Activities of Demetris PAPADAKIS related to 2020/0300(COD)
Plenary speeches (2)
General Union Environment Action Programme to 2030 (debate)
General Union Environment Action Programme to 2030 (debate)
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on a General Union Environment Action Programme to 2030
Amendments (51)
Amendment 96 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) According to the EEA report ‘The European environment – state and outlook 2020, Knowledge for transition to a sustainable Europe’ (‘SOER 2020’), 2020 represents a unique window of opportunity for the Union to show leadership on sustainability and to face the urgent sustainability challenges requiring systemic solutions. As stated in SOER 2020, the changes in the global climate and ecosystems observed since the 1950s are unprecedented over decades to millennia. The global population has tripled since 1950, while the population living in cities has quadrupled. With the current growth model, environmental pressures are expected to increase further, causing direct and indirect harmful effects on human health and well-being. This is especially true for the sectors with the highest environmental impact – food, mobility, energy, industry as well as infrastructure and buildings.
Amendment 97 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) The current COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to an unprecedented historical, economical and health crisis, has demonstrated again the importance of applying a 'One Health' approach in policy-making, which recognises that human health is connected to animal health and to the environment, and that actions to tackle threats to health must take into account these dimensions. To effectively detect, respond to, and prevent outbreaks of zoonoses and food safety problems, information and data should be shared across sectors, and cooperation at national and sub-national levels should be increased to implement effective and common responses to health treatments. The 8th EAP should fully reflect and promote the use of this approach in the Union and Member State policies.
Amendment 104 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The European Commission responded to the challenges identified in the SOER 2020 by adopting the European Green Deal25 : a new growth strategy for the twin green and digital transition that aims to transform the Union into a fair and prosperous society, with a competitive, climate-neutral and resource-efficient economy through a just and inclusive transition. It also aims to protect, conserve and enhance the Union's natural capital, and protect the health and wellbeing of citizens from environment- related risks and impacts. Regulation (EU) of the European Parliament and of the Council26 enshrines into law the Union target to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. at the latest. __________________ 25 COM(2019) 640 final. 26 COM(2020) 80 final.
Amendment 126 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Environment action programmes have guided the development of EU environment policy since the early 1970s. The 7th EAP will expired on 31 December 2020 and its Article 4 (3) requires the Commission, if appropriate, to present a proposal for an Eighth Environment Action Programme (8th EAP) in a timely manner with a view to avoiding a gap between the 7th and the 8th EAP. The European Green Deal announced the adoption of a new environment action programme.
Amendment 128 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) The 8th EAP should reinforce the commitment from the 7th EAP that aimed at phasing out environmentally harmful subsidies. Furthermore, the European Parliament has already called for a rapid phase-out of direct and indirect fossil fuels by 2020 in the Union and in each Member State. In order for the Union to be on track to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest and to reach its climate goals for 2030, the Union and its Member States should, as early as possible and by 2025 at the latest, have phased out all direct and indirect environmentally harmful subsidies, including fossil fuel subsidies.
Amendment 134 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The 8th EAP should support and promote the environment and climate action objectives of the European Green Deal in line with the long-term objective to “live well, within the planetary boundaries” by 2050, which at the latest, in line with what is already established in the 7th EAP. It should contribute to achieving the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. be fully aligned with and contribute to achieving sustainable wellbeing, the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. It should also ensure that the environmental and climate transition is achieved in a just and inclusive manner while contributing to reducing inequalities.
Amendment 143 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) The thematic priority objectives of the 8th EAP should set a direction for Union policymaking, as well as greater accountability during the monitoring and evaluation. The 8th EAP thematic priority objectives should build on - but not be limited to - the commitments of the European Green Deal and its strategies. The 8th EAP should ensure that the commitment made in the European Green Deal for all Union initiatives to live up to a green oath to 'do no harm' is effectively integrated into all Union activities and initiatives.
Amendment 155 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The 8th EAP should accelerate the transition to a regenerative economyand sustainable wellbeing model that gives back to the planet more than it takes. A regenerative growthThis model recognises that the wellbeing and prosperity of our societies depend on a stable climate, a healthy environment and thriving ecosystems, which provide a safe operating space for our economies. As the global population and the demand for natural resources continues to grow, economic activity should develop in a way that does no harm but, on the contrary, reverses climate change and environmental degradation, minimises pollu, protects and restores ecosystems and biodiversity, eliminates pollution, prevents environmental degradation and results in maintaining and enriching natural capital, therefore ensuring the abundance of renewable and non-renewable resources. Through continuous innovation, adaptation to new challenges and co-creation, thea regenerative and sustainable wellbeing economy strengthens resilience and protectensures present and future generations’ wellbeing.
Amendment 173 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The 8th EAP should set out thematic priority objectives in areas of climate neutrality, adaption to climate change, protecting and restoring biodiversity, non- toxic circular economy, the zero pollution ambienvironment, industrial transformation, and reducminimising environmental pressures from production and consumption. It should furthermore identify the enabling conditions to achieve the long-term and the thematic priority objectives for all actors involved.
Amendment 192 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Environment policy being highly decentralised, action to achieve the priority objectives of the 8th EAP should be taken at different levels of governance, i.e. at the European, the national, the regional and the local level, with a collaborative approach to multi-level governance. The integrated approach to policy development and implementation should be strengthened with a view to maximising the synergies between economic, environmental and social objectives, while paying careful attention toevaluating potential trade-offs and to the needs of vulnerable groups and assessing costs of non-action. Moreover, transparent and continuous engagement with non- governmental actors and the public is important for ensuring the success of the 8th EAP and the achievement of its priority objectives.
Amendment 201 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Enhanced cooperation with partner countries, sustainable trade agreements, good global environmental governance, including environmental democracy, as well as synergies between internal and external Union policies in line with European green diplomacy should be at the centre of Union's external action as these are key to reach the Union’s environmental and climate objectives and to support global action.
Amendment 210 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The European Commission should assess the progress in achieving the priority objectives of the 8th EAP by the Union and the Member States in the context of the transition towards greater sustainability, wellbeing and resilience. This is in line with calls of the Council27 and the European Economic and Social Committee28 for measuring economic performance and societal progress “beyond GDP”, and moving towards using well- being as a compass for policy, which is also supported by the OECD29 . __________________ 27See e.g. https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/docu ment/ST-10414-2019-INIT/en/pdf 28https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/our- work/opinions-information- reports/opinions/reflection-paper-towards- sustainable-europe-2030. 29See e.g. the OECD Well-being Framework, the OECD Framework for Policy Action on Inclusive Growth, the Better Life Initiative and the New Approaches to Economic Challenges Initiative.
Amendment 216 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The assessment of progress towards the priority objectives of the 8th EAP should reflect the latest developments as regards the availability and relevance of data and indicators. It should be coherent with and without prejudice to monitoring or governance tools covering more specific aspects of environment and climate policy, such as in particular Regulation 1999/2018 of the European Parliament and of the Council30 , the Environmental Implementation Review or monitoring tools relating to circular economy, zero pollution, biodiversity, air, water, soil, waste, or any other environment policies and those relating to industrial policies. Together with other tools used in the European Semester, the Eurostat SDG Monitoring and in the Commission’s Strategic Foresight Report31, it would be part of a broader and coherent interconnected set of monitoring and governance tools, covering also social and economic factors. __________________ 30Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1–77. 31 COM/2020/493 final.
Amendment 221 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) The 8th EAP should be strengthened with tools to ensure a better implementation of Union environmental law. This is crucial in view of the high numbers of infringements and other indications of non-compliance with environmental rules.
Amendment 233 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) In order to take account of evolving policy objectives and the progress made, the 8th EAP should be evaluated by the Commission in 20294 following which all necessary actions should be undertaken to ensure the fulfilment of the objectives of the 8th EAP. A final evaluation of the 8th EAP should be conducted in 2029 at the latest and early enough for it to feed into the formulation of the 9th EAP. The Commission should present a legislative proposal for the 9th EAP in a timely manner in view of its entry into force on 1 January 2031.
Amendment 249 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This decisions sets out a general action programme in the field of the environment for the period up to 31 December 2030 (‘8th EAP’). It lays down its priority objectives, identifies enabling conditions for their achievement and sets a framework to measure whether, and ensure that, the Union and its Member States are on track to meet those priority objectives.
Amendment 259 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
2. The 8th EAP aims at accelerating the transition to a climate-neutral, resource-efficient, clean and circular economy in a just and inclusive way, and endorsessustainable, renewable- energy based and non-toxic circular economy in a just and inclusive way, as well as protecting and restoring biodiversity and ecosystems, and achieving a zero-pollution environment for air, water and soil, and endorses and promotes the achievement of the environmental and climate objectives of the European Green Deal and its initiatives.
Amendment 267 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 3
Article 1 – paragraph 3
3. The 8th EAP forms the basis for achieving systemic change, the environmental and climate objectives defined under the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals and its monitoring framework constitutes the environment and climate part of the EU’s efforts to measure progress towards greater sustainability, including climate neutrality and resource efficiency, wellbeing and resilienceshall measure and evaluate progress towards the priority objectives and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Amendment 280 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. The 8th EAP shasll have the long- term priority objective for 2050 that citizens live wellthat as soon as possible and by 2050 at the latest citizens live well in an equal society, within the planetary boundaries in a regenerative, sustainable wellbeing economy where nothing is wasted, no net emissions of greenhouse gases are producclimate neutrality is achieved, and economic growth is decoupled from resource use and environmental degradation in a non-toxic fully circular economy. A healthy environment underpins the well-being and the health of citizens, biodiversity thrives and natural capital is protected, restored and valued in ways that enhanceand resilience to climate change and other environmental risks is enhanced. The Union sets the pace for ensuring the prosperity of present and future generations globally.
Amendment 297 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) irreversible and gradualcontinuous reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhancement of removals by natural and othto attain the 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction target laid down in Regulation (EU) …/… [European Climate Law], and irrever sinks in the Union to attain the 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction target andble and continuous reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhancement of removals by natural and other sinks in the Union to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest as laid down in Regulation (EU) …/…32 ; __________________ 32 COM/2020/80 final.
Amendment 313 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) continuous progress in enhancing adaptive capacity on the basis of nature- based solutions, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change;
Amendment 320 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) advancing towards a regenerative growthand sustainable wellbeing model that gives back to the planet more than it takes, decoupling economic growth from resource use and environmental degradation, and acceleratensuring the transition to a non-toxic circular economy;
Amendment 325 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) pursuing a zero-pollution ambition for a non- toxic free-environment, including for air, water and soil, soil, as well as in relation to light and noise pollution, and protecting the health and well-being of citizens from environment-related risks and impacts;
Amendment 331 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) protecting, preserving and restoring biodiversity and enhancing natural capitalcosystems inside and outside protected areas, notably air, water, soil, and forest, freshwater, wetland and marine ecosystems, in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030;
Amendment 346 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) promoting environmental sustainability and reducing key environmental and climate pressures related to production and consumption, in particular in the areas of energy, industrial development, buildings and infrastructure, mobility and the food system, food system and international trade including through binding Union targets for significantly reducing the Union's material and consumption footprints.
Amendment 357 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
(fa) achieving the international commitments undertaken in the area of climate and environment, including the Sustainable Development Goals;
Amendment 358 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The thematic priority objectives laid down in paragraph 2 shall cover the objectives, targets and actions set out in the strategies and initiatives of the European Green Deal as well as the targets in Union legislation that contribute to the achievement of these objectives. These include inter alia, the Union's 2030 Climate and Energy Framework, the Circular Economy Action Plan, the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, the Farm to Fork Strategy, the Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems Action Plan, the EU Arctic Strategy, the EU Forest Strategy, the Zero Pollution Action Plan, the EU Chemicals Strategy and the EU Industrial Strategy.
Amendment 370 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) ensuring effective and efficient implementation of Union legislation on environment and climate through the allocation of adequate resources and swift action against infringements, and striving for excellence in environmental performance at Union, national, regional and local levels including through providing appropriate administrative and compliance assurance capacity, as laid out in the regular Environmental Implementation Review, as well as stepping up action against environmental crime,
Amendment 383 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 1
– mainstreaming the priority objectives set out in Article 2 in all relevant strategies, legislative and non- legislative initiatives, programmes, investments and projects at Union, national, regional and local levels so that they and their implementation contribute to and do no harm to any of the priority objectives set out in Article 2, in line with Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council;
Amendment 393 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 1 c (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 1 c (new)
– promoting communication and dialogue at Union, national, regional and local level, aimed at raising awareness, especially among young people, about the importance and benefits of protecting and restoring the environment, and at including all relevant stakeholders in the implementation efforts;
Amendment 395 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 3
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 3
– paying careful attention to evaluating the synergies and potential trade-offs between economic, environmental and social objectives so as to ensure that citizens’ needs for nutrition, housingwellbeing, and in particular their rights and needs for a healthy environment, healthy nutrition, affordable, quality housing, healthcare and mobility, are met in a sustainable way that leaves no- one behind;
Amendment 407 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 4
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 4
– regularly evaluating existing policies and preparing impact assessments for new initiatives, which are based on wide and transparent consultations following procedures that are accountable, inclusive, informed and simple to implement, and which pay due regard tofully assess the projected impacts on environment and climate, and in developing climate or environmental policies fully consider the costs of non-action;
Amendment 416 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 4 b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 4 b (new)
– developing practices and carrying out activities that support local and regional authorities in meeting environmental and climate objectives;
Amendment 424 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) effectively integrating environthe Sustainable Development Goals and climateenvironmental, climate and social sustainability in the European Semester of economic governance, including in the National Reform Programmes and National Recovery and Resilience plans;
Amendment 429 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) effectively integrating the Sustainable Development Goals in all Union and national legislative and non- legislative action;
Amendment 443 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) phasing out environmentally harmful subsidies, including fossil fuel subsidies, without delay and at the latest by 2025 at Union and, national level,and local level on the basis of a list to be prepared by the Commission by 2022, and making the best use of market-based instruments and green budgeting tools, including those required to ensure a socially fair transition, and supporting businesses and other stakeholders in developing standardised natural capital accounting practices;
Amendment 452 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(ea) ensuring effective climate and biodiversity mainstreaming and proofing of Union and national budgets;
Amendment 455 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
(eb) taking all action required to ensure a socially fair and inclusive transition, delivering on the European Pillar of Social Rights and effectively addressing and reducing social as well as climate and environmental inequalities;
Amendment 457 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) ensuring that environmental policies and action at the Union, national, regional and local levels are based on the best available scientific knowledge and strengthening the environmental knowledge base and its uptake, including by research, and innovation, fostering green skillsupporting retraining and fostering green skills in cooperation with social partners, and further building up environmental and ecosystem accounting;
Amendment 466 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(fa) ensuring the full participation of, and cooperation with, local and regional authorities across all dimensions of environmental policy-making through a collaborative and multi-level approach;
Amendment 492 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) harnessing the potential of digital and data technologies to support environment policy while minimising their environmental footprint, and ensuring public accessibility and transparency of the data;
Amendment 527 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point k – indent 3
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point k – indent 3
– demonstrating climate and environmental leadership in international fora, strengthening the implementation of the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity and other multilateral environmental agreements by the Union and its partners, including by increasing transparency and accountability as regards progress on the commitments made under those agreements;
Amendment 533 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point k – indent 5
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point k – indent 5
– ensuring that the Union and the Member States’ financial assistance to third countries promotes and is in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal and the UN 2030 Agenda.
Amendment 539 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
(ka) strengthening cooperation with regional partners and engagement in regional processes, including in the Arctic, to effectively address and ensure management of shared climate and environmental challenges in line with the Union’s climate and environmental priorities;
Amendment 547 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. RIn reaching the 8th EAP’s priority objectives will require mobilising broad support bybroad support is required. The Commission and Member States shall raise awareness and involvinge citizens, social partners and other stakeholders, foster dialogue and encouraginge cooperation in the development and implementation of strategies, policies or legislation related to the 8th EAP, including amongst national, regional and local authorities, in urban and rural areas.
Amendment 550 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Many of the priority objectives set out in the 8th EAP can only be fully achieved as part of a global approach and in cooperation with partner countries, and overseas countries and territories. That is why the Union and its Member States should engage in relevant international and regional processes in a strong, focused, united and coherent manner. Particular emphasis should be given to the vulnerable Arctic region, where there is a need for intensified cooperation and increased Union involvement, in order to address new and shared environmental challenges that are further exacerbated by climate change. The Union and its Member States should continue to promote an effective, rules-based framework for global environment policy.
Amendment 555 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission, supported by the European Environment Agency and the European Chemicals Agency, shall assess and report on the progress of the Union and the Member States with regard to achieving systemic change, the priority objectives laid down in Article 2 on a regularyearly basis, taking into consideration the enabling conditions laid down in Article 3. The Commission shall ensure that this information is publicly available and easily accessible ensuring effective monitoring of progress made.
Amendment 564 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. By 31 March 2024, the Commission shall carry out a mid-term evaluation of the progress achieved towards achieving systemic change, the thematic priority objectives set out in Article 2, including the targets under the European Green Deal, based on the assessments referred to in Article 4(1) as well as on the outcome of a public consultation, and taking into consideration the enabling conditions laid down in Article 3, and submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council. On the basis of the mid-term evaluation, the incoming Commission shall present a list and timelines of necessary legislative and non-legislative actions within the first 100 days of the Commission to ensure that progress at the Union and Member State levels is sufficient to attain the priority objectives by 2030 at the latest and the long-term objective of 2050 at the latest.
Amendment 586 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point e
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point e
(e) further improving availability and interoperability of data and access to data through Union programmes;
Amendment 597 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph -1 (new)
Article 5 – paragraph -1 (new)
-1. The Commission shall create a single coherent and overarching monitoring framework. To this end, the Commission shall produce a report by 2022 in which it identifies the interlinkages between the various social, economic and environmental progress and monitoring frameworks that are in use at the EU level and develop headline indicators to use to guide EU policy making, and communicate progress towards citizens.
Amendment 606 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
By 31 March 2029, the Commission shall carry out an evaluation of the 8th EAP. The Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council containing the main findings of that evaluation, accompanied, if the Commission deems appropriate, by a legislative proposal for the next environmental action programme in sufficient time for the 9th EAP to be in place by 1 January 2031 with a view to avoid a gap between the 8th and the 9th EAP.