133 Amendments of Fredrick FEDERLEY related to 2015/2113(INI)
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s communication and underlines the importance of striking the right balance between its different goals: energy security and affordability, an ambitious climate policy and the transition towards a more sustainable and low carbon economy, while guaranteeboosting the EU’s competitiveness and providing more affordable prices to consumers;
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 34 a (new)
Citation 34 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 5 February 2014 on a 2030 framework for climate and energy policies,1 a __________________ 1a Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0094
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Emphasises that the only way to achieve energy security while at the same time keeping energy prices affordable and reaching our climate goals is to create a sustainable energy landscape, based on a high degree of energy efficiency, renewable energy and a smart infrastructure; stresses, moreover, that the right actions need to be taken today in order to bring about this transition for future generations;
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Member States aran enhanced coordination and oversight of national policies with regard to energy within the Member States is vital, while respecting the exclusively competentce for defining their national 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 othin order to ensure a fully functional internal energy market, strengthen energy security and deliver cost competitive energy to consumers;
Amendment 54 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the key role of the Emissions Trading System (ETS) as a cost-effective tool to decarbonise Europe’s energy system and to achieve the EU’s 2030 emission reduction target for 2030 and beyond; in addition to the Market Stability Reserve (MSR), a structural post 2020 reform of the ETS should be implemented, to take into account the 2030 CO2 reduction target, and including as long as no comparable efforts are undertaken in other major economies tangible and more harmoniscontinued measures on carbon leakage to safeguardprovide EU industry with the appropriate levels of support, by ensuring that there will be no additional direct and inundue direct ETS costs at the level of best performers and by taking into account changing production levels; and real ETS costs; yet reiterates that the ETS review should also consider harmonised arrangements to compensate for indirect costs; points out in this regard that around 40% of the global economy is already covered by some form of carbon pricing and often experiencing higher carbon prices than in the EU;
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas a sound and stable regulatory framework is indispensable for delivering new investments in energy infrastructure;
Amendment 58 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas measures for developing the Energy Union and achieving the 2030 climate targets must take full account of the impacts on energy prices, costs and the competitiveness of the EU economy in order to get the necessary support from ciand energy targets offer significant opportunities for both EU business and consumers if implemented correctly, in terms of reducing overall energy costs, boosting competizveness and industrydelivering cost savings to consumers;
Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas climate change, uncompetitive energy prices and an extremely high dependency on unreliable third country suppliers are threatening the sustainability of Europe's energy system;
Amendment 88 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to prioritise the smart cities network in order to stimulate and exchange best practices and to fully exploit the potential of local and regional energy efficiency and greenhouse gas mitigating projects and measures; furthermore stresses the benefits of more sustainable indigenous energy systems, which can increase efficiency, consumer empowerment and small-scale business opportunities;
Amendment 104 #
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 Europeand reindustrialisation targetforce European growth objectives, 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 105 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underscores the need for more harmonised support schemes for renewables and more intra-EU trade in renewable electricity,; calls for the Commission to ensure an equal playing field so as to provide a clear investment signal for sustainable energy forms; calls for a functioning single market, especially for sustainable renewable energy;
Amendment 110 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses that achieving decarbonisation goals depends on the right market conditions for investment in energy efficiency, renewables and smart infrastructures; the Energy Union should prioritise market-based instruments for the promotion of low-carbon energy sources as a means to ensure that the energy transition takes place in the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way;
Amendment 111 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the EU imports more than half of all the energy it consumes, its import dependency is particularly high for crude oil (more than 90 %) and, natural gas (66 %), and hard coal (72%) and the total import bill is more than EUR 1400 billion per dayyear; Whereas buildings are responsible for more than 40% of all EU energy consumption, consuming 61% of all gas imported to the EU;
Amendment 112 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Stresses the need to end environmentally harmful subsidies, which need to be identified and phased out urgently, since these subsidies are a waste of scarce public money which are used first for supporting polluting practices and later for cleaning up;
Amendment 112 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the EU imports more than half of all the energy it consumes, its import dependency is particularly high for crude oil (more than 90 %) and natural gas (66 %), and the total import bill is more than EUR 1400 billion per dayyear; Whereas buildings are responsible for more than 40% of all EU energy consumption, consuming 61% of all gas imported into the EU;
Amendment 113 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Underlines the success and further potential of ecodesign in terms of improving energy efficiency and energy consumption of products, and thereby decreasing household energy costs and consumption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions;
Amendment 114 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 d (new)
Paragraph 7 d (new)
7d. Stresses the role of the EU Energy Label in empowering and informing consumers with accurate, relevant and comparable information on the energy efficiency of energy related products; stresses the need for a revision of the Energy Label in order to further facilitate energy efficient consumer choices and incentivize manufacturing of energy efficient products;
Amendment 123 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission to urgently step up the EU’s efforts through the introduction of long-term measures to pursue the decarbonisation of the transport sector, while ensuring a high level of environment and health protection;
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas many countries are heavily reliant on a single and often unreliable supplier, including some that rely entirely on Russia for their natural gas and others that heavily rely on Northern Africa, which leaves them vulnerable to supply disruptions, whether these are caused by political or commercial disputes, or infrastructure failure;
Amendment 135 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the 2006, 2009, 2014 and 200915 gas disputes between Russia and transit- country Ukraine left many EU countries with severe shortages;
Amendment 136 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Insists on the need for more ambitious long-term EU initiatives for developing and stimulating incentives for the roll-out of alternative fuels infrastructure, to further incentivise the production, market penetration and use of advanced bioand sustainable bio- and other alternative fuels and to speed up the electrification of transport, and in this regard highlights the importance of investments in research, development and technological innovation;
Amendment 139 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the Commission to revise the fuel consumption and CO2 labelling scheme for passenger cars to ensure consumers are provided with more accurate, relevant and comparable information on CO2 emissions, fuel consumption, running costs and tax related information so as to guide the consumer’s choice towards those cars that are the most energy efficient, and in turn incentivise manufacturers to improve the energy efficiency of their vehicles and increase energy security;
Amendment 142 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Notes that improved vehicle performance standards and fuel efficiency are crucial for both reducing EU oil dependency and cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore calls on industry, Member States and the Commission to continue and accelerate their efforts in this field; for the period beyond 2020 asks the Commission to review the CO2 emission standards for cars and vans; notes, however, that the long-term solution for cutting transport emissions and ensuring energy demand reduction and diversification of supply lies in alternative fuels and in electrification with renewable electricity and in promotion of more sustainable modes of transport;
Amendment 153 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas ex-post assessment and verification of all energy-related agreements as regards compliance with EU law is already possible through, inter alia, competition and energy regulations; whereas insufficient ex-ante compliance checks at national and EU level lead to severe market distortions; whereas the Commission has recognised these shortcomings and has undertaken to strengthen the levels of oversight of such IGAs between Member States and third countries;
Amendment 159 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
Amendment 164 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas 30 million European jobs are at risk owing to the US shale gas boom, as energy-intensive industries move operations to the US, wherewill always be at risk so long as European industry fails to remain competitive, and therefore any improvements to industrial energy efficiency helping to reduce overall energy costs are far lowervital;
Amendment 177 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q a (new)
Recital Q a (new)
Qa. whereas competitive energy prices are crucial to achieve the EU's 20% reindustrialisation targets by 2020;
Amendment 186 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Insists that Member States pool resources, in particular ETS revenues, to support low-carbon innovation and industrial breakthroughs which is paramount for the EU to meet its climate goals., for instance through the planned NER400 fund;
Amendment 189 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital S
Recital S
S. whereas, notwithstanding its global dominance in investment in renewable energy, the World Energy Outlook 2014 predicts global energy demand to grow by 37 % and global coal demand by 15 % by 2040; Whereas in the EU, the increase is projected to be significantly lower due to highly successful energy efficiency improvements;
Amendment 193 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital T a (new)
Recital T a (new)
Ta. whereas the EU energy retail market does not function properly at present; whereas in many member states monopoly networks remain active and many consumers have too little choice between energy suppliers;
Amendment 195 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Stresses the need of more than 1 trillion euros of investments in EU’s energy sector by 2020 alone; highlights the need to maximize the potential of current available EU funds for sustainable energy projects and research in order to reach the EU energy objectives, and that the sector remains attractive to private investors;
Amendment 198 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital T a (new)
Recital T a (new)
Ta. whereas a strong interlink between the implementation of the EU regulatory framework and the application of the EU competition policy are required to solve the issues of market concentration, weak competition and fragmentation in the internal energy market ;
Amendment 199 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Underlines that the Energy Union marks a significant step forward in the way energy policies are coordinated and implemented, and that due to the substantial impact such policies will have on Europe’s Energy Security, economic and social landscape and environmental policy, requires an open, transparent and inclusive means of governance; reiterates that the Energy Union hinges upon establishing a robust system of governance which ensures full implementation of the relevant Union law within Member States, guarantees regular reporting and information exchange, and ensures the full participation of the European Parliament; calls in this regard on the Commission to present on an annual basis, a report on the implementation of the policies and projects under the Energy Union Strategy which shall be made public and considered as part of Energy Union implementation scrutiny conducted by the European Parliament;
Amendment 205 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital U
Recital U
U. whereas better interconnection levels and upgrading of national networks for electricity and gas will increase energy security while balancing supply and demand between the Member States;
Amendment 224 #
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; whereas the EU's contribution to lowering global emissions must happen alongside that ofset an example to other major emitters in its level of ambition, and recognise its historical contribution to increased global CO2 emissions;
Amendment 234 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital Y
Recital Y
Y. whereas diversification of supplies, the completion of the internal energy market, energy efficiency as a contribution to moderation of demand, more efficient energy consumption, the development of indigenous energy resources and R&D activities are the key drivers of the Energy Union;
Amendment 236 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital Y
Recital Y
Y. whereas diversification of supplies, the completion of the internal energy market, more efficient energy consumption, decarbonising the economy, a higher share of renewable energy, the development of indigenous energy resources and R&D activities are the key drivers of the Energy Union;
Amendment 248 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital Z a (new)
Recital Z a (new)
Za. whereas a reformed EU ETS is an important tool in decarbonising Europe's energy system and achieving the Union's long term emission reductions target;
Amendment 256 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission communication entitled ‘'A Framework Strategy for a Resilient Energy Union with a Forward-Looking Climate Change Policy'; Notes the 5 pillars of Energy Union outlined by the Commission; Insists that policies pursued under these pillars, must always contribute to ensuring security of energy supply, decarbonisation and long term sustainability of the economy, and delivering affordable and competitive energy prices;
Amendment 262 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Emphasises that the only way to achieve energy security while at the same time keeping energy prices affordable and reaching our climate goals is to create a sustainable energy landscape, based on a high degree of energy efficiency, renewable energy and a smart infrastructure; stresses, moreover, that the right actions need to be taken today in order to bring about this transition for future generations;
Amendment 266 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Underlines that energy efficiency and renewable energy will play a key role in delivering the long term EU goal of reducing emissions by 80-95% by 2050 in a cost effective way; as a stepping stone towards this target, the EU must remain committed to its unconditional target of at least 40% emission cuts by 2030; Recalls that energy efficiency, renewable energy and smart infrastructure are the 'no regrets' options because they represent the fastest and cheapest means of ensuring our energy security while keeping prices affordable, helping to reach our climate goals and creating millions of jobs in the EU;
Amendment 282 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to actively pursue themore sustainable and competitive energy prices for European citizens and businesses and diversification of supply (energy sources, suppliers and routes); to this end, calls on the Commission to promote the construction of the relevant energy infrastructure priority corridors, as specified in Annex I to the trans-European energy networks (TEN-E) regulation and Part II of the Annex I to the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) regulation, such as the Southern Gas Corridor;
Amendment 295 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that all EU infrastructure projects aimed at diversifying energy sources, suppliers and routes must be fully in line with EU legislation and EU energy security priorities; 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 307 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines that energy suppliers coming from third countries must be subject to the EU acquis while operating on the common market, in particular the EU competition and state aid legislation, and calls on the Commission to enforce EU law by all means available in order to allow energy to flow freely in the EU and prevent distortions in the internal market;
Amendment 314 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that it is of upmost importance to the EU to end the isolation of some Member States from the internal energy market, as demonstrated by the gas stress tests carried out by the Commission; calls on the Commission, in this regard, to carry out such tests every two years; Recommends that the Commission consider carrying out "electricity stress tests", in order to build an overview of the resilience of the entire energy market situation; Highlights that such stress tests should identify in particular the status, capacity and durability of the entire national transmission network as well the level of interconnection and cross border capacity, and that subsequent recommendations based on such stress tests must include full impact assessments of both national plans and union objectives in addressing any action points arising from them;
Amendment 315 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Underlines that infrastructure projects, such as the synchronisation of power systems of the Baltic States with the European electricity system, which solve the issue of 'energy islands ', are projects of a strategic importance for the Energy Union ;
Amendment 326 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that, in the context of the future Energy Union, security of energy supply is one of the most pressing issues and that Member States mustas such must be coordinated on EU level, complementary coordinateion and cooperateion in this respect with theiramong neighbours when developing their energy policies is also vital; 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 331 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that, in the context of the future Energy Union, security of energy supply isand European competitiveness are the most pressing issues 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 353 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to support those Member States that wish to negotiate energy contracts on a voluntary basis by introducproposing a common negotiating mechanism, and stresses that the functioning of such a mechanism must be subject to compliance with the EU internal market acquis and with EU competition and World Trade Organisation rules and provide for protection of commercially sensitive information;
Amendment 365 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that greater transparency of intergovernmental agreements could be achieved by strengthening the role of the Commission in energy-related negotiations involving one or more Member States and third countries, including by having the Commission participate in those negotiations if there is a risk of abuse of a dominant position by one supplier; notes that furthermore the Commission should carry out ex-ante and ex-posimpact assessments and draw up- while fully respecting commercially sensitive information and suggest both a positive and a negative list of agreement clauses, such as export ban and destination clauses;
Amendment 366 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that greater transparency of intergovernmental agreements could be achieved by strengthening the role of the Commission in energy-related negotiations involving one or more Member States and third countries, including by having the Commission participate in those negotiations if there is aan advisory capacity in those negotiations in order to mitigate the risks of abuse of a dominant position by one supplier; notes that furthermore the Commission should carry out ex-ante and ex-post assessments and draw up both a positive and a negative list of agreement clauses, such as export ban and destination clauses;
Amendment 382 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission to enhance the transparency of commercial gas contracts in order to effectively remove abusive clauses and ensure better ex-ante compliance checks with EU law and energy security provisionsure full compliance with EU law of all agreements related to buying gas from external suppliers, notably reinforcing transparency; Underlines that such enhanced transparency will increase the negotiating power of Member States and their commercial enterprises, and will help to ensure a more market based approach to international energy agreements;
Amendment 386 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission to enhance the transparency of commercial gas contracts in order to effectively remove abusive clauses and ensure better ex-ante compliance checks with EU law and energy security provisions; Underlines that such enhanced transparency will increase the negotiating power of Member States and their commercial enterprises, and will help to ensure a more market based approach to international energy agreements, while fully respecting commercially sensitive information;
Amendment 390 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission to prepare draft contract templates and guidelines including an indicative list of abusive clauseclauses relevant to Union interests in order to create a reference for competent authorities and companies in their contracting activities; Calls on the Member States to increase their cooperation on the information exchange mechanism with regard to intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) with third countries in the field of energy, in order to increase transparency and leverage their negotiating power vis- à-vis third countries, thereby securing more affordable energy for European consumers;
Amendment 393 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 398 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that in order to ensure a level playing field and strengthen the bargaining position of EU companies vis-à-vis external suppliers, key features of the contracts should be aggregated and regularly published so as to establish a transparent benchmark which can be referred to by competent authorities and companies in their future negotiations, whilst protecting the confidentiality of sensitive information, thereby ensuring a more market based approach and genuine competition in energy contracts and avoiding abuse of dominant positions by third countries;
Amendment 400 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 412 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission to establish an EU-wide indicative target for reducing energy import dependency and to publish regular progress reports in this respect;
Amendment 414 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission to establish an EU-wide target and develop concrete actions for reducing energy import dependency and to publish regular progress reports in this respect;
Amendment 424 #
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; Insists however, that national diversity must not represent a barrier to the single market, and Member States must fully comply with state aid rules, make appropriate investments in their domestic transmission infrastructures, and ensure high levels of interconnectedness and resilience in their national energy systems in order to deliver on the Unions energy security and market objectives;
Amendment 437 #
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 toincreasing energy efficiency in industry, transport and buildings (both in the public and private sector as well as domestic homes) as well as maximising its use of indigenous sources of energy, in particular renewables, in line with the EUs energy security and climate goals should be discriminated against;
Amendment 449 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Believes that the Union can reduce its dependency on particular suppliers and fuels by increasing energy efficiency in industry, transport and buildings (both in the public and private sector as well as domestic homes) as well as 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 toin particular renewables, in line with the EUs energy security and climate goals should be discriminated against;
Amendment 464 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Believes that indigenous resources, both conventional and unconventional, which have the potential to increase the EU's energy security of supply should be fully tapped while considering specificities of Member States and cost-effectiveness, and that unnecessary regulatory burdens on the entities willing to invest in these fields must be avoided;
Amendment 465 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Believes that indigenous resources, both conventional and unconventional, which have the potential to increase the EU's energy security of supply should be fully tapped and that unnecessarmay be considered by Member States in so far as they fully respect the relevant environmental, public health and safety rleguislatory burdens on the entities willing to inveion and contribute to the EUs overall climate, sust ain these fields must be avoidedability and security objectives;
Amendment 478 #
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-neutralfull cost-benefit approach;
Amendment 485 #
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 approachn approach which prioritises the internalisation of external costs; Considers that subsidies and the non- internalisation of externalities distort the market, and therefore calls on the Commission to ensure a level playing field so as to provide a clear investment signal for sustainable investments, as well as the phasing-out of the most polluting and dangerous forms of power generation;
Amendment 496 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Commission, and in particular DG TRADE, to continue to press for a dedicated energy chapter within the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), with a view to removing US export restrictions on both crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) and eliminating protectionist measures, which could contribute to developing a more competitive environment for European business by reducing the discrepancy in energy costs on both sides of the Atlantic;
Amendment 506 #
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, in particular through better governance, streamlining of procedures and better use of IT tools aimed at reducing administrative burden, enhancing its institutions and implementing key infrastructure projects in order to ensure better integration with the EU energy market and security of supply mechanisms;
Amendment 526 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Recognises that there is currently no single market for energy in Europe, and that the resulting fragmentation within the EUs energy markets is deeply harmful to Europe's competitiveness and energy security;
Amendment 529 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Stresses that, in order to assess real efficiency and cost effectiveness, it is necessary to consider direct and external costs of the different energy sources, as well as the impact of all sorts of public interventions on their relative competitive position;
Amendment 545 #
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 efficient and cost-effective way possible; Stresses in this respect that electricity interconnections should be designed for cross-border trading on a daily basis and not only to cover peak loads ;
Amendment 546 #
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, heating and cooling in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible;
Amendment 550 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Underlines the positive impact that market integration has had on wholesale prices, and eventually retail prices, in the electricity sector; Considers that the review of the electricity market design needs to better link wholesale and retail markets, contributes to removing barriers in retail and wholesale markets and to providing choices between energy suppliers for consumers;
Amendment 552 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Believes that all EU consumers should equally benefit from a single gas and electricity market; in this sense underlines that the current price differentials between national markets due to the lack of market integration and interconnections must not be tolerated anymore; urges the Commission to quickly propose measures to achieve greater price convergence and market integration across the Union;
Amendment 556 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Keeping in mind that an important goal of the EU internal energy market is achieving sustainable energy prices for citizens and competitive energy prices for enterprises; stresses, for that reason, that a better functioning of the EU energy retail market should be effectuated by ending existing energy monopolies and by providing for free choice between energy suppliers for consumers;
Amendment 560 #
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 the Member States, including taxes, levies, subsidies and any other hidden costs, with a view to identify actions that may help to reduce such prices;
Amendment 565 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Highlights that in order to strengthen our emergency energy solidarity and resistance to supply disruptions, both gas and electrical energy must be exportable at all times; Notes in this regard that current systems of cross border transmission are often hampered by decisions of national transmission operators; calls therefore on ACER to put more emphasis on this issue in its annual market monitoring report and the Commission to ensure that European Transmission operators act as a single one;
Amendment 569 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Reiterates the importance of ownership unbundling as put forward by the Third Energy Package; calls on the Commission to assess to which degree national regulatory authorities (NRAs) enforce the conditions described in the opinions given by the Commission on the certification of transmission system operators (TSOs);
Amendment 572 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Calls on the Commission to reinforce the competences and independence of ACER, ENTSO-E and ENTSO-G to ensure that they have the appropriate tools to oversee the functioning of the internal market, the free flow of energy across borders and to ensure infrastructures are built in an EU-wide perspective of crossborder trading;
Amendment 582 #
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 of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSO-G) and of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), which should be authorised to recruit additional staff and should be empowered to issue binding decisions on ENTSO-E, ENSTO-G and othe European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSO-G)r bodies with essential EU functions, to obtain the information it requires for its monitoring activities and directly to decide on subsidiary instruments in the case of EU-wide proposals prepared under network codes and guidelines, with additional measures put in place to ensure compliance with ACER's decisions;
Amendment 594 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses the need for full implementation and enforcement of existing EU energy legislation, the removal of derogations to the third energy package, and for a swift adoption and implementation of ambitious European network codes and guidelines, which must go hand in hand with strengthening the competences 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 595 #
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 of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) in cross-border affairs in line with the EU primary legislation, the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) and the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSO-G);
Amendment 610 #
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, integration of renewable energy sources; Notes in this regard the need for common standards for smart grids, as a key element in ensuring a stable supply and free flow of energy across borders and contributing to energy security; Furthermore, highlights the role that developing smarter energy grids and new energy storage facilities can play increasing the level of RES on a European scale and ensuring that such infrastructure is developed in conjunction with regional RES hubs;
Amendment 626 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Insists that in order to guarantee a level playing field, stable regulatory conditions and leverage private investments, the governance system should be based on indicative national targets and a binding legal framework;
Amendment 629 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Calls on the Commission and Member States to take investment in smaller scale gas and electricity interconnectors linking neighbouring regions equally serious as larger PCIs; calls on the Commission and Member States to work closely together with regional authorities when developing these interconnectors;
Amendment 632 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Reminds that Energy Union must help increase the availability of finance for infrastructure projects; Highlights in this regard the role that the EFSI (Juncker package), must play in ensuring that energy infrastructure projects are attractive to private investors with stable regulatory conditions and clearly identifiable medium to long term pay-off, particularly by minimising bureaucracy and encompassing an expedient application and approval process;
Amendment 633 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Welcomes the European Council's proposal for a minimum level of electricity interconnection between Member States of 10 % by 2020 and 15 % by 2030; Underlines the importance of Member States' policies acting in a complementary manner to better functioning of the internal market and strengthening interconnection of transmission networks; Emphasises that attention must be given also to the internal capacity and durability of national transmission networks as well the level of interconnection and cross- border capacity in order to ensure that member states are not made vulnerable by under capacity or outdated technology in transmission and distribution systems in neighbouring and transit countries; Reiterates that subsequent recommendations must include full impact assessments of both national plans and union objectives in this regard;
Amendment 651 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to concentrate their efforts on driving projects of common interest (PCIs) forward, with a view to achieving a pan- European ‘'super grid' with the capacity to transmit power across EU countries from multiple sources and therefore capable of diverting energy from surplus to deficit areas, thereby allowing the market to instantly respond to interruptions of supply wherever they occur; Further stresses that such efforts must focus particularly on resolving the problems arising from existing energy islands;
Amendment 661 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Calls on the EU institutions to improve business and investment conditions on the Internal Market also via better, smarter and more simple regulation;
Amendment 664 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Stresses that the Energy Union should also contribute towards an "Energy Investment Union", ensuring that the more than €1trillion of investment required in the coming years in order to revitalise Europe's economy must come predominantly from private investors, and as such represents opportunities for large investors, as well as individual consumers and private citizens; Notes that in order to create an environment which facilitates and makes the best use of private finance, investor certainty is key;
Amendment 665 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Stresses that the Energy Union should also contribute towards an "Energy Investment Union", ensuring that the more than €1trillion of investment required in the coming years in order to revitalise Europe's economy must come predominantly from private investors, and as such represents opportunities for large investors, as well as individual consumers and private citizens; Notes that in order to create an environment which facilitates and makes the best use of private finance, investor certainty is key; Insists that such a stable framework can only be achieved through a strong governance system which guarantees a level playing field, stable regulatory conditions, and fosters confidence in the private sector;
Amendment 667 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Believes that in view of the vast investment needs for ageing and inadequate distribution grids and the majority of renewable energy sources being connected at distribution grid level, specific initiatives to foster DSO investments including financial instruments should be considered by the Commission and the Member States; Strongly recommends that such investments be prioritised by Member States;
Amendment 681 #
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 with the aim of an EU wide internal energy market, including through the creation of regional hubs to enhance market liquidity;
Amendment 700 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Points out that in order to successfully balance the internal market, investment is needed not only in interconnectors but also in, inter alia national networks, storage capacity, such as LNG terminals and smart grids, in order to cope with enhanced renewable and distributed generation;
Amendment 712 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Stresses the need to create a robust 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, consumer financial participation, energy cooperatives and, micro- generation andinitiatives and feed in schemes, as well as enhanced transparency of prices and consumer choices; points out that such initiatives could contribute to reducing energy prices and helpa more competitive and well-functioning internal energy market, which, in turn, could help reduce overall consumer energy bills and address serious social problems, such as fuel poverty;
Amendment 713 #
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 fuelenergy poverty;
Amendment 720 #
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 and control their own energy use, diminishes transmission and distribution losses, 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 728 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Emphasises the role that decentralised smart energy technologies, such as cogeneration, in particular micro- CHP, and smart grids can play in reducing CO2-emissions;
Amendment 737 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
Amendment 747 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Notes that following the European Council conclusions of 23 and 24 October 2014, post-2020 EU state that an indicative target at the EU level of at least 27% is set for improving energy- efficiency targets must be non-binding and not apply at national levelin 2030 and that this will be reviewed by 2020, having in mind an EU level of 30% and recalls the European Parliament support for a binding energy efficiency target of 40% in this regard; welcomes the commitment of the European Commission to bear in mind the objective of 30% when revising the Energy Efficiency Directive;
Amendment 748 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Notes that following the European Council conclusions of 23 and 24 October 2014, post-2020 EU state that an indicative target at the EU level of at least 27% is set for improving energy- efficiency targets must be non-binding and not apply at national level; in 2030 and that this will be reviewed by 2020, having in mind an EU level of 30%, as well as an EU level binding target of at least 27% for the share of renewable energy; Recalls the European Parliament support for a binding energy efficiency target of at least 40% and a binding renewable energy target of at least 30% in this regard; welcomes the commitment of the European Commission to bear in mind the objective of 30% when revising the Energy Efficiency Directive;
Amendment 753 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Calls on the Commission to strictly apply the energy efficiency first principle;
Amendment 777 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Notes that improvements in energy- efficiency pursued on a cost-effective basis 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 energycalls in this regard for energy efficiency projects to be treated as key infrastructure investments and for such measures to be treated on equal terms with investments in new generation capacity; stresses, however, that gains in energy efficiency must complement diversification of energy supply, and such diversification must include efforts to find the most efficient and sustainable sources of energy in order to contribute to overall security of supply;
Amendment 793 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Recognises the benefits of increasing renewable energy in the heat market, in particular in buildings; Stresses the increased flexibility of thermal infrastructure and storage in facilitating the integration of intermittent renewable sources by storing energy in the form of heat; Reiterates that energy security can be increased by development of district heating/cooling networks which are an ideal means of integrating sustainable heat into cities on a large scale since they can simultaneously deliver heat derived from a range of sources and are not inherently dependent on any one source;
Amendment 798 #
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 howndustry needs clear signals from policy makers in order to make the necessary investments in achieving the EUs energy objectives; therefore highlights the need for ambitious targets and a regulatory framework that promotes innovation without creating unnecessary administrative burden in order to best to promote energy efficiency within a national context;
Amendment 824 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Stresses that a caun ambitious 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 nationalalongside proper implementation of such legislation by Member States, in order to facilitate the achievement of national targets and complement those 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 20182015 as set out in the Annex to the Framework Strategy on Energy Union;
Amendment 847 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Acknowledges vital role that local authorities of European cities undoubtedly make an importantin contribution towards energy independence by increasing energy- efficiency through engaging civil society and local residents to find the best local solutions, developing cogeneration, modernising district heating systems, increasing the use of cleaner public transport, encouraging more active travel models and the renovatingon and insulation of buildings;
Amendment 871 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Underlines that the only way for the EU manufacturing industry to stay cost competitive is to lead the world in resource and energy efficiency, underlines in this regard the crucial role of renewables in the EU energy mix in attaining its greenhouse gas reduction targets, reduction of overall energy costs and strengthened energy security; Underlines the increasingly important role of energy from renewable sources for securing energy supply in the EU in the long term; draws attention to the fact that the production costs of renewables have considerably dropped in recent years; 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;
Amendment 879 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Urges the Commission to undertake a clear national break-down of the resulting renewable energy development to foster investor certainty, which must lead to binding and enforceable national commitments in this regard; Recalls the detrimental effect of retroactive changes to incentive mechanisms which have been particularly damaging to the investment climate for renewables during the past three years and should be targeted as a priority;
Amendment 896 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 b (new)
Paragraph 36 b (new)
36b. Stresses that achieving the decarbonisation goals depends on the right market conditions for investment in energy efficiency, renewables and smart infrastructures; the Energy Union should prioritise market-based instruments for the promotion of low-carbon energy sources as a means to ensure that the energy transition takes place in the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way;
Amendment 897 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 b (new)
Paragraph 36 b (new)
36b. Stresses the need for traceability and sustainability criteria for fossil fuels;
Amendment 905 #
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, adopting strategies for using and promoting not only renewable energy sources but also other low-emission sourcensure a level playing field with regard to national subsidy and state aid regimes, which does not unfairly reinforce market dominance of incumbent technologies and operators, but allows free and fair competition, with regard to decarbonising our energy systems; Welcomes in this regard the Commission's report on subsidies and costs of EU energy; calls on the Commission, in this respect, to revise its Energy and Environmental State Aid Guidelines in a way which will provide for an equitable treatment of energy production from different energy sourc from 10th October 2014, and calls on the Commission to annually update this report, in order to better identify which sectors and areas are in need of additional funds, and those sectors vulnerable to market distortions as a result of subsidies; Calls in this context for the redistribution of subsidies in order to focus on the entire innovation chain in order to unlock the full potential of existing and developing technologies in order to strengthen domestic energy production with a view to the EU climate, energy and security objectives;
Amendment 922 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Paragraph 37 a (new)
37a. Stresses the need to end environmentally harmful subsidies, which need to be identified and phased out urgently, since these subsidies are a waste of scarce public money which are used first for supporting polluting practices and later for cleaning up;
Amendment 935 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Stresses that decarbonisation which is not pursued through a technology-neutral approach could result in a drastic increase in energy costs in some Member States, which would lead tothe transition to a competitive and sustainable low carbon economy offers significant opportunities in terms of new jobs, innovation, growth, and lower commercial and domestic energy bills; Recognises however that these opportunities can only be realised through strong cooperation between the Commission, Industry, Member states, local and regional authorities and citizens, leading to the most effective incentives and regulatory frameworks; Notes that decarbonisation should not result in increased energy costs , energy poverty, deindustrialisation of the European economy and a subsequentor rises in unemployment; stresses that it therefore needs to beReiterates therefore that it is a sovereign decision of each Member State on how to decarbonise its economy; in line with the relevant EU targets and all relevant legislation;
Amendment 943 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 c (new)
Paragraph 38 c (new)
38c. Calls for a revision of the Energy Taxation Directive in line with the polluter pays principle; state aid and taxation of energy production should be based on energy content and the total climate impact in terms of CO2 emissions;
Amendment 945 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 c (new)
Paragraph 38 c (new)
38c. Is convinced that the promotion of a circular economy and greater resource efficiency can lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, thereby making a vital contribution to meeting climate and energy challenges;
Amendment 954 #
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 facilitating 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' disposalsafe and sustainable indigenous energy sources would make a fundamental contribution to EU energy security and decarbonisation;
Amendment 962 #
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 facilitating 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' disposalMember States to develop their energy policies within the framework of Energy Union with these objectives in mind;
Amendment 963 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Recognises that indigenous energy sources such as nuclear, clean coal technologies and fossil fuelhigh efficiency fossil fuel technologies with carbon capture and storage (CCS) would make a fundamental contribution to EU energy security and decarbonisation, with shale gas facilitating 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' disposal;
Amendment 969 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39a. Stresses that a high level of environmental protection must be ensured in the context of considering energy security; recalls, in this connection, the environmental, climate and health risks and impacts related to the extraction of unconventional fossil fuels;
Amendment 988 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Believes that while it is for Member States to determine the best mix of policies and technologies to deliverir energy mix, EU level coordination of policies and technological development is absolutely necessary in order to deliver on Europe's decarbonisation and national climate change targets; recognises that in some areas, such as product standards, EU-level policies are the most effective, while in others Member States may choose to work togetherand that in many other areas such as infrastructure development, close cooperation and coordination between Member States is crucial;
Amendment 998 #
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 and 2050 greenhouse gas objectives, and energy security objectives;
Amendment 1004 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41a. Stresses that the European Investment Bank should be involved in establishing previously mentioned criteria and guidance for the Modernisation Fund;
Amendment 1008 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the development of the Energy Union takes due consideration of requirements forensures environmental protection, biodiversity and the competitiveness of European industry;
Amendment 1029 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to undertake common efforts in order to bring down wholesale and retail gas and energy prices by 20 % by 2020for the consumers;
Amendment 1038 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 b (new)
Paragraph 43 b (new)
43b. Notes that improved vehicle performance standards and fuel efficiency are crucial for both reducing EU oil dependency and cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore calls on industry, Member States and the Commission to continue and accelerate their efforts in this field; for the period beyond 2020 asks the Commission to review the CO2 emission standards for cars and vans; notes, however, that the long-term solution for cutting transport emissions and ensuring energy demand reduction and diversification of supply lies in alternative fuels and in electrification with renewable electricity and in promotion of more sustainable modes of transport;
Amendment 1062 #
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 unconventional including the market uptake and deployment of energy efficient technologies;
Amendment 1073 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44a. Underlines the importance of investments in technological innovation and market penetration of smart grids and meters, as well as smart consumer friendly applications and services.
Amendment 1074 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44a. Stresses that research, science and innovation are essential for a swift transition to a low carbon economy and for the competitiveness of European companies; Highlights that internationally, the EU should remain a leader in climate action, maintaining our strong position in innovative clean technologies will present substantial economic opportunities as other major economies take action to decarbonise; Notes that continued progress in low carbon innovation is vital for the future of Europe's industrial sector and can make the European Union a world leader in renewables;
Amendment 1093 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Believes that greater effort in developing innovative low-emission and energy efficiency technologies and solutions can bring significant long-term benefits in terms of reduced generation costs and reduced energy demand;
Amendment 1097 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Believes that greater effort in developing innovative low-emission technologies and solutions, such as CCS, micro-CHP and smart grids, can bring significant long-term benefits in terms of reduced generation costs and reduced energy demand;
Amendment 1104 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46 a (new)
Paragraph 46 a (new)
46a. Stresses the added value of integrating ICT in the energy systems to maximize energy efficiency, moderate demand, and lower prices for consumers ; Considers that the digital transformation of the industry as well as the emergence and take up of new ICT technologies such as "Big data" should be part of the EU energy efficiency policy;
Amendment 1140 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49 a (new)
Paragraph 49 a (new)
49a. Underlines that Energy Union marks a significant step forward in the way energy policies are coordinated and implemented, and that due to the substantial impact such policies will have on Europe's Energy Security, economic and social landscape and environmental policy, requires an open, transparent and inclusive means of governance; reiterates that the Energy Union hinges upon establishing a robust system of governance which ensures full implementation of the relevant Union law within Member States, guarantees regular reporting and information exchange, and ensures the full participation of the European Parliament; calls in this regard on the Commission to present on an annual basis, a report on the implementation of the policies and projects under the Energy Union Strategy which shall be made public and considered as part of Energy Union implementation scrutiny conducted by the European Parliament and which shall include detailed data from Member States on; – transposition of all relevant EU regulations; – policy and projects implementation; – any shortcomings and problems identified in implementation; – a review of the state of play on implementation of energy union objectives for the preceding year; – a list of actions and targets for the following year as a roadmap to better implementation to be used as part of the report for the following year; Insists that this report be presented to the plenary session of the European Parliament for debate, and is accompanied by a Parliamentary Resolution in ensuring an open and transparent discussion of the progress in this regard;