependency in the long-term reflecting its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emission to 80-95% below 1990 levels by 2050;

Amendment 83 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)

4b. Underlines that an EU 2030 target for energy efficiency, if revised upwards, would have a significant impact on energy dependency, reducing, in particular, gas imports; highlights in this regard that, according to the European Commission’s Communication on Energy Efficiency (COM(2014)520), for every 1% improvement in energy efficiency, EU gas imports falls by 2.6%; stresses in this respect, that treating energy efficiency as a ‘first fuel’ would significantly reduce EU dependency on imported fossil fuels;

Amendment 84 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Patrizia TOIA, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Miroslav POCHE, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Carlos ZORRINHO, Edouard MARTIN, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)

4c. Recalls, in this respect, that the Parliament has repeatedly called for binding 2030 climate and energy targets of at least a 40% domestic reduction in GHG emissions, at least 30% for renewables and 40% for energy efficiency, to be implemented by means of individual national targets;

Amendment 85 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Patrizia TOIA, Dan NICA, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Carlos ZORRINHO, Eva KAILI, Miroslav POCHE, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 d (new)

4d. Stresses that care should be taken with regard to investment in LNG or gas infrastructure to avoid the risk of technology lock-in or stranded assets in fossil fuel infrastructures;

Amendment 86 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Patrizia TOIA, Dan NICA, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Simona BONAFÈ, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Carlos ZORRINHO, Eva KAILI, Miroslav POCHE, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 e (new)

4e. Stresses the need to promote the most efficient use of existing LNG terminals, with a cross-border perspective, before supporting new regasification terminals;

Amendment 87 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Recalls that ~~even though~~ the EU as a whole ~~is sufficiently supplied with~~possess an excess of LNG regasification terminals and that in recent years a low utilisation rate has characterised the terminals as a result of recent market trends, ~~non-optimal distribution of LNG terminals presents a challenge, and access to LNG in the most vulnerable Member States should be supported~~with significant waste of public and private resources;

Amendment 88 #

Carolina PUNSET, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Fredrick FEDERLEY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Recalls that ~~even though~~ the EU as a whole is sufficiently supplied with LNG regasification terminals and in recent years a low utilisation rate has characterised the terminals as a result of recent market trends~~, non-optimal distribution of LNG terminals presents a challenge, and access to LNG in the most vulnerable Member States should be support~~; acknowledges that with its current LNG import capacity of about 195 bcm the EU can already source more than 50% of its annual gas imports from LNG; stresses that currently LNG capacities are heavily under-used, as the utilisation of gas import pipelines in 2014 stood at 46 % and the usage of LNG terminals at 32 % implying that only half of total EU gas import capacity was utilised;

Amendment 89 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Recalls that ~~even though~~ the EU as a whole is sufficiently supplied with LNG regasification terminals and that in recent years a low utilisation rate has characterised the terminals as a result of recent market trends, and non-optimal distribution of LNG terminals presents a challenge~~, and access to LNG in the most vulnerable Member States should be supported~~;

Amendment 9 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)

- having regard to the Commission communication to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 15 December 2011 Energy Roadmap 2050 (COM(2011) 0885),

Amendment 90 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Recalls that even though the EU as a whole is sufficiently supplied with LNG regasification terminals and in recent years a low utilisation rate has characterised the terminals as a result of recent market trends, non-optimal distribution of LNG terminals presents a challenge, and a~~ccess to LNG in~~ll Member States, especially the most vulnerable ~~Member Stat~~ones, should ~~be suppor~~have access to LNG either directly or indirectly through other Member Stateds;

Amendment 91 #

Flavio ZANONATO, Patrizia TOIA, Dan NICA, Theresa GRIFFIN, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Carlos ZORRINHO, Eva KAILI, Miroslav POCHE, Soledad CABEZÓN RUIZ, Csaba MOLNÁR

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Recalls that ~~even though~~ the EU as a whole is sufficiently supplied with LNG regasification terminals and ~~in recent years a low utilisation rate has characterised the terminals as a result of recent market trends,~~acknowledges that, due to the past years' weak internal gas demand and a relatively high global price on LNG, several EU LNG regasification terminals are experiencing low utilization rates; Stresses that despite a non-optimal distribution of LNG terminals ~~presents a challenge, and~~, access to LNG in the most vulnerable Member States shcould be supported; through further development of internal interconnections;

Amendment 92 #

Tonino PICULA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Recalls that even though the EU as a whole is sufficiently supplied with LNG regasification terminals and in recent years a low utilisation rate has characterised the terminals as a result of recent market trends, non-optimal distribution of LNG terminals presents a challenge, and access to LNG in the most vulnerable Member States, especially ones depending on a single supplier, should be supported;

Amendment 93 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Underlines that studies assessing the current distribution of LNG terminals and the related challenges, so as the contribution that LNG could bring to the energy resilience of the most vulnerable Member States, should consider exhaustively alternative energy solutions, and avoid saddling the Union infrastructure map with still more expensive, seriously underused or not used at all LNG infrastructure, except for highly justified national situations, such as those mentioned in paragraph 14 and other;

Amendment 94 #

Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS, Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU, Eva KAILI, Sofia SAKORAFA, Miriam DALLI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Reminds of the volatility of gas prices and irreducible additional costs of LNG due to transport, liquefaction, shipping and regasification that make up the bulk of costs and that in times of oversupply and low gas prices render LNG and related infrastructure the more unprofitable; hence stresses a better use of existing infrastructure should be prioritised over the construction of new ones that in discrepancy with decreasing demand could result in significant stranded assets;

Amendment 95 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Emphasises that liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas storage are of particular importance in order to achieve energy diversification and enhance energy security; calls in this context for the promotion and development of new natural gas nodes and LNG storage stations in the central and south-eastern regions, the Baltic and the Mediterranean;

Amendment 96 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)

5b. Recognises that the non-optimal distribution of LNG terminals may present a challenge, and that a diversification of energy sources as well as a reduction of energy demand in the most vulnerable Member States should be supported with the ultimate goal of becoming self-reliant and resilient based on renewables and increased energy efficiency measures;

Amendment 97 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Underlines that ~~priority should be given to market-based solutions and to the utilisation of existing LNG infrastructure on a regional level;~~ market-based solutions leading to the commissioning of existing LNG infrastructure have utterly failed, being based on ideological considerations and seriously wrong demand projections, leading to a situation of an average use of 25% of such infrastructure across the Union; asks that an in-depth investigation about such abject market failure should be conducted, in order to identify responsibilities and to avoid the repetition of such expensive blunders;

Amendment 98 #

Paloma LÓPEZ BERMEJO, Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. UAlerts to the fact that LNG infrastructure is long-lived and capital intense and likely to operate beyond 2050; hence underlines that priority should first be given to ~~market-based~~renewable and energy efficiency solutions and to the utilisation of existing LNG infrastructure on a regional level urges new and existing gas infrastructure to be actively prepared for a phase out before 2050 and potential reconversions;

Amendment 99 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. UStresses the need to ensure the coherent development of LNG infrastructure with the needs of national energy markets, so as to avoid asymmetries or over-capacities in its development; underlines that priority should be given to ~~market-bas~~public-led solutions and to the utilisation of existing LNG infrastructure on a regional level;

source: 584.007

2016/06/22 TRAN 93 amendments...

Amendment 1 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Welcom~~Encourages the Commission’ to link its strategy to ~~support~~develop the use of LNG as an alternative fuel for transport, where it replaces more polluting conventional fuels and does not take the place of renewable energy sources, with its policy of decarbonisation of transport corresponding to the COP21 agreement; furthermore underlines that an LNG strategy needs to fit into the wider European climate and energy priorities, putting a focus on the reduction of demand, energy efficiency and a wider exit strategy for fossil fuels by 2050;

Amendment 10 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. Stresses that the necessary infrastructure needs to be in place to complete the internal market and allow all Member States to benefit from access to international LNG markets, either directly or via other Member States;

Amendment 11 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)

1c. Calls on the EU to complete the internal gas market so that it sends the right price signals – both to attract LNG to where it is needed and to allow the necessary investments in infrastructure to take place;

Amendment 12 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)

1d. Calls on the EU to step up its efforts to cooperate closely with international partners to promote free, liquid and transparent global LNG markets;

Amendment 13 #

Maria GRAPINI, Karoline GRASWANDER-HAINZ, Francisco ASSIS, Claudia ȚAPARDEL

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Points out that the use of LNG in heavy-duty vehicles and shipping can reduce emissions of various pollutants (SOx, NOx and particulate matter) and, in the case of shipping, can allow the sector to meet the requirements of environmental legislation by decreasing the sulphur and nitrogen content in marine fuels used in the Emission Control Areas; notes that LNG, and ~~in particular CNG, is also a viable~~CNG can also present viable transitional solutions for ~~public transport which helps to reduce air and noise pollution~~other modes of transport to reduce their climate and environmental impact; stresses that these benefits need to outweigh the required infrastructure costs;

Amendment 14 #

Izaskun BILBAO BARANDICA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Points out that the use of LNG in heavy-duty vehicles and shipping, inland transport and public transport services can reduce emissions of various pollutants (SOx, NOx and particulate matter) and, in the case of shipping, can allow the sector to meet the requirements of environmental legislation by decreasing the sulphur and nitrogen content in marine fuels used in the Emission Control Areas; notes that LNG, and in particular CNG, is also a viable solution for public transport which helps to reduce air and noise pollution;

Amendment 15 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Points out that the use of LNG in heavy-duty vehicles and shipping can reduce emissions of various pollutants (SOx, NOx and particulate matter) and, in the case of shipping, can allow the sector to meet the requirements of environmental legislation by decreasing the sulphur and nitrogen content in marine fuels used in the Emission Control Areas; notes that LNG, and in particular CNG, is also a viable solution for public transport which helps to reduce air and noise pollution which can lead to improved life conditions;

Amendment 16 #

Theresa GRIFFIN, Flavio ZANONATO, Isabella DE MONTE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Points out that the use of LNG in heavy-duty vehicles and shipping can reduce emissions of various pollutants (SOx, NOx and particulate matter) and, in the case of shipping, can allow the sector to meet the requirements of EU environmental legislation by decreasing the sulphur and nitrogen content in marine fuels used in the Emission Control Areas; notes that LNG, and in particular CNG, is also a viable solution for public transport which could helps to reduce air and noise pollution where renewables are not replaced;

Amendment 17 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Points out that the use of LNG in heavy-duty vehicles ~~and~~, shipping and industry can reduce emissions of various pollutants (SOx, NOx and particulate matter) and, in the case of shipping, can allow the sector to meet the requirements of environmental legislation by decreasing the sulphur and nitrogen content in marine fuels used in the Emission Control Areas; notes that LNG, and in particular CNG, is also a viable solution for public transport which helps to reduce air and noise pollution;

Amendment 18 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Points out that the use of LNG in heavy-duty vehicles and shipping can reduce emissions of various pollutants (SOx, NOx and particulate matter) and, in the case of shipping, can allow the sector to meet the requirements of environmental legislation by decreasing the sulphur and nitrogen content in marine fuels used in the Emission Control Areas; notes that LNG, and in particular CNG, is also a viable solution for public transport which helps to reduce air and noise pollution and reduce operating costs;

Amendment 19 #

Massimiliano SALINI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Points out that the use of LNG in heavy-duty vehicles and shipping can reduce emissions of various pollutants (SOx, NOx and particulate matter) and, in the case of shipping, can allow the sector to meet the requirements of environmental legislation by decreasing the sulphur and nitrogen content in marine fuels used in the Emission Control Areas; notes that LNG, and in particular CNG, is a~~lso a~~n immediately viable solution for public and private transport which helps to reduce air and noise pollution;

Amendment 2 #

Marie-Christine ARNAUTU

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the Commission’s strategy to support the use of LNG as an alternative fuel for transport where it replaces more polluting conventional fuels and does not take the place of renewable energy sources; calls for the EU LNG strategy to exclude shale gas supplies so as to ensure that the environmental impact, which is beneficial terms of air pollution, including where transport is concerned, does not, in aggregate, prove to be harmful, particularly in terms of soil and subsoil pollution;

Amendment 20 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Points out that the use of LNG in heavy-duty vehicles and shipping can reduce emissions of various pollutants (SOx, NOx and particulate matter) and, in the case of shipping, can allow the sector to meet the requirements of environmental legislation by decreasing the sulphur and nitrogen content in marine fuels used in the Emission Control Areas and beyond them; notes that LNG, and in particular CNG, is also a viable solution for public transport which helps to reduce air and noise pollution;

Amendment 21 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Points out that the use of LNG in heavy-duty and passenger vehicles and shipping can reduce emissions of various pollutants (SOx, NOx and particulate matter) and, in the case of shipping, can allow the sector to meet the requirements of environmental legislation by decreasing the sulphur and nitrogen content in marine fuels used in the Emission Control Areas; notes that LNG, and in particular CNG, is also a viable solution for public transport which helps to reduce air and noise pollution;

Amendment 22 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Points out that the use of LNG in heavy-duty vehicles and shipping can reduce emissions of various pollutants (SOx, NOx and particulate matter) and, in the case of shipping, can allow the sector to meet the requirements of environmental legislation by decreasing the sulphur and nitrogen content in marine fuels used in the Emission Control Areas; notes that LNG, and in particular CNG, ismust also become a viable solution for public transport which helps to reduce air and noise pollution;

Amendment 23 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Points out that the use of LNG in heavy-duty vehicles and shipping can reduce emissions of various pollutants (SOx, NOx and particulate matter) and, in the case of shipping, can allow the sector to meet the requirements of environmental legislation by decreasing the sulphur and nitrogen ~~content in marine fuels used~~emissions in the shipping sector in the Emission Control Areas; notes that LNG, and in particular CNG, is also a viable solution for public transport which helps to reduce air and noise pollution;

Amendment 24 #

Izaskun BILBAO BARANDICA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Recalls that in urban, suburban and densely populated built-up areas installing publicly accessible refuelling points may help consolidate a more sustainable transport system;

Amendment 25 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Stresses that the use of LNG may also lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from maritime and road transport~~, provided that methane slip is minimised~~; stresses that significant efforts must be made by the competent bodies to minimise the methane slip in the production, distribution, and combustion phases; calls therefore for adequate measures to minimise methane slip in the overall LNG chain through the use of the best available technologies and to ensure adequate R&D financing for that purpose;

Amendment 26 #

Theresa GRIFFIN, Flavio ZANONATO, Isabella DE MONTE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Stresses that the use of LNG may also lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from maritime and road transport and industry, provided that methane slip is minimised in the production, distribution, and combustion phases; calls therefore for adequate measures to minimise methane slip in the overall LNG chain through the use of the best available technologies and to ensure adequate R&D financing for that purpose;

Amendment 27 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Stresses that the use of LNG may also lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from maritime and road transport, provided that ~~methane slip is minimised in the~~all efforts are taken to minimise methane slip during production, distribution, and combustion phases; calls therefore for adequate measures to minimise methane slip in the overall LNG chain through the use of the best available technologies and to ensure adequate R&D financing for that purpose;

Amendment 28 #

Massimiliano SALINI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Stresses that the use of LNG and CNG may also lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from maritime and road transport, provided that methane slip is minimised in the production, distribution, and combustion phases; calls therefore for adequate measures to minimise methane slip in the ~~overall LNG~~production chain through the use of the best available technologies and to ensure adequate R&D financing for that purpose;

Amendment 29 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Stresses th~~at the use of LNG may also lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from maritime and road transport, provided that methane slip~~e potential climate risk of an increased use of LNG in maritime and road transport due to methane leaks throughout its ~~minimised in the~~lifecycle, including production, distribution, and combustion phases; ~~calls~~and therefore calls for adequate measures to minimise methane slip in the overall LNG chain through the use of the best available technologies and to ensure adequate R&D financing for that purpose;

Amendment 3 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the Commission’s strategy to support the use for a transitional period of LNG as an alternative fuel for transport where it replaces more polluting conventional fuels and does not take the place of renewable energy sources; points out that when discussing liquefied natural gas (LNG) it is also necessary to ensure that there is an infrastructure for liquefied biogas (LBG), to promote its adoption and to ensure that its systems are interoperable;

Amendment 30 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Stresses the need to pursue the work on establishing a harmonised regulatory and standardisation framework that promotes the development of LNG in maritime transport; stresses at the same time that this work should be carried out in close cooperation with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO);

Amendment 31 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)

3b. Points out that past experience has shown that, owing to technical requirements, including the size and weight of refuelling installations, LNG in land transport appears viable only for larger vehicles, such as lorries and buses, whereas for passenger cars the best solution would appear to be based on LPG or CNG technologies; considers, therefore, that EU support in this regard should remain technologically neutral;

Amendment 32 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)

3c. Stresses that the strategy should also include the use of LNG as an alternative to the development of gas distribution and transmission infrastructure in areas where it is not currently cost-effective; notes that small LNG installations can provide the optimal infrastructure for increasing the use of natural gas in areas where investments in gas infrastructure are unprofitable, including for increasing the use of gas to generate heat and thus curb so-called low-stack emissions;

Amendment 33 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Calls on the Commission, when it revises the Renewable Energy Directive, to propose a new target for the proportion to be accounted for by renewables in total transport fuel consumption by 2030 in order to meet the CO2 emission reduction targets in the transport sector; points out that biogas from organic waste and synthetic biogas produced using electricity from renewable energy sources, for example solar energy or wind power, could be of great use in achieving the EU’s climate action goals and speeding up the decarbonisation of transport;

Amendment 34 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)

3b. Calls on the Commission, as regards the Fuel Quality Directive, to set a new target for lowering the life cycle greenhouse gas intensity of transport fuels, not least with a view to promoting LNG and biogas, whose life cycle carbon intensity is lower than that of conventional fuels;

Amendment 35 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)

3c. Calls on the Commission to revise Directive 2009/33/EC on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles in order to provide stronger incentives for contracting authorities and entities and certain operators, when buying road transport vehicles, to take the energy and environmental impact into account, one aim being to promote fleet renewal by encouraging greater use of substitute fuels such as LNG and biogas;

Amendment 36 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)

3d. Calls on the Commission, after consulting the stakeholders, to consider whether, alongside Regulation (EC) No 443/2009 setting CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars, it might establish a CO2 equivalent for hydrocarbon emissions, not least with a view to informing consumers;

Amendment 37 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Calls on the Member States to ~~ensure implementation of Directive 2014/94/EU on the deployment of alt~~assess, in their national policy frameworks, in close coopernati~~ve fuels infrastructure,~~on within the ~~prescribed time limits, in particular as regards~~ir regional authorities, the einsta~~blishment of LNG~~llation of refuelling points, at least along the existing TEN-T Core Network, to ensure that LNG heavy-duty motor vehicles can circulate throughout the Union, and at maritime and inland ports to enable LNG inland waterway vessels or sea-going ships to circulate throughout the TEN-T Core Network; recalls that Member States should assess, in their national policy frameworks, in close cooperation with their regional authorities, the need to install refuelling points for LNG in ports outside the TEN-T Core Network for LNG in ports outside the TEN-T Core Network; emphasises that any assessment process needs to include a detailed cost-benefit analysis;

Amendment 38 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Calls on the Member States to ensure implementation of Directive 2014/94/EU on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, within the prescribed time limits, in particular as regards the establishment of LNG refuelling points, at least along the existing TEN-T Core Network, to ensure that LNG heavy-duty motor vehicles can circulate throughout the Union, and at maritime and inland ports to enable LNG inland waterway vessels or sea-going ships to circulate throughout the TEN-T Core Network; recalls that Member States should assess, in their national policy frameworks, in close cooperation with their regional authorities, the need to install refuelling points for LNG in ports outside the TEN-T Core Network; stresses that the EU should now focus on finalising the transposition of Directive 2014/94/EU in order to establish common technical specifications and should closely monitor the results of those activities;

Amendment 39 #

Theresa GRIFFIN, Flavio ZANONATO, Isabella DE MONTE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Calls on the Member States to ensure implementation of Directive 2014/94/EU on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, within the prescribed time limits, in particular as regards the establishment of LNG refuelling points, at least along the existing TEN-T Core Network, to ensure that LNG heavy-duty motor vehicles can circulate throughout the Union, and at maritime and inland ports to enable LNG inland waterway vessels or sea-going ships to circulate throughout the TEN-T Core Network; recalls that Member States should assess, in their national policy frameworks, in close cooperation with their regional authorities, the need to install refuelling points for LNG in ports outside the TEN-T Core Network; urges national and regional operators to cooperate closely in the transport and energy sectors, with the aim of enhancing the multifunctionality and exploitability of the LNG infrastructure.

Amendment 4 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the Commission’'s strategy to support the use of LNG as an alternative fuel, whose production must be sustainable, for transport where it replaces more polluting conventional fuels such as diesel or heavy fuel oil and does not take the place of renewable energy sources; or undermine efforts to decarbonise our economy;

Amendment 40 #

Jozo RADOŠ, José Inácio FARIA, Ivan JAKOVČIĆ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Calls on the Member States to ensure implementation of Directive 2014/94/EU on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, within the prescribed time limits, in particular as regards the establishment of LNG refuelling points, at least along the existing TEN-T Core Network, to ensure that LNG heavy-duty motor vehicles can circulate throughout the Union, and at maritime and inland ports to enable LNG inland waterway vessels or sea-going ships to circulate throughout the TEN-T Core Network; recalls that Member States should assess, in their national policy frameworks, in close cooperation with their regional authorities, the need to install refuelling points for LNG in ports outside the TEN-T Core Network; stresses that the development of infrastructure related to LNG must correspond to the real needs of citizens and not to geopolitical schemes;

Amendment 41 #

Evžen TOŠENOVSKÝ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Calls on the Member States to ensure implementation of Directive 2014/94/EU on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, within the prescribed time limits, in particular as regards the establishment of LNG refuelling points, at least along the existing TEN-T Core Network, to ensure that LNG heavy-duty motor vehicles can circulate throughout the Union, and at maritime and inland ports to enable LNG inland waterway vessels or sea-going ships to circulate throughout the TEN-T Core Network; underlines that a dense network of refuelling infrastructure is a prerequisite for the substantive deployment of LNG as an alternative fuel in the transport sector; recalls that Member States should assess, in their national policy frameworks, in close cooperation with their regional authorities, the need to install refuelling points for LNG in ports outside the TEN-T Core Network;

Amendment 42 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Calls on the Member States to ensure implementation of Directive 2014/94/EU on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, within the prescribed time limits, in particular as regards the establishment of LNG refuelling points, at least along the existing TEN-T Core Network, to ensure that LNG heavy-duty motor vehicles can circulate throughout the Union, and at maritime and inland ports to enable LNG inland waterway vessels or sea-going ships to circulate throughout the TEN-T Core Network; recalls that Member States should assess, in their national policy frameworks, in close cooperation with their regional authorities, the need to install refuelling points for LNG in ports outside the TEN-T Core Network; calls on the Commission to design a financial instrument for supporting the construction of LNG refuelling points inside and outside the TEN-T Core Network;

Amendment 43 #

Izaskun BILBAO BARANDICA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Calls on the Member States to ~~ensure~~ implement~~ation of~~ Directive 2014/94/EU on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, within the prescribed time limits, namely by 18 November 2016, in particular as regards the establishment of LNG refuelling points, at least along the existing TEN-T Core Network, to ensure that LNG heavy-duty motor vehicles can circulate throughout the Union, and at maritime and inland ports to enable LNG inland waterway vessels or sea-going ships to circulate throughout the TEN-T Core Network; recalls that Member States should assess, in their national policy frameworks, in close cooperation with their regional and local authorities, the need to install refuelling points for LNG in ports outside the TEN-T Core Network and assess the need to install a supply at airports for stationary aircraft;

Amendment 44 #

Massimiliano SALINI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Calls on the Member States to ensure implementation of Directive 2014/94/EU on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, within the prescribed time limits, in particular as regards the establishment of LNG refuelling points, at least along the existing TEN-T Core Network, to ensure that LNG heavy-duty motor vehicles can circulate throughout the Union, and at maritime and inland ports to enable LNG inland waterway vessels or sea-going ships to circulate throughout the TEN-T Core Network; recalls that Member States should assess, in their national policy frameworks, in close cooperation with their regional authorities, the need to install refuelling points for LNG in ports outside the TEN-T Core Network, and that similar steps should be taken as regards CNG;

Amendment 45 #

Theresa GRIFFIN, Flavio ZANONATO, Isabella DE MONTE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Calls on the Member States to ensure implementation of Directive 2014/94/EU on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, within the prescribed time limits, in particular as regards the establishment of LNG refuelling points, at least along the existing TEN-T Core Network, to ensure that LNG heavy-duty motor vehicles and passenger vehicles can circulate throughout the Union, and at maritime and inland ports to enable LNG inland waterway vessels or sea-going ships to circulate throughout the TEN-T Core Network; recalls that Member States should assess, in their national policy frameworks, in close cooperation with their regional authorities, the need to install refuelling points for LNG in ports outside the TEN-T Core Network;

Amendment 46 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Calls on the Member States to ensure implementation of Directive 2014/94/EU on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, within the prescribed time limits, in particular as regards the establishment of LNG refuelling points, at least along the existing TEN-T Core Network, to ensure that LNG heavy-duty motor vehicles can circulate throughout the Union, and at maritime and inland ports to enable LNG inland waterway vessels or sea-going ships to circulate throughout the TEN-T Core Network; recalls that Member States should assess, in their national policy frameworks, in close cooperation with their regional authorities, the appropriate need to install refuelling points for LNG in ports outside the TEN-T Core Network;

Amendment 47 #

Theresa GRIFFIN, Flavio ZANONATO, Isabella DE MONTE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure full implementation of Directive 2014/94/EU on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, within the prescribed time limits, in particular as regards the establishment of LNG refuelling points~~, at least along the existing~~ across the TEN-T Ccor~~e Netw~~ridorks, to ensure that LNG heavy-duty motor vehicles can circulate throughout the Union, and at maritime and inland ports to enable LNG inland waterway vessels or sea-going ships to circulate throughout the TEN-T Core Network; recalls that Member States should assess, in their national policy frameworks, in close cooperation with their regional authorities, the need to install refuelling points for LNG in ports outside the TEN-T Core Network;

Amendment 48 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Stresses that investment in LNG or gas infrastructure should avoid any technology lock-in or stranded assets in relation to fossil fuels; highlights the need to promote the most efficient use of existing LNG terminals with a cross- border perspective before supporting new regasification terminals;

Amendment 49 #

Maria GRAPINI, Francisco ASSIS, Claudia ȚAPARDEL

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Stresses that transport policies, such as the Directive 2014/94 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, should make a stronger case to move to natural gas to improve air quality, as gas is the only alternative to diesel oil in heavy transport; in this sense, there is also room to consider establishing an Emission Control Area (ECA) in the Mediterranean Sea to abate emissions from maritime transport;

Amendment 5 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

Amendment 50 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Stresses that the TEN-E Regulation, together with the Connecting Europe Facility, establishes an appropriate policy framework for also supporting the EU’s gas infrastructure, including transmission, LNG terminals and storage, making it considerably easier to identify projects the EU needs and ensuring their implementation;

Amendment 51 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Calls for R&D support to promote improved technologies for inland waterways vessels in order to swiftly shift to a lower-carbon fleet;

Amendment 52 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to create incentives for new development and conversion of ships' engines and the engines of vehicles, including commercial vehicles, to use LNG;

Amendment 53 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)

4b. Considers that fostering the use of natural gas as an alternative fuel in transport is an important global challenge and calls for a commitment to achieve emission reductions through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO);

Amendment 54 #

Francisco de Paula GAMBUS MILLET

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)

4b. Stresses the need to ensure an adequate R&D financing for developing unmanned systems for the installation of LNG refuelling points on inland waterways;

Amendment 55 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Notes that the current LNG terminals are not optimally distributed across the EU; stresses the need to commit decisively to developing infrastructure enabling better connections between the Member States with greater LNG capacity and the rest of the EU, in order to help guarantee supplies; stresses that sea ports play an important role in optimising the distribution of LNG across the Union by acting as LNG hubs; calls for the establishment of a long-term and stable financial framework and continuous funding opportunities through the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and Motorways of the Sea, Horizon 2020, the European Structural and Investment Funds and the European Investment Bank;

Amendment 56 #

Theresa GRIFFIN, Flavio ZANONATO, Isabella DE MONTE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Notes that the current LNG terminals are not optimally distributed across the EU; stresses that sea ports play an important role in optimising the distribution of LNG across the Union by acting as LNG hubs; calls for the establishment of a long-term and stable financial framework and continuous funding opportunities through the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and Motorways of the Sea, Horizon 2020, the European Structural and Investment Funds and the European Investment Bank; stresses the need to assess LNG supply alternatives, regional options and environmentally sustainable solutions to guarantee the most efficient use of existing infrastructure and adherence to the EU's climate and energy targets;

Amendment 57 #

Evžen TOŠENOVSKÝ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Notes that the current LNG terminals are not optimally distributed across the EU; believes that the principle of geographical balance should be taken into account when selecting the future location of new or modernisation/increasing capacity of existing LNG terminals supported from EU funds; stresses that sea ports play an important role in optimising the distribution of LNG across the Union by acting as LNG hubs; calls for the establishment of a long-term and stable financial framework and continuous funding opportunities through the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and Motorways of the Sea, Horizon 2020, the European Structural and Investment Funds and the European Investment Bank;

Amendment 58 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Notes that the current LNG terminals are not optimally distributed across the EU; stresses that sea ports play an important role in optimising the distribution of LNG across the Union by acting as LNG hubs; recalls that due to high LNG prices, the infrastructure for the development of the use of this form of gas requires financial support beyond free market mechanisms; calls for the establishment of a long-term and stable financial framework and continuous funding opportunities through the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and Motorways of the Sea, Horizon 2020, the European Structural and Investment Funds and the European Investment Bank;

Amendment 59 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Notes that the current LNG terminals are not optimally distributed across the EU; ~~stresses that~~ sea ports play an important role in optimising the distribution of LNG across the Union by acting as LNG hubs~~; calls for the establishment of a long-term and stabl~~ and should be fin~~ancial framework and continuous funding opportunities through the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI),~~tegrated into the Connecting Europe Facility's (CEF) ~~and Motorways of the Sea, Horizon 2020, the~~synergies approach between trans- European Str~~uctural and Investment Funds and the European Investment Bank~~ansport and energy networks;

Amendment 6 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the Commission’s strategy to support the use of LNG as an alternative fuel for transport where it replaces more polluting conventional fuels ~~and does not take the place of renewable energy sources~~;

Amendment 60 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Calls for a rapid implementation of the key projects of common interest which have been already agreed, especially the ones which will unsure the integration of the gas market of the Iberian Peninsula with the rest of Europe;

Amendment 61 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Stresses the great importance and multi-purpose utility of an appropriate infrastructure for the use of liquefied gas in transport, and therefore calls on the Commission and Member States to create incentive models to improve the existing LNG infrastructure, particularly by means of investment in new infrastructure which closes the gaps in provision and creates a complete supply network;

Amendment 62 #

Jozo RADOŠ, Ivan JAKOVČIĆ, José Inácio FARIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Notes that, in the transport sector, in addition to an adequate distribution infrastructure, it is essential also to address measures to encourage the shipping sector to invest in vessels using LNG; stresses that in this respect it is necessary to consider instruments at national and EU level for speeding up investment in vessels;

Amendment 63 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Welcomes the fact that important LNG projects (e.g. North-South corridor) are being defined as projects of common interest; calls on the Commission to fully include Balkan countries when planning the further reconstruction of gas pipeline and TEN-E network to ensure a key role of the EU energy sector in the region;

Amendment 64 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Stresses the need to promote the most efficient use of existing LNG terminals, with a cross-border perspective, before supporting new regasification terminals;

Amendment 65 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)

5b. Recalls that the EU as a whole is sufficiently supplied with LNG regasification terminals and acknowledges that, due to the past years' weak internal gas demand and a relatively high global price of LNG, several EU LNG regasification terminals are experiencing low utilisation rates; stresses that despite a non-optimal distribution of LNG terminals, access to LNG in the most vulnerable Member States could be supported through further development of internal interconnections;

Amendment 66 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)

5c. Underlines that priority should be given to market-based solutions and to the utilisation of existing LNG infrastructure on a regional level, as this would reduce the risk of stranded assets;

Amendment 67 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)

5d. Stresses that in order to avoid stranded assets, a careful analysis of LNG supply alternatives and options on a regional level as well as from an environmentally sustainable perspective, should be carried out before deciding about new infrastructure, in order to guarantee the most efficient use of existing infrastructure taking into account the Union's climate and energy targets;

Amendment 68 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 e (new)

5e. Stresses the importance of regional cooperation when building new LNG terminals and underlines that Member States with access to the sea should cooperate closely with landlocked countries; stresses that, in that regard, an optimal use of the west-east and south- north corridors with improved reverse- flow capacity, would allow the transmission of LNG in countries that don't have direct access to a regasification terminal;

Amendment 69 #

Theresa GRIFFIN, Flavio ZANONATO, Isabella DE MONTE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 f (new)

5f. Recalls that the development of interconnections and the removal of internal bottlenecks will promote a better use of existing storage facilities even in the Member States that do not have sufficient storage capacity available in their territory;

Amendment 7 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Stresses that an EU strategy for liquefied natural gas must be consistent with the framework strategy for a resilient Energy Union and support increased security of energy supply, decarbonisation, the long-term sustainability of the economy and the delivery of affordable and competitive energy prices;

Amendment 70 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 g (new)

5g. Highlights the Commission's Communication on the 2050 Energy Roadmap, which illustrates that fossil fuels such as gas will need to be phased out by 2050; considers therefore that new gas infrastructure should only be prioritised in case of necessity and should always respond to a real gas demand, in order to avoid the creation of a new carbon lock-in and of possible stranded assets;

Amendment 71 #

Jozo RADOŠ, Ivan JAKOVČIĆ, José Inácio FARIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 h (new)

5h. Stresses that in order to avoid stranded assets, a careful analysis of LNG supply alternatives and options in a regional perspective should be carried out in order to guarantee the most efficient use of existing and future infrastructure; when having to decide how to give access to LNG for a given Member State, it should be assessed whether it is better to enhance/develop interconnections and use existing LNG infrastructure in other Member States against building a new LNG terminal in that Member State;

Amendment 72 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to present cost-effective solutions for the distribution and storage of LNG in the Union’s outermost regions and for adequate financing; stresses the need to look at all existing solutions for the storage and distribution of LNG, in particular in island regions, taking into consideration the potential evolution in demand for that fuel; calls on the Commission to encourage a process of identifying the storages of regional importance; in order to provide security, affordability and sustainability of these storages, the Commission is called upon to ensure the necessary financial help to member states to develop the necessary infrastructure and improve their existing capacity in a timely manner;

Amendment 73 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

Amendment 74 #

Theresa GRIFFIN, Flavio ZANONATO, Isabella DE MONTE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to present cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solutions for the distribution and storage of LNG in the Union’'s outermost regions and for adequate financing in line with the EU's climate and energy targets; stresses the need to look at all existing solutions for the storage and distribution of LNG, in particularly in island regions, taking into consideration the ~~potential evolution in~~appropriate demand for that fuel;

Amendment 75 #

Maria GRAPINI, Karoline GRASWANDER-HAINZ, Francisco ASSIS, Miltiadis KYRKOS, Claudia ȚAPARDEL

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to present cost-effective solutions for the distribution and storage of LNG, so as to ensure lower prices for consumers, in the Union’s outermost regions and for adequate financing; stresses the need to look at all existing solutions for the storage and distribution of LNG, in particular in island regions, taking into consideration the potential evolution in demand for that fuel;

Amendment 76 #

Marie-Christine ARNAUTU

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to present cost-effective solutions for the distribution and storage of LNG in the Union’s outermost regions ~~and for adequate financing~~; stresses the need to look at all existing solutions for the storage and distribution of LNG, in particular in island regions, taking into consideration the potential evolution in demand for that fuel;

Amendment 77 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to present cost-effective solutions for the distribution and storage of LNG in the Union’s ~~outermost regions~~regions, including those which are outermost, and for adequate financing; stresses the need to look at all existing solutions for the storage and distribution of LNG, in particular in island regions, ~~taking into consideration the potential evolution in demand for that fuel~~and observes that demand for that fuel is likely to increase;

Amendment 78 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Asks the Commission to create, jointly with the Member States and their regions, a common project of “LNG Blue Corridors for Islands” for the maritime sector, including ports of the TEN-T Comprehensive Network in order to establish the necessary LNG infrastructures and to link this network to the TEN-T Core Network;

Amendment 79 #

Theresa GRIFFIN, Flavio ZANONATO, Isabella DE MONTE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Stresses that access to LNG must also be facilitated internationally and therefore that LNG storage must be based on a transparent and non-discriminatory tariff structure which is agreed between Member States;

Amendment 8 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. Recalls that the Parliament has repeatedly called for binding 2030 climate and energy targets of at least a 40% domestic reduction in GHG emissions, at least 30% for renewables and 40% for energy efficiency to be implemented by means of individual national targets;

Amendment 80 #

Maria GRAPINI, Karoline GRASWANDER-HAINZ, Francisco ASSIS, Christine REVAULT D'ALLONNES BONNEFOY, Claudia ȚAPARDEL

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Stresses the importance of supply security in the Member States of the Black Sea Region which has the increasing potential for further development of LNG projects, aiming at the transport of natural gas from the Caspian region to Europe;

Amendment 81 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Notes that the EU is the largest natural gas importer in the world; underlines, to that end, the importance of acquiring independence in relation to natural gas imports while also lowering prices for LNG;

Amendment 82 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)

6b. Reiterates the importance of the Black Sea Region geostrategic importance for the energy security and the diversification of EU energy supply from Caspian Sea, the Middle East and Central Asia;

Amendment 83 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)

6c. Emphasises the importance of further expansion of the gas supply infrastructure from the East Med Gas Corridor and of exploring the possibility to develop its capacity to become a Mediterranean LNG terminal hub;

Amendment 84 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Stresses the ~~need to set out common technical specifications for LNG refuelling points for sea-going ships, inland waterway vessels and motor vehicles, and the need for~~importance of LNG refuelling points at sea ports and inland harbours to promote multimodality, as they can be used by sea-going ships, inland waterway vessels and also heavy commercial vehicles responsible for further overland transport; calls therefore for the adoption of common technical specifications for fuelling and appropriate and harmonised safety rules and training for LNG storage, bunkering and on-board use.;

Amendment 85 #

Henna VIRKKUNEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Stresses the need to set out common technical specifications for LNG refuelling points for sea-going ships, inland waterway vessels and motor vehicles, and the need for appropriate and harmonised safety rules and training for LNG storage, bunkering and on-board use.; stresses the importance of granting permissions for simultaneous cargo operations during LNG bunkering;

Amendment 86 #

Maria GRAPINI, Karoline GRASWANDER-HAINZ, Francisco ASSIS, Claudia ȚAPARDEL

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Stresses the need to set out common technical specifications for LNG refuelling points for sea-going ships, inland waterway vessels and motor vehicles, where simultaneous bunkering and cargo operations are possible, and the need for appropriate and harmonised safety rules and training for LNG storage, bunkering and on-board use.

Amendment 87 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

Amendment 88 #

Theresa GRIFFIN, Flavio ZANONATO, Isabella DE MONTE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

Amendment 89 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Stresses the need to set out common technical specifications for LNG refuelling points for sea-going ships, inland waterway vessels and motor vehicles, and the need for ~~appropriate~~rigorous and harmonised safety rules and training for LNG storage, bunkering and on-board use.

Amendment 9 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Points out that the prospect of a dramatic expansion of around 50% in global supply of LNG over the next few years and consequently of lower prices presents a major opportunity for the EU, particularly when it comes to gas security and resilience;

Amendment 90 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to create incentives for the transport of LNG by rail, as this will on the one hand reduce road transport and on the other hand contribute to the environmentally sound and safe transport of a fuel which is sustainable and low in pollutants;

Amendment 91 #

Harald VILIMSKY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Observes that the implementation of the EU strategy for LNG could result in dependence on third countries;

Amendment 92 #

Harald VILIMSKY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)

7b. Observes that the implementation of the EU's strategy could make fracking commercially viable in the EU Member States; strongly opposes this state of affairs because of Europe's reservation about such environmentally destructive oil and natural gas extraction;

Amendment 93 #

Harald VILIMSKY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)

7c. Calls for the implementation of the EU strategy not to have any impact on national reservations and regulations against fracking;

source: 584.117

2016/07/18 INTA 122 amendments...

Amendment 1 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

~~1. Recalls that energy is a basic human good and that the EU must combat energy poverty;~~deleted

Amendment 1 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Recalls that the EU strategy for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas storage is one element of the Energy Union, which aims to gives concrete expression to the EU’s ambition to bring about a transition to a sustainable, and secure ~~and competitive energy system~~energy system; believes, in this context, that further integration of energy policy should serve the national interests of the Member States and be for the benefit of EU citizens;

Amendment 10 #

Ulrike MÜLLER, José Inácio FARIA, Gesine MEISSNER, Fredrick FEDERLEY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

Amendment 10 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Stresses that the European Union and its Member States should first of all focus on their renewable resources and derive maximum benefit from their renewable production capacity; draws attention to the potential of power-to-gas technology to store renewable energies and to make them usable as carbon- neutral gas for transport, heating and power generation; stresses that this should not prevent efforts being made to extract added value from other segments of the energy markets, such as LNG, provided that this is done in a sustainable manner that is fully consistent with the EU’s environmental protection principles;

Amendment 11 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Stresses that trade plays a ~~key~~n important role in energy security, and that strong energy partnerships~~, reinforced by the inclusion of energy chapters in the EU’s trade agreements,~~ are essential tools; considers it to be of key importance that the EU’s trade ~~agreements~~policy enhances the EU’s energy diversification and reduces its dependence on imported energy from too few suppliers;

Amendment 11 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Stresses that the European Union and its Member States should first of all focus on their renewable resources and energy efficiency and derive maximum benefit from their renewable production capacity; stresses that this should not prevent efforts being made to extract added value from other segments of the energy markets, such as LNG, provided that this is done in a sustainable manner that is fully consistent with the EU’s environmental protection principles, while ensuring that fugitive methane emissions, with a global warming potential much higher than CO2, are minimised;

Amendment 12 #

José Inácio FARIA, Ulrike MÜLLER, Anneli JÄÄTTEENMÄKI, Jasenko SELIMOVIC, Frédérique RIES, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

Amendment 12 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Stresses that the European Union and its Member States should first of all focus on ~~their~~energy efficiency, on renewable energy resources and energy storage and derive maximum benefit from ~~their~~ renewable production capacity by accelerating investments in these sectors; stresses that this should not prevent efforts being made to extract added value from other segments of the energy markets, such as LNG, provided that this is done in a sustainable manner that is fully consistent with the EU’s environmental protection principles and the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement;

Amendment 13 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

Amendment 13 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Stresses that the European Union and its Member States should first of all focus on ~~their renewable resources~~energy efficiency and derive maximum benefit ~~from their~~in as sustainable a way as possible from renewable energy production capacity; stresses that this should not prevent efforts being made to extract added value from other segments of the energy markets, such as LNG, provided that this is done in a sustainable manner that is fully consistent with the EU’s environmental protection principles;

Amendment 14 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)

Underlines that EU should collaborate closely with international partners towards competitive and transparent global LNG market;

Amendment 14 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Stresses that the European Union and its Member States should first of all focus on ~~their~~energy efficiency improvements as well as the deployment of renewable resources and derive maximum benefit from their renewable production capacity; stresses that ~~this should not prevent efforts being made to extract added value from other segments of the energy markets, such as LNG, provided that this is d~~any hydrocarbon extraction must be fully consistent with the EU’s environmental legislatione, in ~~a sustainable manner that is fully consistent with the EU’s environmental protection principl~~cluding as regards groundwater, water quality objectives and nature conservation objectives;

Amendment 15 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – point 1 (new)

(1) Points out that EU is the second largest importer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the world; underlines that LNG and gas storage are essential in reducing dependence on a single energy supplier and in achieving energy diversification and enhancing energy security; stresses the urgent need for the EU to actively pursue the development of its indigenous energy sources, including the natural gas deposits in the Cyprus EEZ, and to support an LNG liquefaction terminal in Cyprus, which will also give the opportunity to exploit significant deposits from neighbouring areas (Egypt, Israel, Lebanon), thus contributing to peace and prosperity in the region;

Amendment 15 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

Amendment 16 #

José Inácio FARIA, Ulrike MÜLLER, Anneli JÄÄTTEENMÄKI, Jasenko SELIMOVIC, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Stresses that security of gas supply at Member State level will be enhanced through increased diversification of supplies, which can be achieved through international LNG trade and improving cross-border flows; Stresses that Member States should seek to diversify supply as a matter of priority where dependency on single supply points occur;

Amendment 16 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Believes that LNG is an important transitional source of energy in the short to medium term, and that all efforts should be made to ensure that gas production is achieved in a sustainable manner and avoids methane leaks; stresses the need to enforce strict environmental standards to limit greenhouse gas emissions; calls, in this regard, for studies and suitable audit controls along the exploration, distribution and utilisation chain to enable a solid scientific knowledge basis; Considers that investments in innovation and technological development can play an important role in mitigating carbon emissions along the entire LNG life-cycle from natural gas exploration to final use;

Amendment 17 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Points out that while trade contributes to development of gas market on global level, it should focus, among others, on priorities such as building of relevant infrastructure, including storage, and liquefaction capacity in order to enhance security of supply and mitigate risks of dependence on single or few sources;

Amendment 17 #

Pavel POC

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Acknowledges the public’s concern about hydraulic fracturing and the negative consequences this technology entails for the achievement of the EU’s long term decarbonisation goals, as well as for climate, environment and public health; notes that these effects are transnational; considering that the energy mix is primarily a Member State competence and that some Member States have banned fracking on their territory, urges the Commission to recommend to Member States not to import LNG originating from fracking;

Amendment 18 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)

2b. Considers that through its emergence as an important market, the EU can contribute to the evolution of gas trading rules to improve flexibility and the convergence of global gas markets;

Amendment 18 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Recalls that offshore LNG regasification plants with open-cycle may affect the temperature and the chemistry of the surrounding waters posing serious risks to water quality and marine resources; highlights that open-cycle plants make use of chlorine based products that may cause pollution of surrounding waters while the release of huge quantities of cold waters may cause changes to local habitats; calls on the Commission to ban open cycle plants in favour of closed cycle plants;

Amendment 19 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)

2c. Believes that work on an EU LNG and Storage Strategy should go hand-in- hand with work on the Commission Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning measures to safeguard the security of gas supply and repealing Regulation (EU) No 994/2010 released in February 2016, as LNG and Storage can provide much need solutions in the event of a gas supply crisis;

Amendment 19 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Considers that permits for new hydrocarbon extraction operations could involve environmental risks and are incompatible with climate goals inscribed in the Paris Agreement; furthermore considers that Union gas policy should be better adapted to long term climate goals and the Paris Agreement in particular, including by phasing out gas infrastructure before 2050;

Amendment 2 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Recalls that~~Considers that all EU citizens must have access to a secure and affordable supply of energy; i~~s a basic human good and that the EU must~~n this regard, highlights current developments in global LNG markets, where an oversupply has led to lower prices, presenting an opportunity to deliver lower energy costs for EU consumers through relatively cheaper gas supplies; considers that increased efforts to share best practices between Member States at EU level would be a welcome step to combat energy poverty;

Amendment 2 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Recalls that the EU strategy for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas storage is one element of the Energy Union, which aims to gives concrete expression to the EU’s ambition to bring about a transition to a sustainable, secure and competitive energy system; stresses that one of the goals of the Energy Union is to make the EU the world leader in renewable energies;

Amendment 20 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 d (new)

2d. Stresses that the global LNG market presents a significant opportunity to reduce energy dependence where Member States are heavily dependent on single suppliers; points to the example of Poland, where the new LNG terminal will greatly diversify supply options by delivering 4.9 bcm per year - the equivalent of one-third of Poland’s annual consumption - and cutting dependence on piped imports from Russia by half;

Amendment 20 #

György HÖLVÉNYI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Urges the Commission and the Member States to promote and incentivise a more efficient and better use of existing infrastructure, including gas storage;

Amendment 21 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Recalls that in order to meet the current challenges and implement its energy and climate change objectives in the context of global constraints in those policy fields, the EU and its Member States must, on the basis of existing legal frameworks, also take common action on the international stage by raising energy security and sustainability issues in international trade forums; at the same time, the European Union should support and promote energy efficiency in order to reduce the need of LNG imports;

Amendment 21 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Lays emphasis on environmentally friendly and socially sustainable LNG production methods;

Amendment 22 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Recalls that in order to meet the current challenges and implement its energy and climate change objectives in the context of global constraints in those policy fields, the EU and its Member States must, on the basis of existing legal frameworks, also take common action on the international stage by raising energy security and sustainability issues in international trade forums, including with partner countries dependent on gas imports;

Amendment 22 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that the EU’s domestic natural gas production will continue to decline in the coming decades, and while there can be benefits from further diversification of the EU’s natural gas supply, the~~refore remains a key objective, while nevertheless underlining its~~ demand will also decline thanks to renewables and energy efficiency policies; considers that natural gas can only play a transitional role, a~~s a short and medium-term solution~~nd that the phasing-out of fossil subsidies and a comprehensive switch from gas to renewable energy sources are necessary in the medium term, bearing in mind the European commitment to the objective of decarbonisation as set out in the ~~Roadmap for moving to a competitive low- carbon economy in 2050~~Paris Agreement;

Amendment 23 #

José Inácio FARIA, Ulrike MÜLLER, Anneli JÄÄTTEENMÄKI, Jasenko SELIMOVIC, Frédérique RIES, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Recalls that in order to ~~meet the current challenges and~~ implement its energy and climate change objectives in the context of global constraints in those policy fields, the EU and its Member States must, on the basis of existing multilateral conventions and legal frameworks, also take common action on the international stage by raising energy security and sustainability issues in international trade forums;

Amendment 23 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that the EU’s domestic production will continue to decline in the coming decades, and further diversification of the EU’s natural gas supply therefore remains a key objective, while nevertheless underlining its role as a short and medium- term solution, bearing in mind the European commitment to the objective of decarbonisation set out in the Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050; Stresses that new gas infrastructure investment decisions should not lead to fossil-fuel dependence lock-in effects and stranded assets;

Amendment 24 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Stresses the need to ensure the highest environmental standards in the planning, construction and use of liquefied natural gas (LNG)~~Considering the current infrastructures, it should be avoided the construction of new ones preferring to increase the efficiency of the existing infrastructures; stresses the need to ensure the highest environmental standards in the planning, construction and use of liquefied natural gas (LNG); recalls the need to involve the local communities and to rely on realistic assessments in any case of construction or planning of new infrastructures; highlights that many assessments and estimates about the future consumption of LNG have been greatly exaggerated, as also noted by the European Court of Auditors; asks therefore the Institutions to assess the methodologies used in order to evaluate in a realistic way the issue of LNG;

Amendment 24 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that the EU’s domestic production will continue to decline in the coming decades, and further diversification of the EU’s natural gas supply therefore remains a key objective, while nevertheless underlining its role as a short and medium- term solution and as a complement and support to renewables and energy efficiency, bearing in mind the European commitment to the objective of decarbonisation set out in the Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050;

Amendment 25 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Stresses the need to ensure the highest environmental standards in the planning, construction and use of liquefied natural gas (LNG); underlines the necessity of raising awareness to environmental, climate and social impacts of imported LNG; asks the Commission in this context to require foreign gas suppliers that their production conditions must meet standards required for production in the EU, and to allow Member States to refuse LNG that has been produced under conditions infringing their respective national standards;

Amendment 25 #

Nikolay BAREKOV

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that the EU’s domestic production will continue to decline in the coming decades, and further diversification of the EU’s natural gas supply therefore remains a key objective, while nevertheless underlining its role as a s~~hort and medium- term solution, bearing in mind the European commitment to the objective of decarbonisation~~olution to achieve the goals set out in the Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050;

Amendment 26 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Stresses the need to ensure the highest environmental standards in the planning, construction and use of liquefied natural gas (LNG); emphasises the potential offered by the transition to LNG for ending the dependence of maritime transport on coal; urges the European Union to provide financial support for European projects for this purpose;

Amendment 26 #

Frédérique RIES

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that the EU’s domestic production will continue to decline in the coming decades, and further diversification of the EU’s natural gas supply therefore remains a key objective to provide consumer countries with more security, while nevertheless underlining its role as a ~~short and~~ medium- term solution, bearing in mind the European commitment to the objective of decarbonisation set out in the Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050;

Amendment 27 #

Jean-François JALKH, Sylvie GODDYN, Mireille D'ORNANO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Stresses the need to ensure th~~e highest~~at LNG exporting countries apply proper environmental standards in the planning, construction and use of liquefied natural gas (LNG); as well as respect the international labour standards on occupational health and safety regulations;

Amendment 27 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that the EU’s domestic production will continue to decline in the coming decades, and further diversification of the EU’s natural gas supply, in its neighbouring environment, therefore remains a key objective, while nevertheless underlining its role as a ~~short and~~ medium- term solution, bearing in mind the European commitment to the objective of decarbonisation set out in the Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050;

Amendment 28 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Stresses the need to ensure the highest environmental standards in the planning, construction and use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as well as in the exploitation of indigenous reserves and sources;

Amendment 28 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that the EU’s domestic production will continue to decline in the coming decades, and further diversification of the EU’s natural gas supply therefore remains a key objective, while nevertheless underlining its role as a short ~~and medium-~~ -term solution, bearing in mind the European commitment to the objective of decarbonisation set out in the Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050;

Amendment 29 #

Daniel CASPARY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Stresses the need to ensure ~~the~~a high~~est~~ level of environmental ~~standards~~protection in the planning, construction and use of liquefied natural gas (LNG);

Amendment 29 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Points out that European gas demand has significantly decreased in the past years partly due to the economic crisis but also due to a structural shift in gas demand thanks to the successful implementation of energy efficiency and renewable policies;

Amendment 3 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Recalls that energy is a basic human good and that the EU must combat energy poverty; calls on the EU, as part of its energy strategy, to give priority to eliminating energy poverty and set clear and measurable targets to this end;

Amendment 3 #

Nikolay BAREKOV

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Recalls that the EU strategy for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas storage is one element of the Energy Union, which aims to gives concrete expression to the EU’s ambition to bring about a transition to a sustainable, secure and competitive energy system, also aimed at ending dependence on external gas suppliers;

Amendment 30 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Recalls that in order to promote the transition towards a low-carbon society, we need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels; highlights that the existing technologies converting solar- and wind- generated power into ‘artificial natural gas’ are cost-efficient methods to further this transition without building additional infrastructure in light of vast storage facilities, gas transport networks and modern gas power plants already in existence;

Amendment 30 #

György HÖLVÉNYI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Acknowledges the potential of LNG as a sustainable fuel, both in road and maritime transport; underlines that wider use of LNG in freight transport could contribute to the decrease of global CO2 emissions;

Amendment 31 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Recalls that in order to promote the transition towards a low-carbon society, we need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels in the longer term and transition from coal-fired electricity generation to gas-fired generation in the medium term; notes that low gas prices in 2015 saw the competitiveness of gas-fired generation increase compared to coal;

Amendment 31 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Recalls that the extraction of shale gas through fracking has severe environmental impact that widely outweigh the benefit of using natural gas;

Amendment 32 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Recalls that in order to promote the transition towards a low-carbon society, we need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, but underlines that in the short to medium term citizens and businesses of EU Member States will continue largely to rely on traditional elements in the energy mix;

Amendment 32 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Urges the need to take into account that the same standards that apply in the EU should also apply to imported LNG, notably regarding fracking;

Amendment 33 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Recalls that in order to promote the transition towards a low-carbon society, we need to reduce drastically our dependence on fossil fuels and to focus more resources and investments on renewable energies;

Amendment 33 #

Nikolay BAREKOV

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Emphasises the need for impact assessments to be made to ascertain the added value of constructing new LNG transport and storage infrastructure, and the need to focus new investments on areas with poor interconnection~~, or to supply the most vulnerable Member States;~~ or whose market is dominated by a single external supplier, or to supply the most vulnerable Member States; urges the Commission and the Member States to promote and incentivise a more efficient and better use of existing infrastructure, including gas storage;

Amendment 34 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Recalls that in order to promote the transition towards a low-carbon society, we need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and above all on oil;

Amendment 34 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Emphasises the need for impact assessments to be made to ascertain the added value of constructing new LNG transport and storage infrastructure, and the need to focus new investments on areas with poor interconnection, or to supply the most vulnerable Member States; recalls the potential offered by the production of renewable natural gas through anaerobic digestions, prioritising production from sewage, agriculture and organic waste;

Amendment 35 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Recalls that in order to promote the transition towards a low-carbon society, weEU Member States’ need to reduce outheir dependence on fossil fuels;

Amendment 35 #

Nicola CAPUTO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Emphasises the need, before granting authorisations and funding, for impact assessments to be made to ascertain the added value of constructing new LNG transport and storage infrastructure, and the need to focus new investments on areas with poor interconnection and with little opportunity to exploit renewable energy sources, or to supply the most vulnerable Member States;

Amendment 36 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Considers gas to be the transition fuel in the switch from an energy system based on fossil fuels to a system that is based on renewable energy, which must be the long term goal in efforts to mitigate the effects of Climate Change;

Amendment 36 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Emphasises the need for impact assessments to be made to ascertain the added value of constructing new LNG transport and storage infrastructure, and the need to focus on the safe operation of existing storage infrastructure as well as direct new investments on areas with poor interconnection, or to supply the most vulnerable Member States;

Amendment 37 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Highlights LNG’s potential as an alternative to the use of more polluting conventional fuels in transport;

Amendment 37 #

Frédérique RIES

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Emphasises ~~the need for impact assessments to be made to ascertain the added value of~~with interest the constructingon of new LNG transport and storage infrastructure, for the purpose, in particular, of fuelling fleets of trucks with natural gas in several European countries, and the need to ~~focus~~make new investments ~~on areas with poor interconnection, or to supply the most vulnerable Member States~~to provide green mobility solutions also in areas with poor interconnection;

Amendment 38 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Points out that it is estimated that gas imports to the EU will rise until 2030, even if gas demand within the EU simultaneously stays stagnant or declines; stresses that moderating energy demand and promoting energy efficiency, renewable and local energy sources are among the most effective tools for reducing dependence on external energy; recalls that the EU has significant LNG import excess capacity overall, but that this capacity is not evenly distributed in geographical terms; recalls that the existing terminals and storage capacity in the European Union is overabundant;

Amendment 38 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

Amendment 39 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

Amendment 39 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Emphasises the need for impact assessments to be made to ascertain the added value of constructing new LNG transport and storage infrastructure to avoid stranded assets, and the need to focus new investments on areas with poor interconnection, or to supply the most vulnerable Member States;

Amendment 4 #

Jean-François JALKH, Sylvie GODDYN, Mireille D'ORNANO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Recalls that energy is ~~a basic human good and that the EU must combat~~essential for economic activity and industrial competitiveness and that any EU energy policy secure as first principles the need to ensure stable, secure and predictable access to energy ~~poverty~~for all;

Amendment 4 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Recalls that the EU strategy for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas storage is ~~one~~a key element of the Energy Union~~, which aims to gives concrete expression to the EU’s ambition to bring about a~~. The first task of the Energy Union is to establish a secure supply and to ensure a long-term transition to a sustainable, se~~cure~~lf-sufficient and competitive energy system;

Amendment 40 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Points out that it is estimated that gas imports to the EU will rise until 2030, even if gas demand within the EU simultaneously stays stagnant or declines; stresses that moderating energy demand and promoting renewable and local energy sources are among the most effective tools for reducing dependence on external energy; recalls that the EU has significant LNG import excess capacity overall, which shows the lack of competitiveness of LNG in the free market, but that this capacity is not evenly distributed in geographical terms;

Amendment 40 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Emphasises the need for impact assessments to be made to ascertain the added value of constructing new LNG transport and storage infrastructure, ~~and the need to focus new investments on areas with poor interconnection, or to supply the most vulnerable Member State~~in particular as regards the risk of locking in fossil fuel infrastructure and possible stranded assets;

Amendment 41 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Points out that it is estimated that gas imports to ~~the EU~~EU Member States will rise until 2030, even if gas demand within ~~the EU~~EU Member States simultaneously stays stagnant or declines; stresses that moderating energy demand and promoting renewable and local energy sources are among the most effective tools for reducing dependence on external energy; recalls that ~~the EU~~EU Member States hasve significant LNG import excess capacity overall, but that this capacity is not evenly distributed in geographical terms;

Amendment 41 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Recalls, in the light of the climate crisis, that the EU needs to look for ways to decrease petroleum consumption; considers that before the EU can achieve the goal of using 100% of renewables, that the EU should also consider natural gas as an alternative to coal and oil to enable Europe to reach its climate goals; stresses that other fuels and technologies can play a role in the transition towards renewables, but the EU needs to support a short-term transition; highlights, however, that the dangers of an overreliance on natural gas can be overcome only by expanding the use of renewable energies; recalls that in most cases the increase in the use of natural gas competes with investments in renewables;

Amendment 42 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Points out that it is estimated that gas imports to the EU will rise until 2030, even if gas demand within the EU simultaneously stays stagnant or declines; stresses that moderating energy demand ~~and~~, promoting renewable and local energy sources and energy efficiency are among the most effective tools for reducing dependence on external energy; recalls that the EU has significant LNG import excess capacity overall, but that this capacity is not evenly distributed in geographical terms;

Amendment 42 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Calls for revised demand assessments that properly factor in structural changes as well as the EU’s long-term energy and climate targets as also requested by the European Court of Auditors, calls for a thorough analysis of supply alternatives and solutions in a regional perspective; calls for increased regional cooperation to better coordinate investments and avoid overcapacities in LNG, storage and transmission; stresses that no new LNG infrastructure should be realised if electricity interconnections or the use of renewable energy sources coupled with energy efficiency measures can deliver the same results;

Amendment 43 #

Daniel CASPARY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Points out that it is estimated that gas imports to the EU will rise until 2030, even if gas demand within the EU simultaneously stays stagnant or declines; stresses that moderating energy demand and promoting renewable and ~~local~~indigenous energy sources are among the most effective tools for reducing dependence on external energy; recalls that the EU has significant LNG import excess capacity overall, but that this capacity is not evenly distributed in geographical terms;

Amendment 43 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Points to the need to ensure close cooperation at local, regional, national, and EU level in order to couple energy and transport sectors together with a view to enhancing the multifunctionality, exploitability, and efficiency of LNG infrastructure; points out that when dealing with liquefied natural gas (LNG) it is also necessary to consider the distribution infrastructure for liquefied biogas (LBG) with a view to encouraging the adoption of that resource and making its systems interoperable;

Amendment 44 #

José Inácio FARIA, Anneli JÄÄTTEENMÄKI, Fredrick FEDERLEY, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Points out that it is estimated that gas imports to the EU will rise until 2030, even if gas demand within the EU simultaneously stays stagnant or declines; stresses that moderating energy demand and promoting renewable and local energy sources are amongStresses that reducing energy demand and promoting renewable and local energy sources backed by energy efficiency measures as well as the phase- out of fossil fuel subsidies are the most effective tools for reducing dependence on external energy and to reach a fossil fuel free economy by 2050; recalls that the EU has significant LNG import excess capacity overall, but that this capacity is not evenly distributed in geographical terms;

Amendment 44 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Stresses the need to prioritise Projects of Common Interest that complete missing infrastructure in order to end energy isolation and single supplier dependency; highlights priority geographic areas such as the Baltic region, the Iberian Peninsula and South Eastern Europe, among other Island regions; highlights that EU funding instruments such as EFSI, CEF, ERDF and EIB funding should prioritise such Projects of Common Interest;

Amendment 45 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1 (new)

Stresses the fact the LNG and gas storage shall contribute towards ending any kind of energy isolation of the EU Member States and regions by supporting the more remote and or/less well connected Member States and regions in order to diversify their sources and routes of supply by creating new LNG terminals, distribution systems and gas interconnectors with reverse flow capabilities;

Amendment 45 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Calls on the European Commission to propose a coherent regulation on storage site safety in order to guarantee the safeguard of local populations; calls on Member States to properly assess historical data on seismicity of the areas destined to host a geological gas storage and to exclude any site with a proven seismic activity even if it occurred a long time ago;

Amendment 46 #

José Inácio FARIA, Ulrike MÜLLER, Frédérique RIES, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1 (new)

Highlights that indigenous production of gas in Europe is decreasing and that EU output in 2015, at 119 bcm, was 9% down on 2014 levels; as a result, stresses the need for increased imports and calls on the Commission to continue to seek out new trading opportunities;

Amendment 46 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)

4b. Points out that where existing LNG reception and storage capacity is underused, cross-border interconnector investments that enable its optimal use should be prioritised, and regulatory and fiscal obstacles should be removed before supporting investments in new capacity in neighbouring Member States;

Amendment 47 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Considers that trade policy generating significant opportunities for EU Member States’ private and public companies in clean, secure and efficient energy technologies is particularly important, especially in light of the growing global energy demand, calls for significant tariffs reductions on clean technologies within the Green Goods initiative and also within EU FTAs, which must tackle non-tariff barriers to trade in energy sources;

Amendment 47 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Draws attention to the irreversible environmental damage caused by oil-based emissions and marine fuels to the oceans, polar regions and the Arctic, and highlights the potential that the transition to LNG as a transition fuel offers for decarbonising maritime transport; urges the Commission to make funds available to support European projects to this end; calls for the development of maritime routes, notably in the archipelago of the Azores which given its geographical situation could serve as a key fuel station for the transatlantic routes of LN; urges the Commission to make funds available to support European projects to this end.

Amendment 48 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Recalls that the EU has significant LNG import capacity overall, but that this capacity is not evenly distributed in geographical terms; therefore calls for the full use of EU regasification capacity and the sufficient integration of terminals into gas networks across the EU; highlights the growing strategic importance of gas storage in terms of ensuring a well- functioning EU gas market, and increasing energy security;

Amendment 48 #

Sirpa PIETIKÄINEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Draws attention to the irreversible environmental damage caused by oil-based emissions and marine fuels to the oceans, polar regions and the Arctic, and highlights the potential that the transition to LNG offers for decarbonising maritime transport; recognises also the benefits of liquefied bio-gas (LBG) that can utilise the same infrastructure and supply chain as LNG; emphasises the role of the renewal of fleet in order to achieve the energy transition towards LNG and renewable energy; urges the Commission to make funds available to support European projects to this end.

Amendment 49 #

Nicola CAPUTO, Carlos ZORRINHO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Stresses that EU should support LNG investments, giving priority in the more remote and or/less well connected Member States and regions, through EU financial instruments such as European Fund for Strategic Investment and the Connecting Europe Facility, that will attract global investment capital to the EU;

Amendment 49 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Draws attention to the irreversible environmental damage caused by oil-based emissions and marine fuels to the oceans, polar regions and the Arctic, and highlights the potential that the transition to LNG offers for decarbonising maritime transport and for reducing sulphur and nitrogen content in marine fuels used in the Emission Control Areas; urges the Commission to make funds available to support European projects to this end.

Amendment 5 #

Daniel CASPARY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Recalls that energy is a basic human good and that the EU must combat energy poverty; stresses that safe, affordable and sustainable energy is a key driving force in the European economy;

Amendment 5 #

Helmut SCHOLZ, Stelios KOULOGLOU

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

Amendment 50 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Takes a critical view of the expansion of liquefied gas use in shipping and ports, and instead advocates expanding shore-side electricity for ships while they are in port, which would make it possible to use regionally produced renewable energy;

Amendment 50 #

José Inácio FARIA, Ulrike MÜLLER, Anneli JÄÄTTEENMÄKI, Jasenko SELIMOVIC, Frédérique RIES

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Draws attention to the irreversible environmental damage caused by oil-based emissions and marine fuels to the oceans, polar regions and the Arctic, and ~~highlights~~ the potential ~~that the transition to LNG offers for decarbonising maritime transport; urges the Commission to make funds available to support European projects to this end~~benefits of switching from heavy fuel oil to gas; notes however that in order to assess any potential for GHG savings and overall environmental impact, the whole lifecycle, including the upstream methane leaks and impacts of the extractive process would need to be taken into account.

Amendment 51 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Highlights the need to assess current and future needs, as well as the type of storage and regasification infrastructure in the EU;

Amendment 51 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Points out the potential of LNG as a more sustainable fuel as compared to current mainstream fuels such as diesel in heavy weight road transport and heavy fuels in maritime transport; supports in this regard the objectives of Directive 2014/94/EU and the establishment of a harmonised regulatory and standardisation framework that encourages the use of LNG in shipping, and heavy weight road transport, provided that this fuel proves clear environmental advantages; stresses the need to avoid technological lock-in;

Amendment 52 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)

6b. Expresses concern at the fact that in 2015, gas imports from Russia were 7% higher than they were in 2014, and at the fact that 41% of gas imports from outside the EU in 2015 came from Russia; highlights that the roles of LNG and gas storage, in addition to increased efficiencies and renewable energy deployment, in reducing dependence on Russian gas are vital;

Amendment 52 #

Annie SCHREIJER-PIERIK

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Points out that LNG and natural gas storage arrangements must comply with modern safety requirements; states that that means, inter alia, continuous monitoring of the air above storage facilities and, in the case of underground storage, monitoring at ground level and deep underground; states that that should help ensure sustainable and safe storage.

Amendment 53 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)

6c. Highlights the importance for EU Energy Security of the Energy and Raw Materials chapter of TTIP; welcomes the Commission’s work to remove export restrictions to the EU on US gas;

Amendment 53 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Calls on the European Commission and Member States to refrain from supporting the production and import of shale oil and gas.

Amendment 54 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)

6d. Considers the 12.2 bcm per year being added to the market in 2016 through Sabine Pass LNG on the US East Coast, along with potentially a further 74 bcm capacity being added through various US projects before 2020, to represent a significant opportunity for Europe to increase energy trade links with the US; believes that the conclusion of work on the Energy and Raw materials chapter of TTIP will significantly boost EU gas supply options;

Amendment 54 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Highlights the potential for LNG as a transition fuel also in the truck transport sector.

Amendment 55 #

Marco AFFRONTE, Eleonora EVI, Piernicola PEDICINI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 e (new)

6e. Considers a completed, competitive and well-functioning internal gas-market with strategic supply points receiving LNG imports from extra-EU sources to be crucial to securing energy security and affordability for EU citizens; recalls, therefore, the Union list of Projects of Common Interest (PCI) as outlined in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/89 and urges Member States to work towards the completion of the 77 gas projects as soon as possible;

Amendment 55 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)

5b. Calls on Member States to fully exploit the local production of biogas before building further fossil fuel oriented infrastructures; urges the Commission and Member States to put in place strategies to support facilities that may be used in the future to manage the transfer and storage of renewable natural gas;

Amendment 56 #

José Inácio FARIA, Anneli JÄÄTTEENMÄKI, Jasenko SELIMOVIC, Frédérique RIES

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Points out that LNG trading prices have been declining internationally and that price differentials between pipeline imports and LNG have also decreased; ~~considers, therefore, that the key challenge is to address bottleneck~~reminds, however, of the volatility of gas prices and of the irreducible additional costs of LNG due to transport, liquefaction, shipping and regasification that make up the bulk of costs and render~~gy security concerns in relation both to trade and to optimising~~ LNG and related infrastructure unprofitable in times of oversupply and low gas prices; hence stresses a better use of existing infrastructure should be prioritised over the construction of new ones that in discrepancy with decreasing demand could result in significant stora~~ge capacity.~~nded assets;

Amendment 56 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)

5b. Believes that the EU ETS and the innovation fund established therein could provide an additional funding support mechanism to promote green shipping technologies and ports infrastructure, such as LNG;

Amendment 57 #

José Inácio FARIA, Ulrike MÜLLER, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Points out that LNG trading prices have been declining internationally and that price differentials between pipeline imports and LNG have also decreased; also points out that the convergence of Asian and European LNG prices has led to the development of a truly global market, and has made Europe an increasingly attractive destination for LNG exports; considers, therefore, that the key challenge is to address bottlenecks and energy security concerns in relation both to trade and to optimising storage capacity.

Amendment 57 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)

5c. Emphasises that shale gas exploration entails many environmental and public health risks, mostly so in a densely populated Europe; recognises however, that shale gas exploration decisions is a matter of subsidiarity that falls within Member States’ competence; stresses in this regard the need for a harmonised and binding European legal framework that ensures the strictest health and environmental protection standards in fracking operations;

Amendment 58 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Pointsing out that LNG trading prices have been declining internationally and that price differentials between pipeline imports and LNG have also decreased; considers, therefore, that the key challenge is to address bottlenecks and energy security concerns in relation both to trade and to optimising storage capacity.e uncertainties in prices in LNG market, considers important that the key challenge is to address bottlenecks and energy security concerns in relation both to trade and to optimising storage capacity as well as to creating new LNG terminals, to optimising the utilisation of new and existing LNG terminals and to develop interconnections; this will allow cross- border trade and create competitive and well-integrated regional energy markets;

Amendment 58 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)

5c. Stresses the need to ensure that geological gas storage facilities are assessed through a transparent process involving local communities;

Amendment 59 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Points out that LNG trading prices have been declining internationally and that price differentials between pipeline imports and LNG have also decreased; considers~~, therefore, that the key challenge is to address bottlenecks and energy security concerns in relation both to trade and to optimising storage capacity~~ it important also to strengthen long-term contracts in the LNG sector so as to limit market crises, to reduce exposure to financial risks and to attract investment in infrastructure.

Amendment 59 #

José Inácio FARIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)

5d. Believes that energy negotiations in the scope of TTIP can provide an opportunity for gas supply diversification and competitiveness, while contributing to decrease the most environmental- damaging coal generation in the EU; stresses that as a consequence, environmental standards for gas exploration should not be lower than those in the EU; believes that the trade agreement with the US is an opportunity for European renewable energy and energy efficiency companies to promote their technologies abroad;

Amendment 6 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Recalls that energy is a basic human good and that the EU must ensure equal access to affordable energy for all and to combat energy poverty;

Amendment 6 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Points out that existing LNG infrastructure in the EU is heavily underused (46% of gas import pipelines and 32% of LNG terminals were used in 2014) and that the European gas demand is persistently overestimated; stresses therefore that gas infrastructure planning should be based on decreasing demand;

Amendment 60 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1 (new)

Points out that the development of new LNG terminals and the diversification of supply sources, especially in the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and Caspian region, will allow gas-to-gas competition and will replace imports of natural gas volumes under oil-indexed contracts thus increasing EU bargaining power;

Amendment 61 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Supports the Commission, the European External Action Service and Member States in their active engagement in energy diplomacy in order to promote a rule-based, transparent and well- functioning global gas market;

Amendment 62 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)

7b. Stresses the absolute importance of secure and accessible LNG storage capacities that would make the shared infrastructure more flexible and easier to adapt to possible supply fluctuation, and that would lead to significant energy dependence reduction;

Amendment 63 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)

7c. Points out that European companies should not be restricted from operating on third countries’ energy markets under the same conditions as domestic companies; points out that third countries’ companies operating on European energy markets have to comply with European law; points out that such entities must have a transparent structure enabling to track its shareholders.

Amendment 7 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Stresses that trade plays a key role in energy security, and that strong energy partnerships, reinforced by the inclusion of energy chapters in the EU’s trade agreements, are essential tools; considers it to be of key importance that the EU’s trade ~~agreement~~policies enhance the EU’s energy diversification and reduce its dependence on imported energy from too few suppliers; recalls that diversification of suppliers should be taken into consideration in trade negotiations regarding LNG; stresses that the European Union should explore new partnerships, reviewing the existing ones and developing specific energy talks with other partners; underlines the need to increase transparency in the international negotiations regarding LNG;

Amendment 7 #

Daciana Octavia SÂRBU

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Recalls that energy poverty results in serious health consequences and is thought to affect more than 10% of the EU’s population;

Amendment 8 #

Jean-François JALKH, Sylvie GODDYN, Mireille D'ORNANO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Stresses that trade plays a key role in energy security, and that strong energy partnerships, reinforced by the inclusion of energy chapters in the EU’s trade agreements, are essential tools; considers it to be of key importance that the EU’s trade agreements enhance the EU’s energy diversification and reduce its dependence on imported energy from too few suppliers by creating new market access opportunities in energy resources and products both via established long term partners and with new and prospective countries in areas such as, but not limited to, Central Asia, North Africa and the Americas; calls for greater coherence between the EU’s trade and energy policies;

Amendment 8 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Stresses that the European Union and its Member States should first of all focus on their renewable resources and derive maximum benefit from their renewable production capacity; stresses that this ambition should not ~~prevent efforts being made to extract added value from other segments of the energy markets, such as LNG, provided that this is done~~lose sight of the fact that geopolitical instability is currently the most vital issue of the EU energy strategy; affirms that the closest LNG producers, such as Russia, are more appropriate than suppliers in the Arabo- Persian Gulf region; this supply approach should be consistent with efforts to obtain added value for LNG, through ambitious projects such as North Stream II and South Stream, as with other segments of the energy markets; these elements will enable the EU to act in a sustainable manner that is fully consistent with the EU’s environmental protection principles;

Amendment 9 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Stresses that trade plays a key role in energy security, and that strong energy partnerships, reinforced by the inclusion of energy chapters in the EU’s trade agreements, are essential tools; underlines the need for coherence between the EU’s trade policy and the principles of EU energy policy; considers it to be of key importance that the EU’s trade agreements enhance the EU’s energy diversification and reduce its dependence on imported energy from too few suppliers; notes that EU should play a more proactive role in the international energy diplomacy arena;

Amendment 9 #