32 Amendments of Inese VAIDERE related to 2020/0300(COD)
Amendment 90 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) According to the EEA report ‘The European environment – state and outlook 2020, Knowledge for transition to a sustainable Europe’ (‘SOER 2020’), 2020 representthere is a unique window of opportunity for the Union to show leadership on sustainability and to face the urgent sustainability challenges requiring systemic solutionin the next decade to lead the global response to sustainability challenges. As stated in SOER 2020, the changes in the global climate and ecosystems observed since the 1950s are unprecedented over decades to millennia. The global population has tripled since 1950, while the population living in cities has quadrupled. With the current growth model, environmental pressures are expected to increase further, causing direct and indirect harmful effects on human health and well-being. This is especially true for the sectors with the highest environmental impact – food, mobility, energy as well as infrastructure and buildings. SOER 2020 concludes, in addition, that the 2050 vision of 'living well, within the limits of our planet' requires making sustainability the guiding principle for ambitious and coherent policies and actions across society in order to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth based on the European Green Deal and the concept of sustainable competitiveness.
Amendment 102 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The European Commission responded to the challenges identified in the SOER 2020 by adopting the European Green Deal25 : a new growth strategy for the twin green and digital transition that (EGD)25, as the Union’s new strategy for inclusive and sustainable growth, that will be a driver of new economic opportunities while aimsing to transform the Union into a healthier, fair and prosperous society, with a competitive, climate-neutral and resource-efficient economymodern, sustainable, resource-efficient and competitive economy, and high-quality jobs, where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use, which will benefit European citizens and companies. Regulation (EU) of the European Parliament and of the Council26 enshrines into law the Union target to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. __________________ 25 COM(2019) 640 final. 26 COM(2020) 80 final.
Amendment 115 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The European Green Deal underpins the Next Generation EU Recovery Plan which promotes the investments in keythe green and digital transition sectors needed to build resilience, and create growth and jobs in a fair and inclusive society. The Recovery and Resilience Facility which will power the Union’s economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis together with the Union budget for 2021-2027, is also based on the priority objectives set out in the European Green Deal. Furthermore, all initiatives under Next Generation EU Recovery Plan should respect the European Green Deal’s “do no harm” oath“do no significant harm” principle.
Amendment 122 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Environment action programmes have guided the development of EU environment policy since the early 1970s. The 7th EAP willhas expired on 31 December 2020 and its Article 4 (3) requires the Commission, if appropriate, to present a proposal for an Eighth Environment Action Programme (8th EAP) in a timely manner with a view to avoiding a gap between the 7th and the 8th EAP. The European Green Deal announced the adoption of a new environment action programme to complement the EGD that will include a new monitoring mechanism to ensure that Europe remains on track to meet its environmental objectives. The Commission will also launch a dashboard to monitor progress against all of the EGD objectives.
Amendment 145 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) The SDGs cover the three dimensions of sustainable development (environmental, social and economic) which are integrated and indivisible. Full implementation by the Union of the UN's 2030 agenda for sustainable development and active support for implementation in other regions of the world will be essential if the Union is to provide global leadership in achieving competitive sustainability.
Amendment 149 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The 8th EAP should accelerate the transition to a regenerativn inclusive and sustainable economy that gives back to the planet more than it takes. A regenerative growth model, while improving economic opportunities and the state of the environment for future generations. An inclusive and sustainable economy based on the European Green Deal as the Union’s inclusive and sustainable growth strategy, recognises that the wellbeing and prosperity of our societies depend on a stable climate, a healthy environment and thriving ecosystems, which provide a safe operating space for our economies. As the global population and the demand for natural resources continues to grow, economic activity should develop in a sustainable way that does no harm but, on the contrary, reverses climate change and environmental degradation, protects, uses in a sustainable way and restores biodiversity, prevents and minimises pollution and results in maintaining and enriching natural capitalresources, therefore ensuring the abundance of renewable and non-renewable resources. Through continuous innovation, adaptation to new challenges and co-creation, the regenerativinclusive and sustainable economy strengthens resilience, improves economic opportunities and the state of the environment for future generations, and protects present and future generations’ wellbeing.
Amendment 162 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9a) The Union should commit to a shift towards inclusive and sustainable growth based on the European Green Deal and the concept of sustainable competitiveness, ensuring resilience, improving economic opportunities and the state of the environment, and protecting present and future generations’ wellbeing.
Amendment 165 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 9 b (new)
Recital 9 b (new)
(9b) According to the OECD, annual global biodiversity finance from all sources (estimated at USD 78-91 billion) is vastly outweighed by annual government support that is potentially harmful to biodiversity (estimated at around USD 500 billion)1a. Phasing out environmentally harmful subsidies at Union and Member State level without delay was one of the objectives under the 7th EAP. Furthermore, the European Parliament has also called for the phase- out of direct and indirect fossil fuel subsidies in the Union and in the Member States. In order to achieve the thematic objectives of the 8th EAP, one of its enabling conditions should be to support these objectives. __________________ 1a OECD (2020), A Comprehensive Overview of Global Biodiversity Finance.
Amendment 184 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Environment policy being highly decentralised, action to achieve the priority objectives of the 8th EAP should be taken at different levels of governance, i.e. at the European, the national, the regional and the local level, with a collaborative approach to multi-level governance. Implementation, enforcement and accountability are essential. The integrated approach to policy development and implementation should be strengthened with a view to maximising the synergies between economic, environmental and social objectives, while paying careful attention tocomprehensively assessing and taking into account the potential trade-offs and to the needs of vulnerable groups. Moreover, action by local and regional authorities, transparent engagement with non- governmental actors, the private sector and the broader public is important for ensuring the success of the 8th EAP and the achievement of its priority objectives. This includes making the impact assessments on which policies are based public.
Amendment 203 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Enhanced cooperation with partner countries, good global environmental governance as well as synergies and coherence between all internal and external Union policies are key to reaching the Union’s environmental and climate objectives.
Amendment 212 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The assessment of progress towards the priority objectives of the 8th EAP should reflect the latest developments as regards the availability and relevance of data and indicators and should be based on a robust, transparent and comprehensive methodology. It should be coherent with and without prejudice to monitoring or governance tools covering more specific aspects of environment and climate policy, such as in particular Regulation 1999/2018 of the European Parliament and of the Council30 , the Environmental Implementation Review or monitoring tools relating to a circular economy, zero pollution in combination with the zero pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment, biodiversity, air, water, soil, waste, or any other environment policies. Together with other tools used in the European Semester, the Eurostat SDG Monitoring and in the Commission’s Strategic Foresight Report31 , it w, assessment of progress towards the 8th EAP's priority objectives should beform part of a larger, coherent and interconnected set of monitoring and governance tools, covering not only environmental but also social and economic factors. The European Commission should carry out an assessment of existing monitoring frameworks and indicators at Union level, with the aim of ensuring consistent and streamlined indicators where necessary. __________________ 30Regulation (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, OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1–77. 31 COM/2020/493 final.
Amendment 232 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 17 b (new)
Recital 17 b (new)
(17b) Monitoring progress towards the 8th EAP priority objectives should be done in synergy with what already exists, thus in order to limit the administrative burden. The monitoring framework should be based on a limited number of indicators in order to allow for adequate political guidance and should rely on existing data, such as data of the European Environment Agency.
Amendment 234 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) In order to take account of evolving policy objectives and the progress made, the 8th EAP should be evaluated by the Commission in 2029. The Commission should present a report to the European Parliament and to the European Council containing the findings of that evaluation, accompanied, if appropriate, by a legislative proposal for the next environmental action programme. Such a legislative proposal should be presented in a timely manner, with a view to avoiding a gap between the 8th and the 9th EAP.
Amendment 238 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 18 a (new)
Recital 18 a (new)
(18a) Pursuant to Article 191 TFEU, Union policy on the environment is to aim at a high level of protection taking into account the diversity of situations in the various regions of the Union and is to be based on the precautionary principle and on the principles that preventive action should be taken, that environmental damage should as apriority be rectified at source and that the polluter should pay.
Amendment 253 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
2. The 8th EAP aims at accelerating the transition to a climate-neutral, sustainable, resource-efficient, clean and circular economy in a just and inclusive way, and endorses the environmental and climate and competitive circular economy with the zero pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment and high-quality jobs, where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use in a just and inclusive way, and at protecting, restoring and improving the quality of the environment and at halting and reversing biodiversity loss and tackling the degradation of ecosystems. It endorses and builds on the objectives of the European Green Deal and its initiatives.
Amendment 279 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. The 8th EAP shasll have the long- term priority objective for 2050 thatthat by 2050 citizens live well, within the planetary boundaries in a regenerative economyn inclusive and sustainable economy based on the European Green Deal as the Union’s inclusive and sustainable growth strategy, where nothing is wasted, no net emissions of greenhouse gases are produced and economic growth is decoupled from resource use and environmental degradation. A healthy environment underpins the well-being of citizens, biodiversity thrives and natural capitalthe environment is protected, and restored and valued in ways that. It also allows for the enhancement of resilience to climate change and other environmental risks. The Union sets the pace for ensuring the prosperity of present and future generations globally.
Amendment 312 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) continuous progress in enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability of society, the economy and the environment, to climate change;
Amendment 316 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) Advancing towards a regenerative growth modeln inclusive and sustainable economy based on the European Green Deal as the Union’s inclusive and Sustainable Growth Strategy that gives back to the planet more than it takes, decoupling economic growth from resource use and environmental degradation, and accelerating the transition to a Circular Economy in combination with the zero pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment;
Amendment 334 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) protecting, preserving and restoring biodiversity and enhancing natural capital, notably of air, water, soil, and forest, freshwater, wetland and marine ecosystems, in line with the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy;
Amendment 353 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) promoting environmental sustainability and reducing key environmental and climate pressures related to production and consumption, in particular in the areas of energy, industrial development, buildings and infrastructure, mobility, international trade and the food system.
Amendment 375 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) improving incentives, guidance and recommendations, and effective, dissuasive and proportionate sanctions to ensure effective implementation and reduce risks of non-compliance with environmental law, as well as improving cooperation and the effective enforcement of relevant administrative, civil and criminal Union law to protect the environment, with a systematic follow-up of infringement proceedings, including by ensuring that sufficient financial and human resources are allocated at both Union and Member State level for this purpose;
Amendment 382 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 1
– mainstreaming the priority objectives set out in Article 2 in all relevant strategies, legislative and non- legislative initiatives, programmes, investments and projects at Union, national, regional and local levels so that theyand ensure that all strategies, legislative and non-legislative initiatives, programmes, investments and projects and their implementation do no significant harm to any of the priority objectives set out in Article 2; , in line with Regulation (EU)2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a; __________________ 1a Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 (OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13).
Amendment 386 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 1 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 1 a (new)
– reviewing, as set out in the Climate Law, the consistency of Union measures with the climate-neutrality objective set out in that Regulation, as well as the adequacy of Union measures and policies, including sectoral legislation, the Union's external action and the Union's budget, to ensure progress on adaptation;
Amendment 396 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 3
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 3
– paying careful attention tocomprehensively assessing and taking into account synergies and potential trade-offs between economic, environmental and social objectives for all initiatives so as to ensure that citizens’ needs for nutrition, housing and, mobility, energy, water and wellbeing are met in a sustainable way that leaves no- one behind;
Amendment 409 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 4
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 4
– regularly evaluating existing policies and preparing comprehensive impact assessments for new initiatives and legislation, which are based on wide consultations following procedures that are accountable, inclusive, informed and simple to implement, and which pay due regard to projecduly take into account environmental and climated impacts on environment and climateas part of a comprehensive assessment of all dimensions;
Amendment 414 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 4 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 4 a (new)
– taking into account the cost of inaction when evaluating existing policies and developing new initiatives, paying due regard to the costs to the environment and to health;
Amendment 422 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) effectiwithout prejudice of the velry integrating environmental and climate sustainability own nature of the European Semester of Economic governance being a cycle of economic policy coordination, further aligning the European Semester of economic governanceprocess, including in the National Reform Programmes and National Recovery and Resilience plans, with the EU’s long-term climate and environmental objectives in line with the Commission’s engagements under the European Green Deal;
Amendment 454 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
(eb) scaling up the measures against illegal exploitation of natural resources, associated corruption and money laundering, waste crime and illegal exports and increasing cooperation with third countries in relation to these measures;
Amendment 517 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point k – indent 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point k – indent 1
– engaging with partnerthird countries on climate and environmental action, encouraging and supporting them to adopt and implement rules in these areas that are as ambitious as those of the Union, and ensuring that all products placed on the Union market fully comply with relevant Union requirements in line with the Union’s international commitments, especially regarding the fight against deforestation;
Amendment 542 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. In order to achieve the enabling conditions set out in paragraph 1, the Commission shall take the following actions: (a) carry out the reviews and assessments set out paragraph 1 and propose remedying measures where necessary; (b) develop, where necessary and for the purpose of carrying out comprehensive impact assessments, adequate tools to assess the environmental impacts of new policies, initiatives and legislation where existing tools are insufficient; (c) further streamline the various monitoring frameworks in place at Union level to measure social, economic and environmental progress; (d) conduct comprehensive impact assessments on all legislative proposals under the EAP; (e) provide an up-to-date overview on its website of the objectives under the EGD and the progress towards their achievement;
Amendment 559 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission, supported by the European Environment Agency and the European Chemicals Agency, shall monitor, assess and report on the progress of the Union and the Member States with regard to achieving the priority objectives laid down in Article 2 on a regular basis, taking into consideration the enabling conditions laid down in Article 3.
Amendment 568 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. The assessment referred to in paragraph 1 aims at facilitating strategic political communication. It shall be based on a limited number of headline indicators, identified by the end of 2021 as a result of a broad stakeholder consultation, and shall reflect the latest developments as regards the availability and relevance of data and indicators, building on data available in the Member States and at the Union level, in particular those operated by the European Environment Agency and the European Statistical System, with a view to minimising administrative burden. This assessment shall be coherent and without prejudice to existing monitoring, reporting and governance frameworks and exercises covering environment, social, economic and climate policy.