Activities of Benedek JÁVOR related to 2018/0209(COD)
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE) and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013 PDF (1 MB) DOC (226 KB)
Amendments (88)
Amendment 68 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE), established by Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council6 for the period 2014 to 2020 is the latest in a series of Union programmes over 25 years which support the implementation of environmental and climate legislation and policy priorities. It was positively assessed in a recent mid- term evaluation7 as being highly cost- effective and on track to be effective, efficient and relevant. The 2014- 2020 LIFE Programme should therefore be continued with certain modifications identified in the mid-term evaluation and subsequent assessments. Accordingly, a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE) (the ‘Programme’) should be established for the period starting 2021. _________________ 6 Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the establishment of a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 614/2007 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 185). 7 Report on the Mid-term Evaluation of the Programme for Environment and Climate Action (LIFE)(SWD(2017) 355 final).
Amendment 69 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) Given its characteristics and size, the LIFE Programme cannot solve all environmental and climate problems. Rather, its objective should be to act as a catalyst for changes in policy development and implementation, by mainstreaming relevant nature and biodiversity into other EU policies and financing programmes, by providing and disseminating solutions and best practices to achieve environmental and climate goals, and by promoting innovative environmental, climate change and nature-based solutions towards a net-zero emission European society. In that endeavour, the LIFE Programme should support the implementation of the on-going and future General Union Environment Action Programmes to be developed pursuant to Article 192(3) TFEU.
Amendment 71 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Pursuing the achievement of the Union's objectives and targets set by environmental, climate and related clean energy legislation, policy, plans and international commitments, the Programme should contribute to the shift towards a cleansustainable, circular, resource- and energy-efficient, low- carbnet zero-emission and climate-resilient economy, to the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss,environment, and of people's health and well-being, and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss, including through the support of the Natura 2000 network and tackling the degradation of ecosystems and their services either through direct interventions or by supporting the integration of those objectives in other policies.
Amendment 79 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The Union is committed to developing a comprehensive response to the sustainable development goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for the Sustainable Development, which highlight the intrinsic connection between the management of natural resources to ensure their long-term availability, ecosystem services, their link to human health and sustainable and socially inclusive economic growthdevelopment. In this spirit, the Programme should allow for a high level of solidarity and responsibility and make a material contribution to both economic development and social cohesion.
Amendment 80 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) In view of promoting sustainable development, environmental and climate protection requirements should be integrated into the definition and implementation of all Union’s policies and activities. Synergies and complementary with other Union funding programmes should therefore be promoted, including by facilitating the funding of activities that complement strategic integrated projects and strategic nature projects and support the uptake and replication of solutions developed under the Programme. Coordination is required to prevent double funding. The Commission and Member States should take steps to prevent overlap and additional administrative burden on project beneficiaries arising from reporting obligations from different financial instruments.
Amendment 81 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The Programme should contribute to sustainable development and to the achievement of the international commitments, linked to the objectives and targets of the Union environment, climate and relevant clean energy legislation, strategies, plans and international commitments, in particular the United Nations 2030 Agenda for the Sustainable Development8 and its sustainable development goals, the Convention on Biological Diversity9 and, the Paris Agreement adopted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change10 ("Paris Agreement on Climate Change"), the UNECE Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (the “Aarhus Convention”), the Convention on long- range transboundary air pollution, and the UN Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions. _________________ 8 Agenda 2030, Resolution adopted by UN GA on 25/09/2015. 9 93/626/EEC: Council Decision of 25 October 1993 concerning the conclusion of the Convention on Biological Diversity, (OJ L 309, 13.12.1993, p. 1). 10 OJ L 282, 19.10.2016, p. 4.
Amendment 84 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) For achieving the overarching objectives, the full implementation of the ongoing and future Environmental Action Programme10a, encompassing all themes of the priority areas, the Circular economy package11 , the 2030 Climate and Energy Policy Framework12 ,13 ,14 ,, 14, the EU Biodiversity Strategy14a, The Birds14b and Habitats Directives14c and the related Action Plan for nature15 , and any related Union nature legislation15 , as well as of related policies16 ,17 ,18 ,19 ,, 17, 18, 19, 20 , is of particular importance. _________________ 10a Decision No 1386/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 November 2013 on a General Union Environment Action Programme to 2020 ‘Living well, within the limits of our planet’ (OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, p. 171). 11 COM(2015) 614 final, 02.12.2015. 12 2030 Climate and Energy Policy Framework, COM(2014)15, 22.01.2014. 13 EU Strategy on adaptation to climate change, COM(2013)216, 16.04.2013. 14 Clean Energy for all Europeans package, COM(2016) 860, 30.11.2016. 14a Our life insurance, our natural capital: an EU biodiversity strategy to 2020, COM/2011/0244 final 14b Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds 14c Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora 15 Action Plan for nature, people and the economy, COM(2017)198, 27.04.2017. 16 Clean Air Programme for Europe, COM(2013)918. 17 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1). 18 Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection, COM(2006)231. 19 Low Emission Mobility Strategy, COM/2016/0501 final. 20 Action Plan on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure under Article 10(6) of Directive 2014/94/EU, 8.11.2017.
Amendment 87 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) The European Union attaches great importance to the long-term sustainability of the results of LIFE projects, thus the capacity to secure and maintain them after the project implementation, inter alia by continuation, replication and/or transfer. This implies special requirements for the applicants as well as the need for EU-level guarantees to ensure that other EU funded projects are not undermining the results of any implemented LIFE projects.
Amendment 88 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Complying with the Union's commitments under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and enhancing the Union's efforts to achieve the SDGs requires the transformation of the Union into an energy efficient, low carb- and resource efficient, net zero-emission and climate resilient society. This in turn requires actions, with a special focus on sectors that contribute most to the current levels of CO2 output and pollution, contributing to the implementation of the 2030 energy and climate policy framework and the Member States' Integrated National Energy and Climate Plans and preparations for and implementation of the Union's mid-century and long-term climate and energy strategydecarbonisation strategy. Many of those measures will bring significant benefits to the health and well-being of EU citizen. The Programme should also include measures contributing to the implementation of the Union's climate adaptation policy to decrease vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change.
Amendment 92 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The transition to clean energyhighly energy- efficient and fully renewables-based energy system is an essential contribution to the mitigation of climate change with co-benefits for the environment. Actions for capacity building supporting the clean energy transitiontransition towards a highly energy- efficient and renewables-based energy system, funded until 2020 under Horizon 2020, should be integrated in the Programme since their objective is not to fund excellence and generate innovation, but to facilitate the uptake of already available technology with decreasing costs especially for energy efficiency improvements that will contribute to climate mitigation. The inclusion of these capacity building activities into the Programme offers potential for synergies between the sub-programmes and increases the overall coherence of Union funding. Therefore, data should be collected and disseminated on the uptake of existing research and innovation solutions in the LIFE projects, including from the Horizon Europe programme and its predecessors.
Amendment 95 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The impact assessments of the Clean Energy legislation estimate that the delivery of the Union's 2030 energy targets will require additional investments of EUR 177 billion annually in the period 2021- 2030. The biggest gaps relate to the investments in buildings decarbonisation (energy efficiency and small-scale renewable energy sources), where capital needs to be channelled towards projects of highly distributed nature. One of the objectives of the Clean Energy TransitionRenewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Communities sub-programme is to build capacity for projects development and aggregation, thereby also helping to absorb funds from the European Structural and Investment Funds and catalyse investments in clerenewable energy and energy efficiency also using the financial instruments provided under InvestEU.
Amendment 97 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9a) The LIFE programme has a high potential of supporting projects piloting or demonstrating eco-innovations and nature-based solutions that bring nature and natural features, processes to urban areas, landscapes and seascapes while generating social and economic benefits. In this regard, coherence with research and innovation programmes, including Horizon Europe and well as facilitating a high uptake of NCFFs that allow for nature conservation, green infrastructure development, sustainable land use, agriculture, forest, soil and water management solutions, are of key importance.
Amendment 98 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Synergies with Horizon Europe should ensure that research and innovation needs to tackle environmental, climate and energy challenges within the EU are identified and established during Horizon Europe's strategic research and innovation planning process. LIFE should continue to act as a catalyst for implementing EU environment, climate and clean energy policy and leglegislation and decarbonislation policy, including by taking up and applying research and innovation results from Horizon Europe, inter alia in the fields of integrated urban planning and transdisciplinary landscape design, and help deploying them on a larger scale where it can help address environmental, climate, sustainable consumption and production, food security or clean energy transition issues. Horizon Europe's European Innovation Council can provide support to scale up and commercialise new breakthrough ideas that may result from the implementation of LIFE projects.
Amendment 99 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) The Union's most recent Environmental Implementation Review package21 indicates that significant progress is required to accelerate implementation of the Union environment acquis and enhance the integration and mainstreaming of environmental, biodiversity and climate objectives into other policies. The Programme should therefore act as a catalyst to tackle horizontal, systemic challenges as well as the root causes for implementation deficiencies as identified in the EIR and to achieve the required progress through capacity building, developing, testing and replicating new approaches; supporting compatible policy development, monitoring and review; enhancing stakeholder involvement, good governance, awareness raising and enhanced stakeholder involvement including regional, local authorities, NGOs, research and business; mobilising investments across Union investment programmes or other financial sources and supporting actions to overcome the various obstacles to the effective implementation of key plans required byexisting environment legislation. _________________ 21 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - The EU Environmental Implementation Review: Common challenges and how to combine efforts to deliver better results (COM/2017/063 final).
Amendment 101 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Halting and reversing biodiversity loss and the degradation of natural capital and ecosystem services, including in marine and freshwater ecosystems, requires support for the development, implementation, enforcement and assessment of relevant Union legislation and policy, including the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 202022 , Council Directive 92/43/EEC23 and Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council24 and Regulation (EU) 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council25 , in particular by developing the knowledge base for policy development and implementation and by developing, testing, demonstrating and applying best practices and solutions on small scale or tailored to specific local, regional or national contexts, including integrated approaches for the implementation of the prioritised action frameworks prepared on the basis of Directive 92/43/EEC. The Union shouldand the Member States should systematically track itstheir biodiversity- related expenditure across all financial instruments, both ex-ante and ex-post, combining top-down and bottom-up approaches, inter alia to fulfil itstheir reporting obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity. Requirements for tracking in other relevant Union legislation should also be met. _________________ 22 COM(2011) 244 final. COM(2011) 244 final. 23 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7). 24 Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7). 25 Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species (OJ L 317, 4.11.2014, p. 35).
Amendment 106 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Recent evaluations and assessments, including the mid-term review of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 and the Fitness Check of Nature legislation, indicate that one of the main underlying causes for insufficient implementation of Union nature legislation and of the biodiversity strategy is the lack of adequate financing. The main Union funding instruments, including the [European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the Agricultural Guarantee Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund], can make a significant contribution towards meeting those needs, with the prerequisite that all these funding instruments are fitted with proper sustainability safeguards and address adequately the drivers behind environmental degradation and climate change. The Programme can further improve the efficiency of such mainstreaming through strategic nature projects dedicated to catalysing the implementation of Union nature and biodiversity legislation and policy, including the actions set out in the Priority Action Frameworks developed in accordance with Directive 92/43/EEC. The strategic nature projects should support programmes of actions in Member States for the mainstreaming of relevant nature and biodiversity objectives into other policies and financing programmes, thus ensuring that appropriate funds are mobilised for implementing these policies. Member States could decide within their Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy to use a certain share of the Agricultural Guarantee Fund and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development allocation to leverage support for actions that complement the Strategic Nature Projects as defined under this Regulation.
Amendment 113 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Promoting thea resource-efficient and circular economy requires a mentality shift in the way of designing, producing, consuming and disposing of materials and products, including plastics. The Programme should contribute to the transition to a resource-efficient and circular economy model through financial support targeting a variety of actors (businesses, civil society organisations, public authorities and consumers), in particular by applying, developing, and replicating best technology, practices and solutions tailored to specific local, regional or national contexts, including through integrated approaches for the implementation of the waste hierarchy, sustainable waste management and prevention plans. Through supporting the implementation of the plastics strategy, action can be taken to address the problem of marine and freshwater litter in particular.
Amendment 114 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16 a (new)
Recital 16 a (new)
(16a) A high level of environmental protection is fundamental for the health and well-being of EU citizens. The Programme should support the Union’s objective to produce and use chemicals in ways that lead to the minimisation of significant adverse effects on human health and the environment, and to develop a Union strategy for a non-toxic environment. The Programme should also support activities to facilitate the implementation of Directive 2002/49/EC of the Parliament and of the Council (Noise Directive) in order to achieve noise levels that do not give rise to significant negative impacts on and risks to human health.
Amendment 118 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) The Union's long-term objective for air policy is to achieve levels of air quality that do not cause significant negative impacts on and risks to human health, the environment and biodiversity. Public awareness about air pollution is high and citizens expect authorities to act. Directive (EU) 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and of the Council26 stresses the role Union funding can play in achieving clean air objectives. Therefore, the Programme should support projects, including strategic integrated projects, which have the potential to leverage public and private funds, to be showcases of good practice and catalysts for the implementation of air quality plans and legislation at local, regional, multi- regional, national and trans-national level. _________________ 26 Directive (EU) 2016/2284 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants, amending Directive 2003/35/EC and repealing Directive 2001/81/EC (OJ L 344, 17.12.2016, p. 1).
Amendment 121 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Directive 2000/60/EC established a framework for the protection of the Union’s surface waters, coastal waters, transitional waters and groundwater. The objectives of the Directive are supported by the Blueprint to Safeguard Europe's Water Resources27 which calls for better implementation and increased integration of water policy objectives into other policy areas. The Programme should therefore support projects which improve the integrity of water resources and contribute to the effective implementation of Directive 2000/60/EC and of other Union water legislation that contributes to achieving a good status of the Union’s water bodies through applying, developing and replicating best practices, as well as through mobilising complementary actions under other Union programmes or financial sources. _________________ 27 COM(2012) 673 final. COM(2012) 673 final.
Amendment 122 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19 a (new)
Recital 19 a (new)
(19a) The Common Agricultural Policy plays a decisive role in achieving the Union’s environmental, biodiversity, climate and sustainability goals. A systemic evaluation, a „fitness check“ of the CAP has not been undertaken by the European Commission, despite strong demands from key stakeholders including the REFIT platform. Nevertheless, a recent evidence-based study28a following the better regulation rules of the European Commission clearly show that the environmental engagement of the CAP is insufficient to halt biodiversity decline or environmental degradation. CAP does not address SDGs adequately either. CAP in its current form will not provide adequate ecosystem services in the EU and will completely fail to address the challenges of climate change. Synergies with CAP shall ensure that, CAP, after a comprehensive reform, better meets current challenges, that resources are shifted away from direct payments which are nor efficient nor well-justified and farmers who commit themselves to sustainable agricultural practices and actively contribute to biodiversity and environment objectives, inter alia via Natura2000 site management, eco- schemes and organic farming, are better rewarded. _________________ 28a G.Pe’er, S. Lakner, R. Müller, G. Passoni, V. Bontzorlos, D. Clough, F. Moreira,C. Azam, J. Berger, P. Bezak, A. Bonn, B. Hansjürgens, L. Hartmann, J.Kleemann, A. Lomba, A. Sahrbacher, S. Schindler, C. Schleyer, J. Schmidt, S.Schüler, C. Sirami, M. von Meyer- Höfer, and Y. Zinngrebe (2017). Is the CAP Fit for purpose? An evidence based fitness-check assessment. Leipzig, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena- Leipzig.
Amendment 123 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19 b (new)
Recital 19 b (new)
(19b) The current conservation status of Natura 2000 sites in agricultural land is very poor, which indicates that these areas are still in need of protection. Current CAP payments for Natura 2000 areas are the most effective mean of preserving biodiversity in agricultural areas.28a However, such payments are insufficient and they do no represent their high value to society. To incentivise environmental protection of these areas, CAP payments for Natura 2000 areas should therefore be increased. _________________ 28a G.Pe’er, S. Lakner, R. Müller, G. Passoni, V. Bontzorlos, D. Clough, F. Moreira,C. Azam, J. Berger, P. Bezak, A. Bonn, B. Hansjürgens, L. Hartmann, J.Kleemann, A. Lomba, A. Sahrbacher, S. Schindler, C. Schleyer, J. Schmidt, S.Schüler, C. Sirami, M. von Meyer- Höfer, and Y. Zinngrebe (2017). Is the CAP Fit for purpose? An evidence based fitness-check assessment. Leipzig, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena- Leipzig.
Amendment 124 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) The improvement of governance on environmental, biodiversity, climate change and related clean energy transition matters requires involvement of civil society by raising public awareness, consumer engagement, and broadening of stakeholder involvement, including non-governmental organisations, in consultation on and implementation of related policies. the transition towards a net- zero emission society requires a multilevel approach with robust and evidence-based procedures and broader engagement, including of local and regional authorities and civil society, in the preparation and implementation of related policies, and in raising public awareness. The work of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and network of non-profit-making entities which pursue an aim of general Union interest and are primarily active in the field of environment and climate action should therefore receive increased support from this Programme. Standard action projects in this regard are of particular importance, therefore the technical details including the minimum total amount of projects should be set in a way that enables good NGO participation in the Programme.
Amendment 131 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) Whilst improving governance at all levels should be a cross-cutting objective for all sub-programmes of the Programme, the Programme should support the development and implementation and effective compliance with and enforcement of the environment and climate acquis, in particular of the horizontal legislation on the environmental governance, including the legislation implementing the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters29 29a, also with regard to the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee. The Programme should, in particular, support the development of cooperation platforms and the sharing of best practices for more effective compliance and enforcement of environmental and climate policy and legislation, including training programmes for judges and public prosecutors, as well as awareness raising activities with regards to access to information and access to justice on environmental and climate matters. _________________ 29 OJ L 124, 17.5.2005, p. 4. 29a OJ L 264, 25.9.2006, pp. 13-19.
Amendment 135 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) The Programme should prepare and support market players for the shift towards a cleansustainable, circular, resource- and energy-efficient, low-carbnet zero-emission and climate-resilient economy by testing new business opportunities, upgrading professional skills, facilitating consumers' access to sustainable products and services, engaging and empowering influencers and testing novel methods to adapt the existing processes and business landscape. To support a broader market uptake of sustainable solutions, general public acceptance and consumer engagement should be promoted.
Amendment 136 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) At Union level, large investments in environmental and climate actions are primarily funded by major Union funding programmes (mainstreaming). It is therefore primordial to step up the mainstreaming efforts, to ensure sustainability, biodiversity and climate proofing of other Union funding programmes and fitting all EU instruments with sustainability safeguards. The Commission should have the power to adopt a common methodology and take effective measures to ensure that LIFE projects are not negatively affected by other Union programmes and policies. In the context of their catalytic role, strategic integrated projects and strategic nature projects to be developed under the Programme should leverage financing opportunities under those funding programmes and other sources of funding such as national funds, and create synergies.
Amendment 138 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23 a (new)
Recital 23 a (new)
(23a) The success of strategic integrated projects and strategic nature projects is dependent on close cooperation between national, regional and local authorities and the non-state actors concerned by the LIFE Programme’s objectives. The principles of transparency and disclosure of decisions concerning the development, implementation, assessment and monitoring of projects should therefore be applied, in particular when the Programme is implemented in synergies with other sources of funding.
Amendment 139 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23 b (new)
Recital 23 b (new)
(23b) As the European Union spans across different regions, challenges related to the sub-programmes of LIFE, including the proper management of Natura 2000 sites as well as tackling climate changes impacts and vulnerabilities, often vary due to natural, biogeographical characteristics and factors. Areas across Member States with similar characteristics can better work towards the objectives of this Programme by working together at regional level, via solutions tailored to their specific needs, applying biogeographical regions and delineations as a guiding principle.
Amendment 142 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union's commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this Programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 250 % of the EU budget expenditures supporting climate objectives. Actions under this Programme are expected to contribute at least 61% of the overall financial envelope of the Programme to climate objectives. Relevant actions will be identified during the Programme's preparation and implementation, and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes.
Amendment 148 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) In the implementation of the Programme due consideration should be given to the strategy for outermost regions30 in view of Article 349 TFEU and the specific needs and vulnerabilities of these regions. Union policies other than environmental, climate and relevant clean energy transidecarbonisation policies should also be taken into account. _________________ 30 COM(2017) 623 final
Amendment 149 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) In support of the implementation of the Programme, the Commission should collaborate with the Programme’s national contact points, including in the set-up of an advisory network at local level to facilitate the development of projects with high added-value and policy impact and to ensure the provision of information on complementary financing, transferability of projects as well as long-term sustainability, organise seminars and workshops, publish lists of projects funded under the Programme or undertake other activities to disseminate project results and to facilitate exchanges of experience, knowledge and best practices and the replication of project results across the Union. Such activities should in particular target Member States with a low uptake of funds and should facilitate the communication and cooperation between project beneficiaries, applicants or stakeholders of completed and ongoing projects in the same field.
Amendment 151 #
(28) It is appropriate to lay down a financial envelope for the Programme of 1% of the overall Union budget for 2021- 2028, and which is to constitute the prime reference amount, within the meaning of point 17 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management31 , for the European Parliament and the Council during the annual budgetary procedure. _________________ 31 OJ C 373, 20.12.2013, p. 1. OJ C 373, 20.12.2013, p. 1.
Amendment 152 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28 a (new)
Recital 28 a (new)
(28a) The maximum co-financing rates should be set at such levels that are necessary to maintain the effective level of support provided by the Programme, while taking into account the necessary flexibility and adaptability that is needed to respond to the existing range of actions and entities.
Amendment 159 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) Pursuant to points 22 and 23 of the Inter-institutional agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making, there is a need to evaluate this Programme on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements, while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens, in particular on Member States. These requirements, where appropriate, may include measurable indicators, as a basis for evaluating the effects of the Programme on the ground. The full impact of the Programme accrues through indirect, long-term and difficult-to-measure contributions towards achieving the full range of Union environment and climate objectives. For monitoring of the Programme, direct output indicators and tracking requirements set out in this Regulation should be complemented by aggregation of specific project level indicators to be described in work programmes or calls for proposals, inter alia regarding the changes in natural value (the status and distribution of selected species and habitats including fragmentation, ecosystem coverage), land use change (shifts to natural semi-natural land categories, the surface area of green infrastructure, rehabilitated land or Natura 2000 and emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants. sites covered by protection and restoration measures), financing of biodiversity management, shift towards green economy or climate resilience and governance (emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants, nitrogen balance, water quality, chemicals, noise, ecological footprint), public awareness and the population benefitting from quality improvement measures or having access to upgraded land or green infrastructure.
Amendment 161 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) Since the objectives of this Regulation, namely contributing to sustainable developmenthigh level of environmental protection and ambitious climate action with good governance and a multi-stakeholder approach and to the achievement of the objectives and targets of the Union environment, climate and relevant clebiodiversity, climate, circular economy and relevant renewable energy and energy efficiency legislation, strategies, plans or international commitments cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of scale and effects of this Regulation, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives.
Amendment 166 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) 'strategic nature projects' means projects that support the achievement of Union nature and biodiversity objectives, laid down in particular in Directive 2009/147/EC and Council Directive 92/43/EEC, by implementing coherent programmes of action in the Member States to mainstream these objectives and priorities into other policies and financing instruments, including through coordinated implementation of the priority action frameworks established pursuant to Directive 92/43/EEC;
Amendment 168 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
(2) 'strategic integrated projects' means projects that implement on a regional, multi-regional, metropolitan, national or transnational scale, environmental or climate strategies or action plans developed by Member States' authorities and required by specific environmental, climate or relevant clean energy Union legislation or policy, while ensuring involvement of stakeholders and promoting the coordination with and mobilisation of at least one other Union, national or private funding source;
Amendment 174 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. The general objective of the Programme is to substantially improve the state of environment, to halt and reverse the loss and the degradation of natural capital and ecosystem services including clean air, water and soil, to support the implementation and long-term management of the Natura2000 network, to contribute to the shift towards a cleansustainable, circular, green, resource-and energy-efficient, low-carbnet zero-emission and climate-resilient economy, including through the transition to clean energy, to the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss, thereby contributing to sustainable developmenta highly energy- efficient and renewables-based energy system, thereby contributing to sustainable development, a high level of environmental protection and ambitious climate action.
Amendment 185 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) to develop, demonstrate and promote innovative techniques and approaches for reaching the objectives of the Union legislation and policy on environment and climate action, including the transition to clean energrenewable energy and improving energy efficiency, and to contribute to the application of best practice in relation to nature and biodiversity;
Amendment 190 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) to support the development, implementation, monitoring, effective compliance and enforcement of the relevant Union legislation and policy, including by improving governanceUnion’s General Environment Action Programme under Article192(3) TFEU and other relevant Union legislation and policy, including by supporting better environmental and climate governance at all levels, including through enhancing capacities of public and private actors and, improving awareness-raising and reinforcing the involvement of civil society;, NGOs and local actors.
Amendment 198 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
(b) the sub-programme Circular Economy, Health and Quality of Life;
Amendment 201 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
(a) the sub-programme Climate Change Governance, Mitigation and Adaptation;
Amendment 202 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
(b) the sub-programme Clean Energy TransitionRenewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Communities.
Amendment 203 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2021-2027 shall be EUR 5 450 000 000 in currentamount to at least 1% of the total EU budget for the pericesod 2021-2027.
Amendment 211 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point a – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point a – introductory part
(a) EUR 3 500 000 00073,19% for the field Environment, of which
Amendment 214 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point a – point 1
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point a – point 1
(1) EUR 2 150 000 00061,28% for the sub- programme Nature and Biodiversity and
Amendment 218 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point a – point 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point a – point 2
(2) EUR 1 350 000 00038,72% for the sub- programme Circular Economy, Health, and Quality of Life;
Amendment 223 #
(b) EUR 1 950 000 00026,81% for the field Climate Action, of which
Amendment 225 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point b – point 1
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point b – point 1
(1) EUR 950 000 00048,72% for the sub- programme Climate Change Governance, Mitigation and Adaptation and
Amendment 228 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point b – point 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point b – point 2
(2) EUR 1 000 000 00051,28% for the sub- programme Clean Energy TransitionRenewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Communities.
Amendment 236 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 4
Article 5 – paragraph 4
4. The amount referred to in paragraph 1 may be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the Programme, such as preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities including corporate information technology systemsa systemic ex-post evaluation on the long-term sustainability and maintenance of the results achieved by the Programme.
Amendment 238 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 5 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 5 – introductory part
5. The Programme may finance activities implemented by the Commission in support of the preparation, implementation and mainstreaming of Union environmental, biodiversity, climate or relevant clerenewable energy and energy transitionefficiency legislation and policies for the purpose of achieving the objectives set out in Article 3. Such activities may include:
Amendment 240 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 5 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 5 – point a
(a) information and communication, including awareness raising campaigns. Financial resources allocated to communication activities pursuant to this Regulation shall also cover corporate communication regarding the political priorities of the Union, as well as regarding the implementation and transposition status of Union environmental, biodiversity, climate or relevant clerenewable energy and energy efficiency legislation;
Amendment 241 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 5 – point c a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 5 – point c a (new)
(ca) capacity building to improve governance;
Amendment 242 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 5 – point d
Article 5 – paragraph 5 – point d
(d) workshops, trainings, conferences and meetings;
Amendment 250 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
The Programme shall be implemented in a way which ensures its consistency withCommission shall ensure the consistent implementation of the Programme and ensure coherence and coordination with and the mainstreaming of EU environmental objectives into all EU policies and instruments, with special regard to the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, Horizon Europe, the Connecting Europe Facility and Invest EU, in order to create synergies, particularly as regards strategic nature projects and strategic integrated projects, and to support the uptake and replication of solutions developed under the Programme. For that purpose, the Commission shall adopt, no later than 1 December, delegated acts in accordance with Article 21 in order to supplement this Regulation by specifying detailed rules on the procedures to ensure sustainability, biodiversity and climate proofing of other Union funding programmes.
Amendment 261 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 a (new)
Article 8 a (new)
Amendment 265 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(d a) capacity-building projects, in particular projects that support better environmental and climate governance at all levels, including better involvement of civil society, NGOs and local actors;
Amendment 271 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 5
Article 10 – paragraph 5
5. Operating grants shall support the functioning of non-profit making entities which are involved in the development, implementation and enforcement of Union legislation and policy and which are primarily active in the field of environment or climate action, including clean energy transrenewable energy, energy efficiency and renewable communitiones.
Amendment 282 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) projects financed by the Programme shall avoidbe subject to sustainability and proofing and should not undermininge environmental, climate or relevant clean energybiodiversity, or decarbonisation objectives of the Programme and, whereas often as possible, shall promote the use of green public procurement;.
Amendment 286 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) projects financed by the Programme shall make a significant contribution to the achievement of the objectives set out in Article 3;
Amendment 290 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) projects with the greatest policy impact and the highest potential of being replicated and taken-up by the public or private sector or of mobilising the largest investments or financial resources (catalytic potential) shall be given priority;
Amendment 292 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(e a) the Commission shall ensure geographical balance for the project financed by the Programme taking into account biogeographical characteristics;
Amendment 294 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) where appropriate, special regard shall be given to projects in geographical areas with high natural value under protection or specific needs or vulnerabilities, such as areas with specific environmental challenges including on air, soil and water quality, or natural constraints, trans- border areas, regions particularly affected or at risk of being particularly affected by climate change, or outermost regions.
Amendment 300 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 a (new)
Article 13 a (new)
Article 13 a A long-term sustainability of the project outcomes and impacts All proposals should include a thorough long-term sustainability strategy with respective activities and deliverables going beyond transfer of knowledge or networking. The European Commission should create a common database providing a territorial overview of on- going or implemented projects from LIFE or other programmes in synergistic relation to LIFE and serving as a tool for achieving the highest possible level of coherence and synergies.
Amendment 304 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Blending operations under this Programme shall be implemented in accordance with the [InvestEU Regulation] and Title X of the Financial Regulation, with due regard to sustainability and transparency requirements.
Amendment 309 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
1. The Programme shall be implemented byCommission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 21 to supplement this Regulation by adopting at least two multiannual work programmes referred to in Article 110 of the Financial Regulation. Work programmes shall set out, where applicable, the overall amount reserved for blending operations.
Amendment 316 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(a a) the maximum co-financing rates for the projects referred to in Article 10(2);
Amendment 324 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The Commission shall ensure co- legislators and relevant stakeholders, including civil society organisations, are adequately consulted in the process of drafting each multiannual work programme.
Amendment 327 #
1. Evaluations shall be carried out in a timely manner to feed into the decision- making process with due regard to the aspects of coherence, synergies and trade- offs, EU added value and long-term sustainability, using priority are as of the relevant Environment Action Programme and biogeographical characteristics and delineations used as a guiding principle.
Amendment 328 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2
Article 19 – paragraph 2
2. The interim evaluation of the Programme shall be performed once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the Programme, but no later than four years after the start of the Programme implementation, making use of the result and output indicators as set in the work programmes in accordance with Annex II, but no later than 3 years after the start of the Programme implementation.
Amendment 331 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 4
Article 19 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall communicatepublish the conclusions of the evaluations and communicate them, accompanied by its observations, to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.
Amendment 332 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
1. The recipients of Union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the Union funding (in particular when promoting the projects and their results), including the LIFE Programme logo, by providing coherent, effective and proportionate targeted information to multiple audiences, including the media and the public.
Amendment 338 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 4
Article 23 – paragraph 4
4. Reflows from financial instruments established under Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013 may be invested in the financial instruments established under [InvestEU Fund]actions under this Programme.
Amendment 339 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 1 – point 1.1
Annex II – point 1 – point 1.1
1.1. Number of projects developing, demonstrating and promoting innovative techniques and approaches including nature-based solutions;
Amendment 344 #
1.5a. Surface area of restored land
Amendment 345 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 1 – point 1.5 b (new)
Annex II – point 1 – point 1.5 b (new)
1.5b. Surface area of supported Natura 2000 sites covered by protection or restoration measures
Amendment 346 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 1 – point 1.5 c (new)
Annex II – point 1 – point 1.5 c (new)
1.5c. Surface area of green infrastructure supported
Amendment 347 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – indent 1
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – indent 1
– Nature and Biodiversity; covering the improvement of natural value e.g. in form of changes the status or distribution of species, habitats, changes in land use towards natural/semi-natural areas, surface area of rehabilitated land
Amendment 350 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – indent 3 b (new)
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – indent 3 b (new)
- Chemicals
Amendment 351 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – indent 3 a (new)
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – indent 3 a (new)
- Nutrient balance
Amendment 352 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – indent 5
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – indent 5
— Water quality and management
Amendment 353 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – indent 5 a (new)
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – indent 5 a (new)
- Noise
Amendment 354 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – indent 6
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – indent 6
— Waste, waste hierarchy
Amendment 355 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – indent 6 a (new)
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – indent 6 a (new)
- Resource use and efficiency
Amendment 356 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – indent 8
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.1 – indent 8
– Clean Energy TransiEnergy efficiency, the use of renewable energy, decentralisation.
Amendment 358 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.2 a (new)
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.2 a (new)
2.2a. Public Awareness
Amendment 359 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.4 a (new)
Annex II – point 2 – point 2.4 a (new)
2.4a. Population benefitting from quality improvement measures or having access to upgraded land or green infrastructure