10 Amendments of Michaela ŠOJDROVÁ related to 2020/0006(COD)
Amendment 19 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The regulatory framework governing the Union’s cohesion policy for the period from 2021 to 2027, in the context of the next multi-annual financial framework, contributes to the fulfilment of the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by concentrating Union funding on green objectives. This Regulation implements one of the priorities set out in the Communication on the European Green Deal (‘the European Green Deal’)11 and is part of the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan12 providing dedicated financing under the Just Transition Mechanism in the context of cohesion policy to address the economic and social costs of the transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy, where any remaining greenhouse gas emissions are compensated by equivalent absorptions in particular by strengthened natural carbon sinks. _________________ 11 COM(2019) 640 final, 11.12.2019. 12 COM(2020) 21, 14.1.2020.
Amendment 35 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3 a) Alternative energy generation technologies, such as wind and solar, are already cost-competitive with conventional generation technologies, and have zero fuel costs and zero variable operation and maintenance costs. A key factor regarding their long-term competitiveness is the ability of technological development and of the increased production volumes to substantially lower the capital costs, and the levelised cost of energy over time. Given the potential role of those technologies in providing skilled jobs and to empower consumer and energy communities, they will constitute the main scope of support. The impact on agricultural land should also be minimised.
Amendment 43 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) which is one of the pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism implemented under cohesion policy. The aim of the JTF is to mitigate the adverse effects of the climate transition by supporting the most affected territories and workers concerned. In line with the JTF specific objective, actions supported by the JTF should directly contribute to alleviate the impact of the transition by financing the diversification and modernisation of the local economy and by mitigating the negative repercussions on employment. It should contribute to preserving natural heritage and prevent environmental degradation. This is reflected in the JTF specific objective, which is established at the same level and listed together with the policy objectives set out in Article [4] of Regulation EU [new CPR].
Amendment 64 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Transitioning to a climate-neutral, circular and resource-efficient economy is a challenge for all Member States. It will be particularly demanding for those Member States that rely heavily on fossil fuels or, greenhouse gas intensive industrial activities which need to be phased out or, those which so far counted mainly on woody biomass as renewable energy and which need to adapt due to the transition towards climate neutrality and that lack the financial means to do so. The JTF should therefore cover all Member States, but the distribution of its financial means should reflect the capacity of Member States to finance the necessary investments to cope with the transition towards climate neutrality.
Amendment 78 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 a (new)
Recital 10 a (new)
(10 a) Transitioning can be a challenge due to sometimes diverging objectives. It can be the case for hydroenergy projects which can have a negative impact on the ecological status of water bodies, their connectivity, fish population and consequently on local communities and their livelihoods. The JTF should finance only no-regret and win-win solutions both for the environment and climate. Such solutions should be set out in the project description and, where applicable, be covered by the scope of a project.
Amendment 95 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12 a) Inclusive policies and strategies are necessary to avoid exacerbating inequalities in a just transition process. The promotion of social cohesion should be a guiding principle for support under the JTF, promoting gender equality, ensuring vibrant rural areas, improved conditions for migrants, seasonal workers, young and older workers and low-skilled workers and ensuring no one is left behind.
Amendment 119 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19 a (new)
Recital 19 a (new)
(19 a) In accordance with the Green Deal commitment that all Union policies should contribute to preserving and restoring Europe’s natural resources, an exclusive list of ineligible types of operations is provided in this Regulation.
Amendment 125 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article [4(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], the JTF shall contribute to the single specific objective ‘enabling regions and people to address the social, and economic and environmental impacts of the transition towards a climate- neutral economy’ while contributing to preserving Europe’s natural resources and preventing environmental degradation.
Amendment 161 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) investments in the deployment of technology and infrastructures for affordable clean energy, in greenhouse gas emission reduction, energy efficiency and renewable energy; with a positive carbon balance in the short term, or a combination thereof;
Amendment 222 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a c (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a c (new)
(a c) the construction of a hydropower plant, unless such a plant would not, in accordance with an assessment pursuant to Article 4(7) of Directive 2000/60/EC (Water Framework Directive) and Article 6(3) and (4) of Directive 92/43/EEC (the Habitats Directive), have a negative impact on the site, or where the construction of a hydropower plant was envisaged either in an action or recovery plan for a protected aquatic species or would not go against such plan;