Activities of Richard SEEBER related to 2013/2135(INI)
Plenary speeches (2)
A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies (debate)
A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies (debate)
Amendments (50)
Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 a (new)
Citation 18 a (new)
- having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 15 March 2012 on a ‘Roadmap for moving to a competitive low carbon economy in 2050’ 1 , __________________ 1 Texts adopted, P7_TA(2012)0086.
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 b (new)
Citation 18 b (new)
- having regard to ‘Renewable Energy: a major player in the European energy market’ COM(2012)271,
Amendment 53 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas climate targets, security of supply, and competitiveness and climate objectives are of the utmost importance for the EU, are inextricabnd deeply linked and, they must be equally addressed and considered on an equal footing;
Amendment 70 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas this is acknowledged in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which stipulates that the objectives of the Union’s energy policy include the functioning of the energy market, security of supply, energy efficiency, energy saving, new and renewable energy sources and interconnections;
Amendment 102 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the IEA estimates that the EU is responsible for only 11 % of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the proportion is set to decrease in the future so that, even if it has limited capacity in lowering global emissions by means of unilateral action, it has a significant role to play in particular; as regards the achievement of a binding agreement in Paris in 2015 whereas the EU therefore has to define a clear position, bearing in mind that climate action can only be successful if addressed at a global level in order to reach the internationally agreed goal to limit global warming to 2°C compared with pre-industrial level;
Amendment 115 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the IEA has also shown that energy prices in the EU increased by 38% in between 2005 and 2012 and that EU electricity prices are expected to increase to be the second highest in the world by 2035;
Amendment 145 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the EU spent EUR 573 billion on imported fossil fuels’s import bill on fossil fuels amounted to EUR 406 billion in 2011 and its dependency on energy imports is expected to grow;
Amendment 171 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas studies indicate that upgrading the grids and interconnections is the best way to improve the internal market, reduce energy costs and boost the competitiveness of industry;
Amendment 193 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas the various subsidies for various energy sources and technologies, without coordination and cost-effective implementation, distort competition and hinder the completion of the internal energy market without increasing investment certainty;
Amendment 194 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
Ib. whereas according to the Commission energy efficiency measures, the penetration rate of renewables and the evolution of the high energy prices have contributed to the current surplus of the emission trading allowances;
Amendment 202 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital I c (new)
Recital I c (new)
Ic. whereas according to the European competitiveness report 2012 the sustainable energy and environmental technology sector offer significant business and job creation opportunities;
Amendment 216 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Welcomes that the Commission has announced to present additional data by the end of this year, such as on the composition of energy prices in the Member States; calls for this data to be available for end-consumers and integrated in the process of any future policy proposals;
Amendment 219 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes the recent publication of the "first part of the fifth assessment report of the International Panel on Climate Change", adopted on September 27th 2013, confirming that global warming is for 95% due to human activities (90% in the 2007 fourth report) and warning on the consequences inaction might imply for the stability of our ecosystem;
Amendment 236 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Asks the Commission to take a multifaceted approach, the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of which ought to be enhanced byCalls on the Council to adopt and the Member States and the Commission to implement, for the EU 2030 climate and energy framework, an approach combining coordinated and, coherent policies that address in equal measure issues such as competitiveness, energy security and climate objectives (e.g.and ambitious binding targets in terms of GHG emissions reduction, renewable energy sources anddevelopment of RES and development of energy efficiency);
Amendment 249 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Asks the Commission to better take advantage of the interactions between these three targets in order for them to boost and strengthen competitiveness and energy security in the EU;
Amendment 276 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the European Council to keep up the progress made at EU level and, in order to maintain the continuity of the progress realised at the EU scale, to set ambitious butand realistic objectivetargets for the 2030 EU policies that take account of the economic, social, environmental, international and technological contexts, and to establish a clear, stable, long-term andclimate and energy policies in a cost- effective framework for industries and investorsmanner;
Amendment 282 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Is convinced that the best way of securing Europe's current and future energy needs is a balanced and differentiated energy mix, where dependencies on single sources of energy are reduced without creating other new dependencies, bearing in mind that the Commission advises to reduce our fossil energy dependency; urges Member States to take these factors into account;
Amendment 301 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Reiterates that the EU 2030 climate and energy framework must support the long-term objective of reducing the EU's greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95% by 2050 and therefore provide a clear, stable and cost-effective long-term framework for industries and investors;
Amendment 302 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls on the European Commission to develop, together with the affected industry sectors and within the 2030 climate and energy framework sector- specific roadmaps allowing for sufficient flexibility for industry actors;
Amendment 309 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Considers that to keep the EU in the lead in terms of the development of technologies for a future low carbon economy, the EU shall set a binding target in terms of GHG emissions reduction in its 2030 framework;
Amendment 310 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Reiterates that a 2030 energy and climate framework has to deliver on its objectives in a more cost-efficient manner; believes that this could be achieved by reducing the negative mutual effects of the current policy instruments, and through more flexibility between policy instruments and measures;
Amendment 316 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Sees broad consensus for the establishment of a new binding CO2 reduction target, based on a revised and well-functioning Emissions Trading Scheme;
Amendment 318 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Is of the opinion that the development of RES contributes to the achievement of the GHG emissions reduction target, to decrease the need for fossil fuel imports and to increase the diversification of our energy sources; Therefore, considers that the EU shall set a binding target in terms of RES in its 2030 framework;
Amendment 319 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3e. When revising the Emissions Trading Scheme, it should be ensured that the scheme remains a fully market-based system and at the same time its ability to adapt to economic upturns and downturns in order to avoid future attempts for market interventions is increased; furthermore, the Commission should propose a mandatory earmarking of auctioning revenues for innovative environmentally friendly technologies; the provisions regarding sectors and subsectors affected by a risk of carbon leakage should be maintained and may be reviewed in the light of a binding international agreement on combatting climate change in order to ensure the highest possible certainty for industry;
Amendment 321 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 f (new)
Paragraph 3 f (new)
3f. Insists that any national support schemes for RES should move towards a European system of support; is convinced that in a more integrated system for promoting RES at the EU-level for post- 2020 forward, taking fully account of regional and geographical differences as well as existing supranational initiatives, which is integrated in a general effort towards decarbonisation, could help to provide a more cost-effective framework for renewables, investment certainty and a level-playing field in which their full potential can be realised;
Amendment 322 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 f (new)
Paragraph 3 f (new)
3f. Considers that the development of energy efficiency contributes to decrease the energy bill, to reduce our energy dependency and our energy trade balance, to the creation of new and non- relocatable activities, to face the rising energy prices and fight climate change; Recalls that the cheapest energy is the energy that is never used; Therefore, considers that the EU shall set a binding target for energy efficiency in its 2030 framework;
Amendment 332 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is of the opinion that any support schemes, if better used, could be an appropriate tool to incentivise the development of renewable energy sources (RES) and energy efficiency; sees an important role for the Commission in providing guidance in this regardnew and close-to-market technologies for renewable energy sources (RES) where they are geographically most effective, as well as for energy efficiency with the aim of making them competitive; sees an important role for the Commission in providing guidance in this regard, bearing in mind as well the importance of the Horizon 2020 Programme for research and innovation;
Amendment 373 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that some RESthe long-term design of a number of national RES support schemes has led to overcompensation and that some technologies should now be considered mature energy sources and; believes that their subsidies should therefore be phased out on time while avoiding retro- active changes, in order to be able to reallocate these to research and development (R&D) programmes ands well as to RES that are not yet cost- effective; asks the Commission to study the impact of RES priority dispatch on general energy costhe functioning of the energy internal market and on general energy costs; urges the Commission and the Member States to consider all relevant aspects of the integration of renewables into the electricity markets;
Amendment 391 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Notes that the investments necessary to achieve industrialisation of the next generation of renewables are currently being withheld due to the uncertainty about European political ambitions in the field of renewables;
Amendment 409 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that increased energy efficiency and energy savings will play an essential role in the decarbonisation of the energy sector; believes that the move towards a better energy efficiency policy should focus on the whole energy supply and demand chain, including transformation, transmission, distribution and supply, alongside industrial, building and household consumption;
Amendment 474 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that as one of the cornerstones of the EU’s climate and energy package, the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) should be able to best fulfil its main function, the reduction ofthe EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is currently the main instrument for reducing industrial GHG emissions, and respond efficiently to promoting investments in low-carbon tecohnomic downturns and upturns; recalls that the main objectivelogies; Notes therefore that structural improvement of the EU ETS is to reduce GHG emissions and not to provide investors winecessary in order to increase the sufficient incentives to invest in low-carbon tcheme's ability to respond efficiently to echonologies, as these should be seen merely as a secondary objective and not as a basis for evaluating if the scheme works as intendedmic downturns and upturns and restore investors' certainty thanks to a predictable and reliable system in the long-term;
Amendment 497 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that the EU needs a comprehensive policy framework for 2030 that encourages investment ins and the long- term decarbonisation ofin non-ETS sectors; Underlines the significant unused potential of energy efficiency in specific sectors such as building or transport; Asks therefore calls on the Commission and the Member States to review the non- ETS targets while preserving the flexibility for Member States to define their own ways of meetachieving their effort sharing targets;
Amendment 498 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. underlines that the ambition of the non-ETS sector targets (effort-sharing) is quite low compared to the ETS sector and that highly disputed credits for example for industrial gases are still allowed in the effort-sharing which are not allowed in the ETS.
Amendment 505 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Underlines that the impact of methane (CH4) on global warming is insufficiently taken into account considering that its global warming potential (GWP) is 80 times higher than CO2 on a 15-year period and 49 times on a 40-year period; Calls on the Commission to better analyse the impact of methane when it comes to GHG emissions reduction policies, to evaluate the possibilities and propose a CH4 emissions reduction plan adapted to the particular situations of certain sectors and Member States;
Amendment 508 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Asks the European Commission to present as soon as possible a proposal to outlaw credits that can no longer be used in the ETS also for effort-sharing and asks the Member States to immediately commit themselves to follow the same line that they obliged to industry.
Amendment 509 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 c (new)
Paragraph 9 c (new)
9c. Asks the Commission to propose a more ambitious framework for the non- ETS sectors (effort sharing).
Amendment 533 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Asks Member States for better cooperation and interaction at EU level in order to make national measures more consistent; believes that the 2030 climate and energy framework should include some mandatory elements requiring Member States to consult with their neighbouring countries in case they plan significant changes in their energy supply; urges that the Commission takes appropriate steps to coordinate Member States' actions in defining their energy policies which have cross-border consequences;
Amendment 635 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Underlines the importance of an energy strategy focused on boostingincreasing the EU's energy security and, economic and industrial competitiveness in the EU, jobs creation, social aspects and environmental sustainability by means ofthrough measures such as the diversification of supply routes, suppliers and sources and by increasing the, promoting energy efficiency and the increased deployment of RES;
Amendment 653 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Stresses that, when bringing about security of supply, Member States must be able to take advantage of all of their shall be addressed through the increased deployment of RES and energy efficiency and the completion of the internal energy market which are recognised as no-regret options, and that exploration, extraction and use of indigenous energy resources in accordance withmust respect policies that ensure the safe andsafe, sustainable exploration, extraction and use of these resourand environmental-friendly practices;
Amendment 684 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Believes that the lack ofCalls on the Member States to timely and fully implementation of and apply the internal energy market legislation remains one of the to remove all remaining obstacles to completion of the single market; highlights the importance of eliminating remaining infrastructure bottlenecks and instances of market failure and of ensuring that no new barriers to electricity and gas market integration are created;
Amendment 707 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Notes that in order to ensure security of supply there must be enough capacity to meet demand in peak periods ands well as in periods of (political or technological) difficulties and that excess capacity orand backup must therefore be ensured and maintained; points out the need for energy storage and reserve capacities where required and more grid flexibility and dynamics as a response to the intermittence of some sources of RES;
Amendment 722 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Notes that in order to ensure security of supply there must be enough capacity to meet demand in peak periods and in periods of (political or technological) difficulties and that excess capacity or backup must therefore be ensured and maintained; points out the need for storage and more grid flexibility as a response to the intermittence of some sources of RES; and asks the Commission to present concrete proposals in this respect.
Amendment 781 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Believes that a clear 2030 framework including, binding renewable and energy efficiency targets, will drive private investment beyond 2020 in low carbon technologies, increasing the potential of the job creation in the sectors; Therefore, asks the Commission to better underline the potential of low carbon employment in each Member State in the European semester framework, increasing low carbon skills intelligence and strengthening partnerships between national labour market actors;
Amendment 784 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 b (new)
Paragraph 28 b (new)
28b. Asks the Commission to implement its set of key employment actions for the low carbon economy, to promote greater use of the EU financial instruments available for Member States, regional and local levels as well as for private sectors for smart low carbon investments, for instance by engaging with the European Investment Bank to further boost its capacity to lend in the field of resource efficiency and renewable energy;
Amendment 785 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 c (new)
Paragraph 28 c (new)
28c. Underlines that the building sector counts for 40% of the EU energy gross consumption and that, according to the International Energy Agency, 80% of the energy efficiency potential in the building sector, and more than 50% in the industry sector, remain unexploited; Sees here a significant potential for reducing energy bills while creating unrelocatable jobs in the EU;
Amendment 797 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Calls on the Commission to launch a study analysing new and cost-efficient market designs with a view to ensuring reasonably pricedthe lowest possible electricity toprices for consumers and to preventing carbon leakage; aAsks therefore the Commission to come forward as soon as possible with an additional assessment and recommendations for further actions to prevent the risk of carbon leakage notably for the electricity intensive sectors, caused by reallocation of production facilities outside the EU, focusing in particular on additional scenarios in which limited or no further global action is taken on carbon emission reduction taking into account the international context;
Amendment 822 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Underlines the risk of "low carbon leakage" where investments in low carbon technology flee Europe due to uncertainty concerning EU ambitions towards further decarbonisation; notes in this context, that the EU's current share of global low carbon tech patents filed has fallen to a third, from almost half in 1999.
Amendment 831 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Invites the Commission to developelaborate a way of measuring competitiveness between the EU and its main competitors, which could, for example, be based on fiscal policies, R&D, innovation, industriallevels of research and development, industry energy prices, environmental and energy prolicies and regulatory burden, wage and productivity levels, geological circumstances, infrastructure, and other relevant factors;
Amendment 849 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Underlines that energy prices vary between different regions according to geological, political and fiscal differences, and that the best way to ensure low energy prices is to take full advantage of the EU's domestic, sustainable energy resources;
Amendment 850 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 b (new)
Paragraph 32 b (new)
32b. Notes that the EU is a resource constraint continent, and that the EU imports approximately 60 % of its gas consumption, over 80 % of oil consumption and almost 50 % of coal used for energy production; Insists in this regards on a 2030 framework with a strong focus on sustainable and renewable energy resources within the EU.