Activities of Petros KOKKALIS related to 2020/0036(COD)
Plenary speeches (1)
European Climate Law (continuation of debate)
Amendments (43)
Amendment 95 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) A fixed long-term objective is crucial to contribute to economic and societal transformation, jobs, growth, and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as to movereach in a fair and cost-effective manner towards the temperature goal ofsocially just manner without leaving anyone behind towards the temperature goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C as set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change following the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (the ‘Paris Agreement’).
Amendment 132 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Achieving climate neutrality should requires an integrated approach and a contribution from all economic sectors. The polluter pays principle should be a key factor in that regard. In light of the importance of energy production and consumption on greenhouse gas emissions, the transition to a sustainable, affordable and secure energy system relying on a well-functioning internal energy market is essential, as is the phasing out of fossil fuels and their direct and indirect subsidies. The digital transformation, technological innovation, and research and development are also important drivers for achieving the climate-neutrality objective.
Amendment 193 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) The Union should aim to achieve a balance between anthropogenic economy- wide emissions and removals, through natural and technological solutions, of greenhouse gases domestically within the Union and at Member State level by 20540. The Union-wide 20540 climate-neutrality objective should be pursued by all Member States collectively, and the Member States,and they should, together with the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission should take the necessary measures to enable its achievement. Measures at Union level will constitute an important part of the measures needed to achieve the objective also at Member State level. After 2040, the Union and all Member States should continue to reduce emissions so as to ensure that removals of greenhouse gases exceed emissions.
Amendment 199 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) The Union should aim to achieve a balance between anthropogenic economy- wide emissions and removals, through natural and technological solutions, of greenhouse gases domestically within the Union by 2050. The Union-wide 2050 climate-neutrality objective should be pursued by all Member States collectively, and the Member States, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission should take the necessary measures to enable its achievement, taking into consideration inter alia the social impact of the transition. Measures at Union level will constitute an important part of the measures needed to achieve the objective.
Amendment 227 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13 a (new)
Recital 13 a (new)
(13 a) The European Union should define and legally recognise climate refugee status as a person displaced and forced to move as a direct or indirect result of climate changes, such as droughts, extreme temperatures, changes in water composition, the rise of sea levels, desertification and floods. As stated by the UN General Assembly in 2018 in the Global Compact on Refugees, climate, environmental degradation and natural disasters increasingly interact with the drivers of refugee movements, caused by the loss of livelihoods and food insecurity.
Amendment 240 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14 a) The adverse effects of climate change can potentially exceed the adaptive capacities of Member States. Therefore, the Member States and the Union should work together to avert, minimise and address loss and damage, as provided for in Article 8 of the Paris Agreement, including through the Warsaw International Mechanism.
Amendment 253 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) In taking the relevant measures at Union and national level to achieve the climate-neutrality objective, Member States and the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission should take into account the contribution of the transition to climate neutrality to the well- being of citizens, social fairness, the prosperity of society and the competitiveness of the economy; energy and food security and affordability; fairness and solidarity across and within Member States considering their economic capability, national circumstances and the need for convergence over time; the need to make the transition just and socially fair; best available scientific evidence, in particular the findings reported by the IPCC; the need to integrate climate change related risks and climate change vulnerability and adaptation assessments into investment and planning decisions; cost-effectiveness and technological neutrality in achieving greenhouse gas emissions reductions and removals and increasing resilience; progression over time in environmental integrity and level of ambition.
Amendment 265 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The transition to climate neutrality requires changes across the entire policy spectrum and a collective effort of all sectors of the economy and society, as illustrated by the Commission in its Communication ‘The European Green Deal’, including the aviation and shipping sectors. The European Council, in its Conclusions of 12 December 2019, stated that all relevant Union legislation and policies need to be consistent with, and contribute to, the fulfilment of the climate- neutrality objective while respecting a level playing field, and invited the Commission to examine whether this requires an adjustment of the existing rules.
Amendment 278 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) The Commission, in its Communication ‘The European Green Deal’, announced its intention to assess and make proposals for increasing the Union’s greenhouse gas emission reduction target for 2030 to ensure its consistency with the climate-neutrality objective for 2050. In that Communication, the Commission underlined that all Union policies should contribute to the climate-neutrality objective and that all sectors should play their part. By September 2020, the Commission should, based on a comprehensive impact assessment and taking into account its analysis of the integrated national energy and climate plans submitted to the Commission in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council36 , reviewSince the Union should pursue the goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2040, it is essential that climate action is further strengthened and particularly that the Union’s 2030 target for climate and explore options for a new 2030 target of 50 to 55 % emission reductions compared with 1990 levels. Where it considers necessary to amend the Union’s 2030 target, it should make proposals to the European Parliament and to the Council to amend this Regulation as appropriate. In addition, the Commission should, by 30 June 2021, assess how the Union legislation implementing that target would need to be amended in order to achieve emission reductions of 50 to 55 % compared to 1990. _________________ 36Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, amending Regulations (EC) No 663/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directives 94/22/EC, 98/70/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2009/73/EC, 2010/31/EU, 2012/27/EU and 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 2009/119/EC and (EU) 2015/652 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1)climate target is raised to a reduction in emissions of 70% compared with 1990 levels. Consequently, the Commission should, by 30 June 2021, assess how the Union legislation implementing that higher target would need to be amended accordingly.
Amendment 310 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18 a (new)
Recital 18 a (new)
(18a) Scientific expertise and the best available, up-to-date evidence, together with knowledge on climate change that is both factual and transparent is imperative and needs to underpin the Union’s climate action and efforts to reach climate neutrality by 2040. Therefore, the Commission should establish an independent European Panel on Climate Change (EPCC), consisting of scientists selected on the basis of their expertise in the climate change field, taking into account the gender balance of the expert panel. The purpose of EPCC is to monitor on an annual basis the greenhouse gas emission reductions in the Union and all Member States in order to ensure a gradual reduction over time, and the respect of the Union carbon budget. The expert panel should also assist the Commission in the assessment of the consistency of Union and national measures and progress made to reach the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2040 and to honour the Union’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Amendment 316 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18 b (new)
Recital 18 b (new)
(18 b) The Commission should ensure that the governance structure of the EPCC ensures its full scientific independence and autonomy, including of Union and Member States institutions, bodies, offices and agencies. The legislative proposals of the Commission should not be in contradiction with the up-to-date evidence and scientific information produced by EPCC.
Amendment 335 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) As citizens and communities have a powerful role to play in driving the transformation towards climate neutrality forward, strong public and social engagement on climate action should be facilitated. The Commission, in accordance with the partnership principle and respect for gender-equality and non- discrimination principles, should therefore engage with all parts of society to enable and empower them to take action towards a climate-neutral and climate- resilient society, including through launching a European Climate Pact.
Amendment 343 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) As citizens and communities have a powerful role to play in driving the transformation towards climate neutrality forward, strong public and social engagement on climate action should be facilitated. The Commission and Members States should therefore engage with all parts of society to enable and empower them to take action towards a climate- neutral and climate- resilient society, including through launching a European Climate Pact.
Amendment 351 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) In order to provide predictability and confidence for all economic actors, including businesses, workers and trade unions, investors and consumers, to ensure that the transition towards climate neutrality is irreversible, to ensure gradual reduction over time and to assist in the assessment of the consistency of measures and progress with the climate- neutrality objective, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the CommisCommission should assess the options for structure and desiogn to set outof a trajectory for achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the Union by 2050. It is of particular importance that the Commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making37 . In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States’ experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts. _________________ 37 OJ L 123, 12.5.2016, p. 140 and should make a legislative proposal to the European Parliament and to the Council.
Amendment 363 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21 a (new)
Recital 21 a (new)
(21a) The Commission should, when assessing the options for the structure and design of a trajectory for achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the Union by 2040, take into account the reports by the EPCC, the effects on the Union carbon budget and the sectoral roadmaps to climate neutrality.
Amendment 369 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) Climate change is by definition a trans-boundary challenge and a coordinated action at Union level is needed to effectively supplement and reinforce national policies. Since the objectives of this Regulation, namely to achieve climate neutrality in the Union by 20540, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States alone, but can rather, by reason of the scale and effects, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve those objectives,.
Amendment 386 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
This Regulation establishes a framework for the rapid and irreversible and gradual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhancement of removals by natural or other sinks sinks in the Union, recognising the Unionimportance of natural sinks.
Amendment 395 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
This Regulation sets out a binding objective of climate neutrality in the Union at the latest by 2050 in pursuit of the long- term temperature goal of limiting the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre- industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, as set out in Article 2 of the Paris Agreement, and provides a framework for achieving progress in pursuit of the global adaptation goal established in Article 7 of the Paris Agreement.
Amendment 400 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
This Regulation sets out a binding objective of climate neutrality in the Union by 20540 in pursuit of the long-term temperature goalgoal of limiting the temperature increase to 1.5 °C set out in Article 2 of the Paris Agreement, and provides a framework for achieving progress in pursuit of the global adaptation goal established in Article 7 of the Paris Agreement.
Amendment 411 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3
Article 1 – paragraph 3
This Regulation applies to anthropogenic emissions and removals by natural or other sinks of the greenhouse gases listed in Part 2 of Annex V to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999.
Amendment 427 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. Union-wide emissions, including Union-related emissions from international aviation and shipping, other climate effects, and removals of greenhouse gases regulated in Union law shall be balanced atin the latestUnion by 20540, thus reducing emissions to net zero by that date. Each Member State shall reach net zero emissions within its territory by 2040 at the latest.
Amendment 439 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. As from 1 January 2041, removals from natural sinks of greenhouse gases shall exceed emissions and other climate effects in the Union and all Member States.
Amendment 451 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 2
2. The relevant Union institutions and the Member States shall take the necessary measures at Union and national level respectively, to enable the collective achievement of the climate-neutrality objective set out in paragraph 1, taking into account the importance of promoting fairness and solidarity among Member States, social cohesion and protection of frontline communities.
Amendment 452 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 2
2. The relevant Union institutions and the Member States shall take the necessary measures at Union and national level respectively, based on the best available, up-to-date science, to enable the collective achievement of the climate-neutrality objective set out in paragraph 1, taking into account the importance of promoting social fairness and solidarity among Member States.
Amendment 470 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 3
Article 2 – paragraph 3
3. By September 2020, the Commission shall reviewIn light of the climate-neutrality objectives set out in Article 2(1), the Union’s 2030 target for climate referred to in Article 2(11) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 in light of the climate-neutrality objective set out in Article 2(1), and explore options for a new 2030 target of 50 to 55%shall be set to be emission reductions of 70% compared to 1990. Where the Commission considers that it is necessary to amend that target, it shall make proposals to the European Parliament and to the Council as appropriate.
Amendment 558 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 9 to supplement this Regulation by setting out a trajectory at Union level to achieve the climate-neutrality objective set out in Article 2(1) until 20540. At the latest within six months after each global stocktake referred to in Article 14 of the Paris Agreement, the Commission shall review the trajectory.
Amendment 575 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. When setting a trajectory in accordance with paragraph 1, the Commission shall considerbe based on the following:
Amendment 583 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point a
Amendment 591 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point a a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point a a (new)
(aa) the best available and most recent scientific evidence, including the latest reports of the IPCC, EPCC and IPBES.
Amendment 601 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point b
Amendment 667 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point f
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point f
(f) the need to ensure environmental effectiveness and progression over timeintegrity; the highest possible ambition and progression over time in accordance with Article 4(3) of the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 689 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point h
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point h
(h) the need to ensure a just and socially fair transition for all; providing equal and affordable access to sustainable energy, food, housing and mobility;
Amendment 716 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point j a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point j a (new)
(ja) the need to phase out the use of all fossil fuels in a timeframe consistent with the objective of limiting the temperature increase to 1,5°C above the pre-industrial levels;
Amendment 734 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point j b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point j b (new)
(jb) international solidarity and responsibility due to historical emissions of European countries.
Amendment 741 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point j c (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point j c (new)
(jc) cost-effectiveness and economic efficiency; fully taking account of the cost of inaction and delayed climate action;
Amendment 759 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. The relevant Union institutions and the Member States shall ensure continuous progress in enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change in accordance with Article 7 of the Paris Agreement. The European Panel on Climate Change shall develop a common set of indicators for the recording of loss and damage data, in accordance with Article 8 of the Paris Agreement.
Amendment 767 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall develop and implement adaptation strategies and plans at national and regional level that include comprehensive risk management frameworks, based on robust climate and vulnerability baselines and progress assessments, guided by the best available and up-to-date scientific evidence, and taking into consideration vulnerable groups, communities and ecosystems.
Amendment 769 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall develop and implement adaptation strategies and plans that include comprehensive risk management frameworks, based on robust climate and vulnerability baselines and progress assessments and promote ecosystem-based adaptation that contributes to restoring and preserving biodiversity.
Amendment 941 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) the Member State concerned shall set out, in its first progress report submitted in accordance with Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, in the year following the year in which the recommendation was issued, how it has taken due account of the recommendation. If the Member State concerned decides not to address a recommendation or a substantial part thereof, that Member State shall provide the Commission its reasoning and set out the related amendments it has made to national law in that regard;
Amendment 949 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Where a recommendation is issued to a Member State in accordance with paragraph 2 and that Member State fails to comply with its obligations under paragraph 3, including where it does not amend the relevant provisions of national law in order to take due account of the recommendation, the Commission shall take the necessary measures in accordance with the Treaties.
Amendment 963 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) best available and up-to-date scientific evidence, including the latest reports of the IPCC; and
Amendment 991 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
The Commission and Member States shall engage with all parts of society to enable and empower them to take action towards a climate- neutral and climate-resilient society. The Commission and Member States shall facilitate an inclusive and, accessible and transparent process at all levels, including at national, regional and local level and with social partners, citizens and civil society, for the exchange of best practice and to identify actions to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of this Regulation. In addition, the Commission may also draw on the multilevel climate and energy dialogues as set up by Member States in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999.
Amendment 1003 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Member States shall ensure, when taking measures to achieve the climate-neutrality objective set out in Article 2(1), that citizens, civil society and social partners are informed and consulted throughout the legislative process. In that regard, Member States shall operate in a transparent manner.