Activities of Benedek JÁVOR related to 2014/2153(INI)
Plenary speeches (2)
European energy security strategy (debate)
European energy security strategy (debate) HU
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on European Energy Security Strategy PDF (288 KB) DOC (251 KB)
Amendments (93)
Amendment 9 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
- having regard to Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and amending and subsequently repealing Directives 2001/77/EC and 2003/30/EC
Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
- having regard to the Directive 2010/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 May 2010 on the indication by labelling and standard product information of the consumption of energy and other resources by energy- related products.
Amendment 32 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas significant progresthe increasing share of renewables has been made in strengthening the EU’s energy security over the last yearswell as the reduction of overall demand have contributed to a stabilisation of import dependency; whereas, however, the EU still imports 53 % of its total energy consumption and a number of Member States are still dependent on a single external source of supply which is leading to high costs on citizens, enterprises and public budgets, is not compatible with the achievement of a sustainable society , impedes Europe’'s economic growth and endangers national and EU security;
Amendment 33 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the EU is reliant on imports for almost 85% of its oil, 67% of its gas, 41% of its solid fuels and about 95% of its uranium; whereas a large proportion of the EU's energy imports are coming from geopolitically unstable regions; whereas the EU is heavily dependent on one single country, the Russian Federation, which is the biggest oil (35%), gas (26%), coal (30%), and uranium (25%) importer to the EU;
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas 61 % of gas consumimported into the European Union is used in buildings and 75% of these are residential buildings; therefore, the building sector has to be regarded as a fundamental piece of the EU energy system infrastructure that needs to be upgraded to meet the EU energy security challenge whereas any interruptions in gas supply leading to inadequate heating puts at risk the health and wellbeing of a large proportion of EU citizens;
Amendment 40 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas a reliable long-term energy strategy should take into account the uncertainty related the oil and gas market volatility with periodic and temporary price fluctuations;
Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas the fastest and least costly way to reduce the gas consumption in the European Union is the reduction of the energy losses in the residential buildings providing energy security benefits, reducing the EU' external energy bill and making the construction of some of the PCIs (Projects of Common Interest) unnecessary while contributing to long term EU prosperity, political independence and job creation;
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the Commission has drawn up the list of energy infrastructure projects of common interest to be implemented by 2020, and the EU’that is being updated every two years and requires intensive consultation with the civil society in Member States and countries affected outside of the EU28; insisting that since the EU's multiannual financial framework for 2014- 2020 contributes to their funding under the Connecting Europe Facility and the Investment Plan they shall be in full compliance with EU climate, energy and state aid legislation;
Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas improved energy efficiency has partially decoupled economic growth from energy consumption over the last decade, and this process needs to continuehas increased our resilience to price fluctuations, providing multiple benefits to the EU economy and EU citizens;
Amendment 74 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas the energy system has recently become more decentralised, with renewable energy and storage capacities as well as flexible consumers connected to more active and smart distribution grids; whereas this trend is expected to continue in the future;
Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital M a (new)
Recital M a (new)
Ma. whereas the faster implementation of smart grids will improve energy efficiency, increase share of renewable energy sources and decentralise the energy system to strengthen energy security in the Member States;
Amendment 127 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. WelcomAcknowledges the Commission communication entitled ‘'European Energy Security Strategy’', noting that it is based on a thorough analysis of the EU’'s energy dependence, highlighting the main areas and describes the essential work that must be undertaken in the short, medium and long term perspectives in order to overcome the challenges to energy security; stresses the need to ensure that the short and medium term measures are in full compliance with the EU long-term energy, climate, air pollution and environment objectives;
Amendment 128 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. WelcomAcknowledges the Commission communication entitled ‘European Energy Security Strategy’, noting that it is based on a thorough analysis of the EU’s energy dependence, highlighting the main areas and describes the essential work that must be undertaken in the short, medium and long term perspectives in order to overcome the challenges to energy security; stresses the need to ensure that the short and medium term measures are in full compliance with the EU long-term climate, environment and air quality improvement objectives;
Amendment 130 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses that the era of cheap and abundant energy resources is over and the European energy policy has to respond to multiple challenges such as the mitigation of climate change, pollution reduction or job creation. This requires a coherent policy framework towards a fully sustainable energy system based on energy savings and renewables setting ambitious binding targets and measures for short, medium and long term as well as adequate financing keeping the needs of current and future generations in mind.
Amendment 132 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Stresses that the European Parliament adopted in its resolution dated 5 February 2014 on the 2030 framework for climate and energy policy 1 a three binding targets including an energy efficiency target of 40%, a renewables target of at least 30% and a GHG target of at least 40%; this position has been reconfirmed by the Parliament resolution of 26 November 2014 on the 2014 UN Climate Change Conference – COP 20 in Lima, Peru. 1 b __________________ 1a 2013/2135 (INI) 1b 2014/2777
Amendment 138 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that equal energy security, competitiveness and sustainability in a fully integrated energy market constitute the main pillars for the creation of an Energy Union, which can be achieved by reducing energy demand, further integrating renewables into the energy market, pooling resources, connecting networks, ensuring unified energy market regulation and establishing unified negotiating positispeaking with onse vis-à-visoice with third countries;
Amendment 153 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the 2014 crisis in Ukraine and the results of the stress tests carried out by the Commission should lead to further acceleration of the completion of the internal market, including the full implementation of existing legislation in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate policy by all Member States, integration of existing ‘'energy islands’', and to the updating of risk assessments, preventive action plans and emergency situation plans;
Amendment 170 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the importance for strengthening energy independence of short-term measures such asof implementing short-term measures to reduce energy dependence such as reducing energy demand implemented at local, and Member State level, development of renewables and their storage of gas, development of reverse gas flow infrastructure, preparation of regional security of supply plans, and more effective use of the opportunities to import liquefied natural gas in those Member States which are exclusively dependent on one single supplier of natural gas; points out that there is a vital need for cooperation between; points out that there is a vital need for cooperation between European cities, municipalities, regions, energy cooperatives and local initiatives in various sectors aiming at energy demand reduction and production of local renewable sources and the Commission, Member States, neighbouring countries, regulatory bodies, ACER, transmission system operators and gas suppliers;
Amendment 180 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 – point a (new)
Paragraph 5 – point a (new)
(a) Notes that while the energy sector undergoes transformations on many levels, consumers must not be left behind and should be put at the centre of a future Energy Union and design plans for the energy market; calls on the European Commission to support a resilient, consumer-centric Energy Union which will ensure all EU consumers are provided with secure, sustainable, affordable and reliable energy supply;
Amendment 190 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Emphasises that the Energy Union, in additionorder to ensuringe security of supply, should adopt a comprehensive approach focusing on key pillardimensions such as achievement of a fully integrated internal energy market, moderation of energy demand, decarbonisation of the energy mix, and research and innovat based on the expansion of renewables with binding targets set at EU and national levels as well as research and innovation; stresses that European citizens, sustainable energy cooperatives, local communities and cities - taking progressively a prosumer role - should be at the very heart of the Energy Union;
Amendment 202 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Acknowledges the importance of including consumer-based initiatives such as cooperatives, community renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and stresses the need to lift economic, regulatory and administrative barriers to allow consumers to actively participate in the energy system;
Amendment 218 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the moderation of energy demand through energy savings and energy efficiency is triply crucial, impacting positively on the EU’'s energy security, competitiveness and sustainability. Supports the International Energy Agency's statement that energy efficiency is the first fuel and calls on the European Commission and the Member States to ensure that all investments are subjected to a systemic savings test implying that before investing in new supply-side infrastructure, the cost- effective potential of reducing energy demand through investment in energy efficiency and demand side solutions must first be explored to ensure that investments provide best value for money over the long term and are consistent with all EU objectives;
Amendment 221 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses that the potential of energy savings concerns all sectors of the economy, including industry, buildings, transport, agriculture and services;
Amendment 223 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Considers that the geopolitical imperative of energy security requires a holistic energy strategy, emphasises that energy efficiency is the number one measure to cut Europe's energy dependence in particular from Russia;
Amendment 227 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that the EU is not yet on track to meet its commitmentarget of saving 20 % of energy (371 Mtoe) by 2020, and that over one third of reduced energy consumption is actually attributable to lower levels of economic activity instead of increased policy efforts on energy efficiency; therefore, calls on the Commission to strictly enforce the already adopted energy efficiency legislation as well as to bring forward, in discussions with the European Parliament and the Council, an early and rigorous updating of the legislation on energy labelling and ecodesign, and to extend the latter to other product categories in order to maximise the cost- effective energy-saving potentials in the different sectors;
Amendment 242 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses that energy demand in the building sector is responsible for about 40 % of energy consumption in the EU and a third of natural gas use, and that it is therefore necessary to speed up renovation of buildings in order to reduce energy demand while encouraging greater involvement of the European Invecalls on the Commission to assist actors at all levels to reduce their energy consumption, to increase the share of heating and cooling based on renewable energy source and to stmrent Bank and promoting egthen the requirements of the Energy sPervices for which EU funds can complement national financing schemes;formance of Buildings Directive.
Amendment 253 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on Member States, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank to make the best use of structural funds and of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) to support deep renovation of buildings, promote energy services, deliver technical assistance and up-skill construction workers; considers that a significant part of the EFSI should be earmarked for this purpose;
Amendment 259 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Acknowledges that the role of local authorities ofctors such as European cities in increasing energy efficiency, city councils such as 'Covenant of Mayors' initiative energy cooperatives in energy savings through cogeneration, modernisation of district heating systems based on sustainable renewables and small-scale smart grids, increasing the use of cleaner public transport, encouraging more active travel models and, deep renovation of buildings is also undoubtedly an important contribution to energy independence; , as well as sustainable and integrated land- use and settlement planning is also undoubtedly an important contribution to energy independence; the Commission should facilitate the cooperation of these actors and their initiatives by providing information, supporting networks and designing appropriate financial mechanisms;
Amendment 270 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Considers as important to provide consumers with energy efficiency products, including food, as well as accurate, relevant, comparable and independently verified information on the energy efficiency of those products in order to allow consumers to make an informed choice and to transform markets towards the most energy efficient appliances and food production chains;
Amendment 276 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes that improved vehicle performance standards and fuel efficiency are crucial for both reducing EU oil dependency and cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore calls on the Commission to continue and accelerate its efforts in this fieldReminds that special attention should be paid to the transport sector due to its continued high use of energy, notes that fully implemented vehicle performance standards and fuel efficiency as well as continuously improved electrification based on renewable electricity are crucial for both reducing EU oil dependency and cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore calls on the Commission to continue and accelerate its efforts in this field, in particular by coming forward with robust post-2020 standards for cars and vans, setting similar standards for other vehicles, proposing new fuel efficiency standards; requests the Commission to create additional measures inter alia for labelling, changing driving behaviour, reducing distances travelled and shifting to more sustainable modes of transport;
Amendment 287 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Member States to be ambitious in implementing EU energy efficiency legislation, and thu by voluntarily going beyond the minimum requirements set, which would contribute to the EU's global competitiveness as well. Further calls on Member States to be prepared with national and regional measures for sharply reducing energy demand both before and in response to supply shocks;
Amendment 305 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission to closely monitor the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Directive and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and to carry out a limitedto enforce the energy efficiency acquis rigorously and immediately; calls on the Commission to propose by 2017 a review of the Energy Efficiency Directive in order to update the provisions relevant to the indicative 2030 energy efficiency improvement target of at least 27 %; believes that measurement and verification of energy efficiency improvements should be an integral part of the annual European semester report; believes that the review should lead to the setting of a binding overall target of a 40% improvement in energy consumption by 2030 as approved by the European Parliament as this has the most cost-effective potential and would lead to significant multiple benefits for the EU economy and EU citizens such as more jobs and increased well-being;
Amendment 314 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Urges the Commission to utilize the potential of energy efficiency by proposing new legislation including; - a framework of targeted financial incentives and legal obligations including milestones to ensure a minimum, cost- optimal annual deep renovation rate for all eligible existing buildings of at least 3% with a view to achieving an 80% energy performance improvement in the EU building stock by 2050; - Investment to moderate energy demand, especially in buildings, to be categorised and evaluated as infrastructure investment on a par with investment on the energy supply side, thus making it eligible for equal financing conditions; - Fully integrated planning of energy demand and supply, in order to achieve cost-optimal security of supply and avoid unnecessary or over-dimensioned infrastructure investments and stranded costs;
Amendment 315 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls on the European Commission to make proposals for a strong 2030 energy efficiency governance to provide robust guidance and fair rules for the accounting of national contributions to secure achievement of the EU target, improve enforceability of plans and enable streamlined reporting of relevant Energy Union policies;
Amendment 319 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Urges the Commission to utilize the potential of energy efficiency by proposing new legislation including; - a framework of targeted financial incentives and legal obligations to ensure a minimum, cost-optimal annual deep renovation rate for all eligible existing buildings of at least 3%; - Incentives and obligations for larger enterprises to carry out the most economical recommendations from their mandatory energy audits established under the Energy Efficiency directive; - Investment to moderate energy demand, especially in buildings, to be categorised and evaluated as infrastructure investment on a par with investment on the energy supply side, thus making it eligible for equal financing conditions; - Fully integrated planning of energy demand and supply, in order to achieve cost-optimal security of supply and avoid unnecessary or over-dimensioned infrastructure investments and stranded costs;
Amendment 321 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Urges the Commission to utilize the potential of energy efficiency by proposing new legislation including incentives and obligations for larger enterprises to carry out the most economical recommendations from their mandatory energy audits established under the Energy Efficiency directive;
Amendment 322 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)
Paragraph 13 c (new)
13c. Calls on measurement and verification of energy efficiency as well as renewables improvements embedded in a robust governance mechanism involving the European Parliament and including national binding targets for energy efficiency and renewables;
Amendment 323 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Notes the importance of integrating the planning of energy demand and supply, with priority given to demand reduction and decentralised solutions, in order to achieve cost-optimal security of supply and avoid unnecessary or over- dimensioned infrastructure investments and stranded costs; calls for the proposed Energy Union to adopt the principle of 'savings first' whereby measures to moderate energy demand must be considered, and if cost-effective, taken, ahead of any measures to increase supply, and for future PCIs to feature integrated projects where energy demand-reduction and energy supply infrastructure are planned jointly;
Amendment 337 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Considers that investment to moderate energy demand, especially in buildings and industry, is a significant contribution to energy security and competitiveness and that this should be taken into account when considering financial allocations;
Amendment 340 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Believes that greater involvement of the European financial institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank and better coordination between EU funds and sectorial, national financing schemes is needed; proposes that investment to moderate energy demand, be categorised and evaluated as infrastructure investment on a par with investment on the energy supply side, thus making it eligible for equal financing conditions;
Amendment 344 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Considers the EU ETS and energy efficiency legislation as mutually reinforcing policies and calls for a rapid implementation of the Market Stability Reserve as a useful measure to ensure fulfilment of long term decarbonisation goals well as an adequate carbon price signal to drive energy efficiency investments in the ETS sector;
Amendment 347 #
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
Amendment 353 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that a long-term strategy for developing indigenoussustainable renewable energy sources should be further promoted in the EU in full compliance with environmental and sustainability requirements;
Amendment 369 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Acknowledges that as long as nuclear power plants and facilities continue to operate there will remain a residual risk, however remote, of a severe accident,
Amendment 374 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Emphasises that it is essential to increase the sustainable participation of European industry and technology in the entire energy production chain, which includes not only raw materials but also generation, transportation and distribution, since these are crucial elements for decreasing the EU’'s dependence on energy imports; recalls that the EU is almost entirely dependent on uranium deliveries from third countries;
Amendment 386 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Considers that any energy source that mighteffectively contributes to energy security in the Union should be taken into account and developed in full compliance with environmental requirements and the EU long-term decarbonisation commitments; considers that subsidies to conventional sources and the non-internalisation of externalities distort the market, therefore calls on the European Commission to ensure a level playing field and to introduce CO2 emissions performance standards alongside energy performance standards for new and existing coal and nuclear power plants to provide a clear investment signal for sustainable investments and the phasing-out of the most polluting and dangerous forms of power generation;
Amendment 397 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
Amendment 415 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. On the basis of the precautionary principle and on the principle that preventive action should be taken, taking into account the risks and the negative climate, environmental and health impacts involved in hydraulic fracturing and the gaps identified in the EU regulatory regime for shale gas activities, urges Member States not to authorise any new hydraulic fracturing operations in the EU;
Amendment 431 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Believes that the development of renewable energy sources with the objective of 20 % by 2020 and at least 27 30% by 2030 ias essential, taking into consideration energy costs; stresses the importance of developing smarter energy grids and new energy storage solutions for the integration of renewablesadopted by the European Parliament by 2030 is essential; stresses the importance of developing and promoting smarter energy infrastructure including smarter energy grids, active energy efficiency solutions putting end- users at the centre and new energy storage solutions for the integration of renewables; invites the European Commission and Member States to evaluate existing and novel financial instruments to attract investments in these fields, with a view of integrating renewables more efficiently;
Amendment 450 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Recognises the benefits of increasing renewable energy in the heat market, in particular in buildings; Stresses the increased flexibility of thermal infrastructure and storage in facilitating the integration of intermittent renewable sources by storing energy in the form of heat; Reiterates that energy security can be increased by development of district heating/cooling networks which are an ideal means of integrating sustainable heat into cities on a large scale since they can simultaneously deliver heat derived from a range of sources and are not inherently dependent on any one source;
Amendment 452 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 d (new)
Paragraph 20 d (new)
20d. Urges the Commission to undertake a clear national break-down of the resulting renewable energy development to foster investor certainty, which must lead to binding and enforceable national commitments in this regard; Recalls the detrimental effect of retroactive changes to incentive mechanisms which have been particularly damaging to the investment climate for renewables during the past three years and should be targeted as a priority;
Amendment 457 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on the Commission to introduce common standards for smart grids, at the transmission system level since they ensure a stable supply and free flow of energy across borders and contribute to energy security;, and especially at distribution system level to ensure security of supply for local communities, cities and regions.
Amendment 468 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Notes that a more decentralised energy system, with power and heat sources being placed closer to the point of usage, reduces transmission and distribution losses, shields consumers from volatile fossil fuel prices, diminishes the risk of attacking vulnerable infrastructure and simultaneously provides business opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises; calls on the Commission and the Member States, therefore, to facilitate further development of local renewable energy sources and of local distribution networks, including thermal grids (district heating) networks;
Amendment 484 #
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4
Subheading 4
Amendment 485 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Recalls that the Commission Energy Roadmap 2050 has identified high shares of renewable energy as a pre-requisite for a more sustainable and secure energy system; (This amendment is the first of 7 new paragraphs under the new chapter (subheading) entitled 'Increasing the share of renewable energy sources'.)
Amendment 486 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Calls on the European Commission to ensure the full implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28) and to come forward with a robust governance system including the European Parliament along with effective regulation to allow the attainment of the 2030 renewable energy target;
Amendment 487 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 d (new)
Paragraph 22 d (new)
22d. Considers the development and the increased local use of renewables could significantly diminish energy scarcity, contribute to mitigate climate change, to achieving a decentralized and more democratic model by reshaping power- balance and turning consumers to prosumers, and create new opportunities for wellbeing and employment; therefore calls on the Commission to further promote local and decentralised renewable energy production and distribution based inter alia on the cooperatives business model;
Amendment 488 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 d (new)
Paragraph 22 d (new)
22d. Underlines that regulatory frameworks for renewables are of utmost importance; calls on the Commission to rigorously put in place measures to ensure transparency, consistency and continuity for legal, financial and regulatory frameworks in order to strengthen investor confidence; calls for full compliance with the European Commission Guidance on the design of renewable energy support schemes1 a ; __________________ 1a SWD(2013)439 final
Amendment 489 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 e (new)
Paragraph 22 e (new)
22e. Notes that subsidies to conventional sources, the non-internalisation of externalities as well as obsolete and distorted market rules prevent renewable energies from participating in the energy system on a level playing field;
Amendment 490 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 f (new)
Paragraph 22 f (new)
22f. Urges the European Commission to reallocate part of the Connecting Europe Facility funding via the Juncker Investment Plan from transport to energy, prioritising energy efficiency and renewables, which are part of President Juncker's key priorities.
Amendment 491 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 g (new)
Paragraph 22 g (new)
22g. Stresses that the EU has a unique window of opportunity for energy transition as traditional power plants become obsolete and the modernization of the whole aging and polluting energy system would require huge investments in the upcoming years, therefore calls on the Commission to mainstream new technologies and foster those investments which use sustainable sources, apply Best Available Technologies and make progress towards a decentralised and intelligent energy system meeting the needs of EU citizens;
Amendment 493 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses that effective use of research and technological innovations fosters the leadership of European industry and contributes to the main EU energy policy goals, including reduction of energy demand, security of supply, competitiveness and sustainable development of energy production, transportation and consumption;
Amendment 508 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to seek for better interaction and coordination of national and European research programmes among themselves and with the Commission, especially in the fields of energy and, especially in the fields of smart grids' technologies, electricity and heat production based on renewables in housing and energy efficiency in construction, in order to ensure that priority is given to common challenges such as increasing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions;
Amendment 525 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Stresses that the commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions must not undermine the EU EU's transition to resource-efficient economy based on new sustainable energy systems and tecohnomy’s global competitiveness; considers, therelogies is a prerequisite fore, that a complex approach to climate change ande EU's global competitiveness is needed;
Amendment 539 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to make full use, for the purposes of increased energy security and the transition to a low-carbon economy, of the possibilities allowed for financgreen, resource-efficient economy, especially via increased energy savings, energy projects through state aid, as well as theefficiency and higher shares of renewables of financial instruments available through the European Regional Development Fund, Cohesion Fund, European Fund for Strategic Investment, Horizon 2020, the European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument, and the investment facilities of the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and public and private intermediaries;
Amendment 557 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Acknowledges that in order to reduce energy dependence, diversify and consolidate supply options,While it is already possible with existing technologies, to reduce energy dependence, to optimise energy network infrastructure and to increase energy efficiency in the medium and long term, it is necessary to develop new sustainable energy technologies, using funds from the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation;
Amendment 576 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Calls for the development of well- integrated and competitive regional electricity and gas markets – including, where necessary, capacity markets –markets covering all parts of the Union; demands that the Commission act decisively against all instances of anti- competitive behaviour and barriers to market entry and exit; calls on the European Commission to create a level playing field for citizens based initiatives;
Amendment 585 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Call for European support to the liberalisation of retail energy markets, in particular to more transparent and dynamic and less regulated prices, to the development of new and innovative types of contracts including demand response and distributed renewable energy and to the trade of services within distribution grids;
Amendment 588 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 – point a (new)
Paragraph 29 – point a (new)
(a) Believes that the sale of strategic assets in the Union, such as gas trading platforms, would affect the Union's energy strategy;
Amendment 589 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 b (new)
Paragraph 29 b (new)
29b. Recognises that economic, regulatory and administrative barriers currently prevent consumers to actively participate in the energy system; recognises that a growing share of consumers is involved in producing its own energy and is interested in choosing its energy supplier, modifying behaviour and joining common initiatives such as community renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, therefore calls on the Commission to enable citizens to become prosumers meaning more active actors of the European energy system instead of passive consumers;
Amendment 590 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 c (new)
Paragraph 29 c (new)
29c. Calls the European Commission to support the adaptation of market rules to allow the integration of distributed and variable renewable energy sources, especially via easy market access for aggregators;
Amendment 594 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Believes that one of the most important factors of the completion of a transparent, well-functioning and fully integrated gas and electricity market is the full implementation of the Third Energy Package encompassing additional measures towards the cross-border market integration focussing on intraday and balancing markets;
Amendment 610 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Acknowledges that a more integrated energy system could enhance crossborder solidarity during times of external energy supply shocks; calls on the Commission to ensure that energy generation and transmission and distribution, energy demand management, storage as well as system regulation offering regional optimissation opportunities can operate as a functional element of the EU internal market across national borders without undue restrictions;
Amendment 624 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Welcomes the European Council’'s proposal for a minimum level of electricity interconnection between Member States of 10 % by 2020 and 15 % by 2030 and supports benchmarking projects of common interest focusing on electricity by 2030 to measure completion of this objective;
Amendment 636 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. EmphasiStresses that acceleration of the implementation of strategic infrastructure projects is highly necessary, and therefore encourages the Commission to participate more actively in this process;infrastructure includes both energy demand and energy supply investments, and that first priority must be given to investment in energy savings, as the least-cost option
Amendment 645 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Emphasises that acceleration of the implementation of those strategic infrastructure projects that contribute most to medium and long term aspects of energy security are in full compliance with EU long-term decarbonisation commitments and EU environmental legislation; therefore encourages the Commission to strictly follow Connecting Europe Facilities guidelines implying that 'a majority of projects should come from electricity' as well as the current climate funding criteria of the European Investment Bank;
Amendment 646 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Regrets that the European Parliament has not been involved in the selection of the strategic infrastructure projects presented in the Commission's communication on energy security 1 a; strongly questions the legal status of these strategic projects; __________________ 1a SWD(2014)330 final
Amendment 653 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Calls for thon the Commission to ensure that only those Projects of Common Interest (PCI) adopted in 2013 to be executed without delayare supported that have obtained all the necessary environmental permits and have strong local acceptance and complement the existing PCIs by focusing on energy savings, improved efficiency and broader use of renewables;
Amendment 666 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Stresses the need for regional cooperation to be strengthened throughout the EU, as energy security issues can be resolved more effectively and energy can be produced, managed and consumed more rationally at the local and regional level; notes that the Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan, which aims to integrate the countries of the Baltic Sea region into the EU energy infrastructure networks, is an excellent example of regional cooperation;
Amendment 677 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Emphasises that energy must be made affordable to all citizens of the EU; considers that avoiding unnecessary consumption, by undertaking efficiency improvements and particularly in buildings and investing in sustainable energy investment, particularly in buildings, would enable many households to escape energy poverty; which affected one in four EU citizens - 124 million people - in 2012 particularly in Eastern- Central and Mediterranean; reminds that energy poverty is likely to be aggravated in the coming years by a renewed rise in energy prices; underlines that expensive fuel subsidies, while providing temporary relief, are an unsustainable solution and that coordinated and ambitious energy efficiency policies and measures for the residential sector are needed immediately, together with information, well-designed, dedicated financial mechanisms and new business models such as ESCOs made available for the most vulnerable groups to help them to reduce their energy use, diversify their energy sources and achieve household level energy autonomy as a strategic, long-term solution to energy poverty;
Amendment 685 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Paragraph 37 a (new)
37a. Stresses that energy security is strongly linked to geopolitical and security policy issues, and that all energy security measures should be taken in this broader context and should help reduce the EU's dependency from external energy sources.
Amendment 693 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Stresses that dependence on one single supplier of energy resources, with the resulting lack of competition, can impede economic growth and endanger security at national and EU level, and that, therefore, all projects for diversifying energy suppliers must be implemented consistentlythat reduce energy demand need to be prioritised over all;
Amendment 700 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Stresses that the EU’'s energy diversification must prioritise those projects that diversify not only routes but also sources and must meet all requirements of EU law; emphasises that the diversification of routes must be directed towards reliable suppliersmust prevent in any case lock in into fossil fuel supply and infrastructure;
Amendment 731 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Expresses the opinion that Russia can no longer be considered a reliable partner as it explicitly questions EU law, including at the World Trade Organisation, and uses energy supply for political purposes; stresses, therefore, that more attention should be concentrated on the development andgiven to energy savings first tests before further expansion of the gas supply infrastructure with Norway, the Southern Gas Corridor and the Mediterranean gas hub to prevent any lock in into gas supply;
Amendment 748 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Stresses that third-country companies participating in the whole EU energy production chain, which includes raw materials, generation, transportation and distribution, as well as gas storage, must respect all the requirements of the EU legislation, so as to avoid market distortion and safeguard a competitive and transparent internal energy market in the overall interests of energy security; calls the Commission to commit itself to reducing multiple forms of energy dependencies including financial, technology or fuel dependence in the nuclear and fossil sectors, acquisition and ownership of strategic energy infrastructure as well as investments in energy projects by non-reliable third parties in EU;
Amendment 757 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to increaselude the European Parliament in their efforts towards the implementation of strategic energy demand and energy supply infrastructure projects; believes the existing infrastructure needs to contribute to regional integration;
Amendment 767 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Affirms the overarching principle of solidarity between all Member States; stresses that energy security of energy supply is a matter of collective action and concerns all Member States, despite differing scales of vulnerability to supply shocks; stresses that no Member State shall by its action or inaction jeopardise the security of another Member State or of the EU as a whole i.e. by not transposing the EU legislation in the field of energy efficiency promotion and energy use reduction in the timely and correct manner ;
Amendment 772 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Emphasises that the Energy Community cshould be an effective instrument for raising pan-European energy security; stresses that its enforcement mechanism and institutional set-up should be further enhanced in order to strengthen investment stability;transparency, democracy and investment stability; calls the European Commission to take the necessary measures to ensure the list of pieces of legislation to be transposed is complete and includes the Emission Trading System, Air Quality, the Industrial Emission, the Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment, the Environmental Liability and the Fuel Quality Directives of the Annex 1 of the 2014 May report of the Energy Community in this regard, believes the Energy Community can be useful for purposes of associating candidate countries and potential candidates with the EU solidarity mechanisms; stresses that this should result in a better consolidated European energy neighbourhood policy;
Amendment 777 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45 a (new)
Paragraph 45 a (new)
45 a. Recognises the value of the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership – E5B, as a multi-donor fund managed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to facilitate investments in energy efficiency and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in Eastern European partner countries.
Amendment 781 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45 b (new)
Paragraph 45 b (new)
45 b. Invites the Commission to make better use of the Neighbourhood Investment Facility and co-finance investments into energy efficiency measures and RES projects;
Amendment 789 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Takes the view that the main condition for the creation of the future European Energy Union is the completion of an integrated EU internal energy market, which requires full implementation of the Third Energy Package embracing both energy demand management and energy supply system optimization and the existence of a strong external dimension for an EU energy policy that is based on close coordination of positions and speaking with one voice with third countries;
Amendment 811 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49
Paragraph 49
49. Fully agrees with the European Council that a reliable and transparent governance system should be developed to help ensure that the EU meets its energy policy goals, with the necessary flexibility for Member States and on a basis of full respect for their freedom to determine their energy mix; believes that this governance system should be proposed in 2015 and codified in legislation thereby involving the European Parliament well ahead of 2020 to provide clarity to investors in renewables and energy efficiency;
Amendment 819 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51
Paragraph 51
51. Stresses that a regular review of the implementation of the European Energy Security Strategy must be ensuredclarity on the legal status of the priority projects annexed to the European Energy Security Strategy as well as a regular review of the implementation of the Strategy must be ensured through the ordinary procedure, and that the annual progress assessment of the Strategy must be carried out having regard to the relevant challenges to energy security; calls on the Commission to submit annual reports on the state of play of the European Energy Security Strategy; to the European Parliament and the Council;