93 Amendments of Martina WERNER related to 2015/2113(INI)
Amendment 7 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 25 a (new)
Citation 25 a (new)
– having regard to the Covenant of Mayors, established in the 2008 EU Climate and Energy Package, who represent one third of the EU population,
Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Member States are exclusively compearticle 143 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union specifies that in the contenxt for defining their energy mix, and the Commission must not encroach upon this competence by passing EU laws that discriminate against certain energy resources to the advantage of otherof the establishment and functioning of the internal market and with regard for the need to preserve and improve the environment, Union policy on energy shall aim, in a spirit of solidarity between Member States, to ensure the functioning of the energy market; ensure security of energy supply in the Union; promote energy efficiency and energy saving and the development of new and renewable forms of energy; and promote the interconnection of energy networks;
Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the creation of a resilient Energy Union with a forward-looking climate change policy should be about a new energy model for Europe in order to accelerate the transition from fossil fuel sources with high carbon emissions towards a sustainable, forward-looking energy system;
Amendment 43 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the Energy Union should be based on a transition away from fossil fuels and towards the three pillars of energy efficiency, renewable energy and smart infrastructure;
Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the European Parliament has twice called for binding 2030 climate and energy targets of at least 40% reduction in CO2 emissions, at least 30% for renewables and 40% for energy efficiency to be implemented by means of individual national targets; whereas binding national and EU targets for energy efficiency and renewables create growth and jobs and would help secure the EU's technological leadership in these fields;
Amendment 48 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the Commission stated in its communication "Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050" (COM (2011) 0112), that energy efficiency, renewable energy and smart infrastructure are the three "no-regrets" options; whereas given that energy efficiency is the world's first fuel and is the cheapest and fastest way to lower the bills of EU households and industry, whereas given that renewable energy is produced in the EU and often nearby the place of consumption thus creating sustainable and local jobs while at the same time ensuring energy security and helping to reach our climate goals; whereas given that our energy model is becoming ever more decentralized, with more than 90% of renewable energy sources connected to distribution networks, the further deployment of the smart distribution net is indispensable, and an integrated transmission net at European level can prevent overcapacity and black-outs and thus lower energy prices in the Member States;
Amendment 77 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the goal of a resilient Energy Union with an ambitious climate policy at its core is to give EU consumensure the transition to a new energy model which empowers – households and businesses –to produce and consume secure, sustainable, competitive and affordable energy; other high priority goals include creating jobs and reducing energy poverty;
Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas EU energy and climate policies must complement each another, and their objectives must reinforce rather than undermine one another; the Energy Union should therefore complement European reindustrialisation targets, boost the transition to a low- emission economy and enhance the global competitiveness of the European economy, while effectively avoiding any threat of carbon leakage;
Amendment 118 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the EU's external energy bill represents more than EUR 1 billion per day – EUR 400 billion in 2013 – and more than one fifth of total EU imports; whereas the global price for oil has dropped significantly providing EU an opportunity to take major steps in transforming our energy landscape, by investing in renewable energy production, by grasping the energy efficiency potential in buildings and industry and developing smart infrastructure; whereas money spent on importing fossil fuels contributes little to investment, jobs or growth in the Union and redirecting this money to internal investments would stimulate growth and create high-quality, high skilled local jobs;
Amendment 120 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas many countries are heavily reliant on a single supplier, including some that rely entirely on Russia for their natural gas and others that heavily rely on Northern Africa, which could leaves them vulnerable to supply disruptions, whether these are caused by political or commercial disputes, or infrastructure failure;
Amendment 130 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas no Member State should be subject to unfavourable contract terms not compatible with EU law which exploit its weak position on the energy market based merely on geographical and historical determinants;
Amendment 132 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the 2006 and 2009 gas disputes between Russia and transit-country Ukraine left many EU countries with severe shortages; whereas the disruptions show that measures taken so far to interconnect European energy markets, increase energy efficiency and deploy renewable energy sources have been insufficient to eliminate Europe's reliance on Russian gas;
Amendment 157 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
Amendment 160 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
Amendment 170 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital P a (new)
Recital P a (new)
Pa. whereas it is unlikely that shale gas can be produced in Europe as cheaply as in the US and it is estimated production costs could be twice as high due to geological and geographical differences, higher population density and lack of natural gas infrastructure in many places;
Amendment 171 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital P b (new)
Recital P b (new)
Pb. whereas the increased production of shale gas in the US has already reduced global gas prices by reducing US demand for LNG;
Amendment 172 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital P c (new)
Recital P c (new)
Pc. whereas EU energy and environmental policies should be driven by the strict application of the precaution principle;
Amendment 176 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q
Recital Q
Q. whereas the price difference with other economies has a negative impact on the competitiveness of our industry, in particular ouEuropean companies, amongst others due to more ambitious regulation and the price difference in gas and electricity prices, have reduced their energy- intensive industriety level twice as fast as their American competitors;
Amendment 187 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital S
Recital S
S. whereas, notwithstanding its global dominance in investment in renewable energy, the IEA's World Energy Outlook 2014 predicts that based on planned policies, global energy demand towill grow by 37 % by 2040 and global coal demand by 15 % by 2040although growing by 15 % over the same period, actually shrinks as a percentage of overall energy demand; whereas the share of gas in 2040 is projected to decrease in Europe back to 2010 levels; whereas nonetheless these projections would mean a 3.6°C increase in global temperatures, clearly at odds with the UN goal of a maximum 2°C temperature rise;
Amendment 203 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital U
Recital U
U. whereas better interconnection levels for electricity and gas will increase energy security while balancing supply and demand between the Member States; achieving a minimum binding target of 10% of electricity interconnections by 2020 will not only increase energy security while balancing supply and demand between the Member States and enabling a better integration of the renewable energies in the grid and the market, but it will also foster price convergence and increase benefits for consumers;
Amendment 208 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital U a (new)
Recital U a (new)
Ua. whereas new interconnections will also require additional reinforcements of the existing grid in order to fully use their capacity;
Amendment 227 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital X
Recital X
X. whereas the International Energy Agency's estimates that the EU is responsible for 11 % of global greenhouse gas emissions and that this proportion is set to decrease in the future thanks to policies to promote energy efficiency and renewable energies; whereas the EU's contribution to lowering global emissions must happen alongside that of other major emitters;
Amendment 240 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital Y
Recital Y
Y. whereas diversification of energy supplies from reliable partners, the completion of the internal energy market, less and more efficient energy consumption, the development of indigenous energy resourcincrease of the safe and sustainable energy production from renewables and R&D activities are the key drivers of the Energy Union;
Amendment 258 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Emphasises that the Energy Union should adopt a comprehensive approach focusing on dimensions such as achievement of a fully integrated internal energy market, security of supply, moderation of energy demand, decarbonisation of the energy mix, essentially based on renewable energy sources, and research and innovation aiming for energy technology leadership: stresses that European citizens should be at the core of the Energy Union; calls for bottom-up approaches and the recognition of the importance of a well- functioning, efficient and reliable energy system on the local level;
Amendment 328 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that, in the context of the future Energy Union, security of energy supply is the most pressing issue and that Member States must coordinate and cooperate in this respect with their neighbours when developing their energy policies; calls on the Commission, in this respect, to examine how the current architecture of national preventive and emergency response measures could be streamlined at both regional and EU level;
Amendment 371 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses that all future intergovernmental energy agreements with non-EU parties must be discussed with the Commission ahead of signing in order to make sure that they comply with EU legislation, in particular with the Third Energy Packagecomply with the terms set in Decision 994/2012/EU establishing an information exchange mechanism with regard to intergovernmental agreements between Member States and third countries in the field of energy; calls on the Commission to revise Decision 994/2012/EU so as to strengthen the information mechanism;
Amendment 376 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses that all future intergovernmental energy agreements with non-EU parties must be discussed with the Commission ahead of signing in order to make sure that they comply with EU legislation, in particular with the Third Energy Package while at the same time ensuring the protection of sensitive corporate information and trade secrets of private companies operating in the internal energy market;
Amendment 392 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 415 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission to establishconsider an EU-wide target for reducing energy importfossil fuel dependency and to publish regular progress reports in this respect;
Amendment 421 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Believes that diversity in the energy mixes of Member States, based on their respective potential, experience, know-how and economic costs and needs, is an asset to the EU as a whole, since it strengthens its resilience to supply disruptions, enables it to make cost-optimal energy choices and allows different technologies to develop and compete on the market, thereby driving down the costs of energy;; however stresses the need to follow the European Union's long-term target to succeed the transition from a fossil-fuel driven to a sustainable energy system
Amendment 423 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Believes that diversity in the energy mixes of Member States, based on their respective potential, experience, know-how and economic costs and needs, is an asset to the EU as a whole, since it strengthens its resilience to supply disruptions, enables it to make cost-optimal energy choices and allows different technologies to develop and compete on the market, thereby driving down the costs of energy; stresses however that a cross-cutting, stable and transparent governance framework for the Energy Union, based on fully implementing legislation and setting binding targets and strong objectives would strengthen the EU's resilience to supply disruption, enable it to make cost- optimal choices, thereby driving down the costs of energy. Binding national and EU targets for energy efficiency and renewables create growth and jobs and would help secure the EU's technological leadership in these fields;
Amendment 438 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Believes that the Union can reduce its dependency on particular suppliers and fuels by maximising its use of indigenousrenewable sources of energy, including conventional and unconv and the potentional low-emission fossil fuels and renewables, and therefore stresses that no fuel or technology contributing to energy security and climate goals should be discriminated against;for energy efficiency in buildings and transport
Amendment 444 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Believes that the Union can reduce its dependency on particular suppliers and fuels by maximising its use of indigenous sources of energy, including conventional and unconventional low-emission fossil fuels and renewables, and therefore stresses that no fuel or technology contributing to energy security and climate goals should be discriminated against;the energy production from renewable resources available within the European Union without having to resort to imports from third countries
Amendment 453 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 461 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Believes that indigenous resources, both conventional and unconventionalenergy production from renewable resources available within the European Union without having to resort to imports from third countries, which have the potential to increase the EU's energy security of supply should be fully tapped and that unnecessary regulatory burdens on the entities willing to invest in theseis fields must be avoided;
Amendment 468 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Considers that the use of hydraulic fracturing in the Union entails risks and negative consequences for the climate, environment and public health, and threatens achievement of the EU's long- term decarbonisation goal. Furthermore, due to the limited potential of unconventional fuels to help meet the EU's future energy demand, coupled with high investment and exploitation costs, considers that hydraulic fracturing is not a promising technology. Therefore urges the Member States not to authorise any new exploration or extraction operations of unconventional fuels within the EU until it is proven, safe for the environment, citizens and workers;
Amendment 480 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Commission to facilitate the effective use of existing EU funding schemes, including the European Fund for Strategic Investments, so as to support investment in the development of Europe's indigenous energy resources, based on a technology-neutral approach;energy production from renewable resources available within the European Union
Amendment 499 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen the Energy Community through, inter alia, better implementation and enforcement of EU law, enhancing its institutions and implementing key infrastructure projects in order to ensure better integration with the EU energy market and security of supply mechanisms without resorting to the establishment of national capacity markets that undermine the effectiveness of the internal energy market;
Amendment 505 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen the Energy Community through, inter alia, better implementation and enforcement of EU law, enhancing its institutions and implementing key infrastructure projects in order to ensure better integration with the EU energy market and security of supply mechanisms, avoiding the need of national capacity markets that undermine the effectiveness of the internal energy market;
Amendment 519 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Believes that the future Energy Union must establish a free flow of energy across EU countries as the fifth European freedom alongside free movement of people, goods, capital and services;
Amendment 520 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Stresses the key role for a functioning internal market for strengthening security in particular of electricity and gas supply
Amendment 524 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Stresses the importance for strengthening energy independence of short-term measures such as reducing energy demand, development of renewables and their storage, storage of gas, development of reverse gas flow infrastructure, support of new projects, which enable maximum use of existing infrastructure, preparation of regional security of supply plans, and more effective use of the opportunities to import liquefied natural gas, especially in those Member States which are exclusively dependent on, or unduly vulnerable to, one single supplier of natural gas; draws attention to the key importance of improving links between Member States' networks in order to establish an integrated energy market; points out that for all these reasons there is a vital need for cooperation between the European cities and municipalities, regions, energy cooperatives and local initiatives in various sectors, the Commission, Member States, neighbouring countries, regulatory bodies, ACER transmission system operators, gas suppliers and storage operators;
Amendment 538 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses that the backbone of the future Energy Union must be a fully functioning internal energy market that delivers secure, competitive and sustainable energy to enable EU companies and consumers to access gas and electricity in the most sustainable, efficient and cost-effective way possible;
Amendment 542 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses that the backbone of the future Energy Union must be a fully functioning internal energy market that delivers secure, competitive and sustainable energy to enable EU companies and consumers to access gas and electricity in the most sustainable, efficient and cost-effective way possible;
Amendment 555 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls on the Commission to monitor the evolution of final energy prices in Europe, including taxes, levies, subsidies and any other hidden costs, with a view to identify actions that may help reduce such prices;
Amendment 562 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Considers that as part of any review of the retail energy markets, serious consideration should be given to further measures to protect consumers such as encouraging and promoting collective switching schemes, requiring energy bills to include comparisons with competitors based on historical consumption patterns, requiring suppliers to automatically place their customers on the most advantageous tariff available, and ensuring a limited, easily comparable range of standardised tariffs;
Amendment 601 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses the need for full implementation and enforcement of existing EU energy legislation and for a swift adoption of ambitious European network codes and guidelines, which must go hand in hand with strengthening the competences and resources of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) and the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSO-G);
Amendment 602 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Stresses that a properly designed future model of the electricity market in the EU must aim at a more market-based and optimal, from the point of view of network security, integrationfully take into account the changing nature of energy supply and demand, including the increased uptake of micro- generation, demand-response technology and the ever-increasing share of renewable energy sources;
Amendment 603 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Stresses that a properly designed future model of the electricity market in the EU must aim at a more market-based and optimal, from the point of view of network security,enabling flexibility option on all levels of the supply and demand side to strengthen security of supply and be able to more cost-effectively integration ofe renewable energy sources;
Amendment 682 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Supports regional approaches where there are particular regional challenges or opportunities, or where acting regionally could speed up market integration, including through the creation of regional hubs to enhance market liquidity; supports regional cooperation, which can speed up market integration, including through the creation of regional hubs to enhance market liquidity in the gas markets, to advance market coupling in electricity markets and establish common rules to enhance the flexibility in electricity markets;
Amendment 711 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Stresses the need to create a legislative framework that empowers consumers and makes them active participants in the market as investors and stakeholders; notes that consumers' involvement can be strengthened through, inter alia, energy cooperatives and micro-generation and enhanced transparency of prices and consumer choices; points out that such initiatives could contribute to reducing energy prices and help address serious social problems, such as fuel poverty; underlines that adequate measures have to be taken in order to guarantee data protection for consumers directly participating in the market;
Amendment 717 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Notes that a more decentralised and flexible energy system, with power and heat sources being placed closer to the point of consumption, can facilitate small- scale energy generation and therefore empowers consumers to be more involved in the energy market, control their own energy use, diminishes transmission and distribution losses, the risk of attacking improves the resilience of energy infrastructure and simultaneously provides local business opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises; calls on the Commission and the Member States, therefore, to facilitate further development and expansion of local and regional renewable energy sources and of local and regional distribution networks and district heating networks through policies that tackle existing barriers and help bring about market transformation; calls on the Commission to propose guidelines on energy self-consumption in order to promote its use and protect the rights of consumers;
Amendment 719 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Calls on the European Commission to adapt policies to the need of an increasingly decentralising energy system, giving long-term investments signals in renewable sources, effective energy efficiency measures and smart distribution networks that facilitate an efficient, reliable and flexible supply and demand of energy, providing energy security at local level;
Amendment 726 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Calls on the Commission to integrate local actors into EU energy policy, and bring forward a proposal to establish decentralised advice and capacity building centres to equip and support local authorities to deal with energy providers on an equal footing, and to support the development of local energy production through cooperatives, locally established companies, and municipal authorities;
Amendment 736 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
Amendment 738 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
Amendment 751 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Recalls that the moderation of energy demand, in particular energy demand used for heating, through energy savings and energy efficiency is crucial for a number of reasons, impacting positively on the EU's energy security, competitiveness, economic growth and sustainability, as well as on energy affordability, combatting energy poverty and creating sustainable jobs; highlights in this regard, that according to the International Energy Agency, energy efficiency investments represent the best return on investment of any energy resource; calls on the European Commission and the Member States to treat energy efficiency as an energy source in its own right representing the value of energy saved; underlines that energy efficiency and demand-side response shall compete on equal terms with generation capacity, taking due consideration of urgent and exceptional energy security problems and whenever is technically feasible; therefore encourages Member States to give energy efficiency primary consideration in their policies;
Amendment 760 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 b (new)
Paragraph 29 b (new)
29b. Stresses that a binding energy efficiency target would be the cost- efficient way to reduce Europe's energy dependency while at the same time protecting industry and households from rising energy bills; recalls that the European Parliament adopted in its resolutions of 5 February 2014 and 26 November 2014 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%; deplores in this context the lack of ambition on energy efficiency shown by the European Council in their October 2014 summit, in setting a non-binding target of just 27% with no individual targets for Member States;
Amendment 765 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 c (new)
Paragraph 29 c (new)
29b. 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 increase both the depth and the rate of building renovation and the use of sustainable energy sources in heating and cooling, through the right incentives in order to reduce energy demand; recommends the continuation of increasing energy efficiency standards for buildings taking account of and encouraging technical innovation; further recommends continued support for the construction of nearly zero-energy buildings as an additional crucial step in securing energy independence and a sustainable and secure energy system; emphasises in this context the need to develop innovative sources of private financing and encourages greater involvement of the European Investment Bank and the EFSI to complement national financing schemes to improve the competitiveness of industry and create more growth and jobs; this should also create benefits for citizens including a reduction in energy bills and an improvement in standards of living;
Amendment 766 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
Amendment 780 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Notes that improvements in energy- efficiency pursued on a cost-effective basisEmphasises that the cleanest and most-affordable energy is that which is not used. Notes that improvements in energy-efficiency will make a key contribution to energy security, competitiveness and the achievement of climate objectives; stresses, however, that gains in energy efficiency cannot replace diversification of energy supplyreduces both energy bills for households and industries and decreases the EU's dependence on imports from third countries in a significant way; underlines that there is the potential to create two million jobs as a result of energy efficiency by 2020, in particular through the huge potential in the building sector, which accounts for 40% of total EU energy demand;
Amendment 786 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Recalls that 40% of the energy in Europe is consumed in buildings and that renovation rates are low, stresses that all existing legislation in this regard must be implemented fully and speedily, and that all forms of EU funding schemes must be easily understandable and accessible;
Amendment 801 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Believes that it will be important to avoid over-prescriptive legislation that can constrain domestic policy choices about how best to promote energy efficiency within a national contextis essential to set a binding energy efficiency target of 40% to be implemented through binding national targets in the Member States;
Amendment 811 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Believes that the energy-efficiency target must work alongsideis vital to achieve the EU's energy and climate goals and strengthen the competitiveness of the EU economy vis-à- vis its major trade partners, building on the EU's competitive advantage in energy efficient technologies;
Amendment 813 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
Amendment 823 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Stresses that a cautious revision of existing energy efficiency legislation, including the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and the Energy Efficiency Directive, is needed in order not to undermine national policies already in place which operate within the 2020 climate and energy framework; calls on the Commission to review the EU energy- efficiency legislation by no sooner than 2018;
Amendment 828 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Calls on the Commission to closely monitor the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Directive - especially the National Energy Efficiency Plans (NEEAPs) and National Renovation Strategies - and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive ; calls on the Commission to carry out a revision of the Energy Efficiency and Energy Performance of Buildings Directives in order to achieve the EU 2030 energy efficiency improvement target, putting a stronger emphasis on helping vulnerable consumers and tackling energy poverty; believes that in the context of this enforcement measurement and verification of energy efficiency improvements should be done on a regular basis; in this regards, measures for retro fitting of existing buildings should prioritize the most vulnerable consumers in low quality accommodation or social housing; conditions to target European funds for energy efficiency on vulnerable consumers should be put in place; criteria for a certain percentage of energy obligation schemes to target low income consumers should be set;
Amendment 831 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Calls on the Commission to recognise the value of small scale and local infrastructure and investment planning in energy policy planning as part of the future for sustainable energy, and to establish a unit in DG Energy to analyse the potential for small scale investments in all the projects related to the Energy Union, and to identify ways to support their development;
Amendment 849 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Acknowledges that national as well as local authorities of European cities undoubtedly make an important contribution to energy independence by increasing energy- efficiency and contributing to decarbonisation through cogeneration, modernising district heating systems, promoting renewable energy based on-site heating installations, increasing the use of cleaner public transport, encouraging more active travel models and renovating buildings;
Amendment 851 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Considers that investment to moderate energy demand, especially in buildings and industry, is a significant contribution to energy security, while stimulating economic growth and job creation at the same time, and that this should be taken into account when developing integrated economic instruments, building regulations and considering financial allocations; Stresses that increased EU financial support should be made available to support the Member States in achieving these energy efficiency goals and objectives;
Amendment 853 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Calls on the Commission to offer the policy and financing tools on transport, urban planning, energy efficiency planning; to support small scale investments and locally led investments, working with the Covenant of Mayors;
Amendment 874 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Underlines the crucial role of renewables in the EU in attaining its greenhouse gas reduction targets; underlines that, in this regard, the current market design should be improved by fully integrating renewables into the market and introducing cost-reflective balancing prices, increasing energy security, reducing energy imports, improving air quality and creating employment;
Amendment 876 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Underlines the crucial role of renewables in the EU in attaining its greenhouse gas reduction targets; underlines that, in this regard, the current market design should be improved by fully integrating renewables intothrough the increased flexibilisation the market and introducing cost-reflective balancing prices;
Amendment 882 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to guarantee transparency, consistency, stability and continuity of regulatory renewable energy frameworks and to avoid retroactive changes in economic conditions of investments in order to strengthen investors' confidence and to contribute to a cost-efficient deployment of renewable energy across the EU regions; stresses the need for better coordination of support schemes in line with the European Commission Guidance on the design of renewable energy support schemes in order to avoid potential market distortion, and safeguard effective support for renewables;
Amendment 889 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Believes that the development of renewable energy sources is central to the Energy Union, taking into consideration energy costs; stresses the importance of developing cross-border infrastructure and of enhancing research and innovation in developing smarter energy grids and new energy storage solutions as well as flexible generation technologies for the integration of renewables;
Amendment 898 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 b (new)
Paragraph 36 b (new)
36b. Calls on the Commission to ensure the implementation of the Market Stability Reserve and the reform of the ETS with an adequate carbon price so as to promote investments in clean technology, whilst taking into account the risks of an adverse impact on industrial competitiveness;
Amendment 903 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Stresses, however, that the EU must employ a technology-neutral approach to decarbonising our energy systems,the urgent need for a transition to a sustainable, decarbonised economy based on renewable sources of energy, in line with the EU's goal to reduce GHG emissions by up to 95% by 2050; the EU must adopting strategies for using and promoting not only renewable energy sources but also other low-emission sources of energy;and calls on the Commission, in this respect, to trevise its Energy and Environmental State Aid Guidelines in a way which will provide for an equitable treatment of energy production from different energy sourcesat the energy production from renewable sources with measures for strengthening energy efficiency within the EU with utmost priority;
Amendment 906 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Stresses, however, that the EU must employ a technology-neutral approach to decarbonising our energy systems, the urgent need for a transition to a sustainable, decarbonised economy based on renewable sources of energy, in line with the EU's goal to reduce GHG emissions by up to 95% by 2050; adopting strategies for using and promoting not only renewable energy sources but also other low-emission sources of energy; calls on the Commission, in this respect, to trevise its Energy and Environmental State Aid Guidelines in a way which will provide for an equitable treatment of energy production from different energy sourcesat energy production from renewable sources along with the increase of energy efficiency with utmost priority;
Amendment 925 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
Amendment 927 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
Amendment 950 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
Amendment 953 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Recognises that indigenous energy sources such as nuclear, clean coal technologies and fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage (CCS) would make a fundamental contribution to EU energy security and decarbonisation, with shale gas facimust as the name indicates refer to energy sources available withing in European Union including renewables and coal; underlines that nuclear energy which heavily relies on uranium imports from third countries (95 %) cannot be considered as an indigenous energy source; underlines that hydraulic fracturing entails risks and negative consequences for the clitmating the transition to a low- emission economy; believes, in this respect, that the Energy Union must reflect the need for the EU to use all low and lower emission sources at Member States' disposale, environment and public health, and threatens achievement of the EU's long- term decarbonisation goal since its limited potential of unconventional fuels to help meet the EU's future energy demand, coupled with high investment and exploitation costs, considers that hydraulic fracturing is not a promising technology;
Amendment 1003 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Calls on the Commission to put forward proposals for establishing a Modernisation Fund, which should have strict criteria and guidance to ensure that funding is targeted at genuine energy modernisation projects, which would be selected based on a technology-neutral approach and on whether they are demonstrably consistent with attainment of the EU's 2030 greenhouse gas objectiveclimate and energy targets;
Amendment 1019 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
Amendment 1020 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
Amendment 1035 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Paragraph 43 a (new)
43a. Emphasises that energy must be made affordable to all citizens of the EU; considers that avoiding unnecessary consumption by undertaking efficiency improvements, stronger interconnections, higher market integration and sustainable energy investment, particularly in buildings, would enable many households to access on equal conditions a single, sustainable, competitive and secure energy market and escape energy poverty, which in 2012 affected one in four EU citizens; invites the Commission to present a communication on energy poverty in Europe, accompanied by an action plan to fight against it, which contains a definition and indicators of energy poverty;
Amendment 1049 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 c (new)
Paragraph 43 c (new)
43a. Considers that the Energy Union should bring about multiple cost-savings and that in an increasingly highly energy- efficient economy with reduced consumption levels for industry and consumers, the focus should be on reducing the total energy costs paid by consumers and not on the unit price of wholesale or retail energy; Calls on the Commission to launch a study analysing new and cost-effective market designs that ensure reasonably priced electricity for consumers and industry while preventing carbon leakage;
Amendment 1064 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Calls on the Commission to intensify its research efforts regarding the better use of Europe's indigenous resources, both conventional and unconventionalpotential breakthrough technologies, such as electricity storage;
Amendment 1102 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46 a (new)
Paragraph 46 a (new)
46a. Stresses the added value of integrating ICT in the energy system and 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 at distribution system level to ensure security of supply for local communities, cities and regions; highlights in this regard the role that developing smarter energy grids and new energy storage facilities can play increasing the level of RES;
Amendment 1109 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
Amendment 1130 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49
Paragraph 49
49. Calls on the Commission to provide an explicit mapping of the different funding and financing instruments, such as the InvestEU programme, Connecting Europe (PCIs), R&D funds, structural funds, smart grid financing instruments (ERA-Net Plus), the Horizon 2020 programme (H2020), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR), the Connecting Europe Facility - Energy (CEF-E), NER 300 and Eurogia+, and to clarify the eligibility rules for each of these programmes, while taking into account the technology neutral approach; calls on the Commission to aim to provide more balanced support and spending throughout the EU to avoid creating a technological rift between regions;
Amendment 1138 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49 a (new)
Paragraph 49 a (new)
49a. Stresses that the Commission should come forward with a proposal for a reliable and transparent governance system in 2015 in order to have an early indication of Member State contributions post-2020; takes the view that this governance system needs to be codified into legislation well ahead of 2020 to give investors certainty and clarity over their investment decisions; underlines in this regard the need for a strong and proactive role for the European Parliament with regard the design and development of the governance system;
Amendment 1142 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49 a (new)
Paragraph 49 a (new)
49a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that all proposals forming part of the Energy Union follow the ordinary legislative procedure, thus fully involving the European Parliament at all stages and ensuring effective democratic oversight; expects the governance process foreseen for the implementation of the 2030 climate and energy targets to be transparent, democratic and fully involve the European Parliament;