37 Amendments of Claude TURMES related to 2009/0010(COD)
Amendment 8 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) An important part of the Recovery Plan was the proposal to increase Community spending in defined strategic sectors, addressing lack of confidence among investors and helping develop the path to a stronger economy for the future. The European Council asked the Commission to present a list of concrete projects, taking into account an adequate geographical balance, to reinforce investments for the development of, in particular, infrastructure projects, including renewable energy and investments in the field of energy efficiency, in particular in cities and buildings.
Amendment 11 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) In order to make an immediate impact on the economic crisis, it is also necessary to increase the efficiency and value of Community financial aid by means of closer coordination and effective cooperation with the operations of the European Investment Bank, the European Investment Fund and relevant national public financial institutions that are capable of managing EU-wide programmes.
Amendment 13 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 b (new)
Recital 5 b (new)
(5b) In order to ensure that the funds granted under the European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR) will have a maximum leverage effect, they should not be restricted to direct grants but should mainly be channelled through innovative finance instruments, such as loan guarantee schemes, risk sharing facilities, direct equity facilities, revolving funds and reduced interest rate funds. The European Commission should mandate the European Investment Bank (the EIB), the European Investment Fund (the EIF) and other public financial institutions with relevant experience, such as the German KfW or the French Caisse des Crédits, to develop such instruments. In order to ensure that the European Parliament, as the budgetary authority, has an effective control over spending under these instruments, the European Commission should every month present a report to the European Parliament and to the Council on the implementation of the Programme, and should, upon the request of the Parliament or of the Council, be further obliged to provide detailed information on the use of EEPR assistance, including that of innovative finance instruments, as well as on the implementation of each project, including its development stage and concrete figures, in particular in respect of financial programming.
Amendment 16 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 – point b
Recital 6 – point b
(b) there exist large, mature projects capable of making efficient and effective use of significant amounts of financial assistance and of catalysing significant amounts of investment from other sources, including the European Investment Bank; and, the European Investment Fund and, where possible, relevant national financial institutions that are capable of managing EU-wide programmes;
Amendment 19 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 – subparagraph 2
Recital 6 – subparagraph 2
The sectors of gas and electricity interconnections; offshore wind, notably EU supergrid, renewable energy; and carbon capture and storageenergy efficiency and eco-industries, fulfil these criteria.
Amendment 25 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) In the cases of carbon capture and storage and offshore wind energy, this Regulation builds onrenewable sources of energy, this Regulation builds on the Directive on the promotion of energy from renewable sources and the Strategic Energy Technology Plan for Europe, which called for a join and strategic plan for energy research and innovation efforts in alignment with EU energy policy goals, while committing towards the establishment of six European Industrial Initiatives, and in particular in these two areas. The European Council at its meeting on 16 October 2008 called on the Commission to significantly accelerate the implementation of the Technology Plan. This Programme initiates the funding for Carbon Capture and Storage and offshore wind without prejudice to the future setting up of the six industrial initiatives on energy demonstration projects as outlined by the Strategic Energy Technology Plan for Europeout of which three are directly or indirectly linked to this specific area.
Amendment 27 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9a) In the field of energy efficiency, there is a huge potential, will and capacity among cities to deliver sustainable development that will lead to both short- term stimulation and longer term restructuring of the EU’s economy, as demonstrated by the success of the Covenant of Mayors initiative. Cities are able to call on existing close cross- sectoral partnerships, expertise in ‘on the ground’ project management, responsibility as planning authorities, and their roles as large-scale employers and in infrastructure management. Innovative and sustainable projects at city level will be able to take advantage of local capacity to train workers, adapt infrastructure and support businesses. Cities should be further supported in order to achieve and surpass the EU energy and climate targets. The EEPR should therefore place cities, and especially the energy efficiency and renewable energy of their buildings at its centre, through the reallocation of funding towards ‘smart projects’ coordinated and extensively implemented at city level.
Amendment 28 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 b (new)
Recital 9 b (new)
(9b) 40% of the energy consumed in the EU is in the building sector. The necessary means for renovating and constructing buildings in the most energy- efficient way while using all the renewable energy sources available on site are of key importance for reducing climate change impacts, increasing the security of energy supply, and ensuring immediate employment growth in the EU. The EEPR should provide assistance for upfront investment in energy smart buildings, and more generally in order to serve the aims of the Directive xxxx/xxxx on the energy performance of buildings.
Amendment 29 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 c (new)
Recital 9 c (new)
(9c) Costs for resource use are today at significant levels in certain EU key industries and are sometimes even higher than labour costs. As pointed out in the relevant Commission communication the EU also has a growing and worrying dependency on a limited number of countries outside its Member States for certain rare but strategic raw materials such as lithium. Using today’s crises to invest substantially in the modernisation of industrial processes in the EU´s large- scale industries and its SME sector will be one of the biggest drivers for the competitiveness of the EU economy. Eco- industries are also important future industries with potential high growth rates. The EU is often leading research in the eco-technology area but other economies, notably the United States, are surpassing the EU when it comes to mainstreaming these technologies, in particular through better access to venture capital.
Amendment 30 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) In order to have an immediate impact on the economic crisis, it is necessary for this Regulation to list thestablish an open list of mature projects that may receive immediate financial assistance, subject to conformity with criteria that ensure efficiency and effectivea commitment of funds and early launch by 2010 at the latest, high potential for social return with respect to energy security and climate change and technical and financial soundness, and to the limits set by the financial envelope.
Amendment 32 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 – paragraph 1
Recital 11 – paragraph 1
(11) In the case of gas and electricity interconnection projects, this open list is established according to the project's contribution to the objectives of security and diversification of supply as identified in the recent 2nd Strategic Energy Review and endorsed by the European Parliament and the Council. Projects are selected on the basis that they implement the priorities identified in that Review, have achieved a reasonable degree of maturity, and contribute to:
Amendment 34 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In the case of offshore windrenewable energy, the open list contains offshore wind projects that can be considered, along with other renewable energy projects, on the basis of information gathered from stakeholders in the framework of the European Wind Energy Technology Platform, industrial sources and other sources, to be approved and ready for implementation; to be innovative, while building on well established concepts; to be capable of acceleration in response to a financial stimulus; to have a cross border significance; to be of a large- scale; and be able to demonstrate how the results of technological advances will be disseminated effectively, notably in the light of the objectives and structures endorsed by the Strategic Energy Technology Plan for Europe. Financial assistance should be directed towards those projects that are in a position to progress substantially with project development in 2009 and 2010.
Amendment 35 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In the case of carbon capture and storage, this list should be established on the basis of information gathered from stakeholders in the framework of the Fossil Fuel Forum, the Zero Emissions Fossil Fuel Power Plants Technology Platform and other sources. Ffinancial assistance should only be directed towards those projects that are in a position to progress substantially with project development in 2009 and 2010commit funds and start work by 2010 at the latest.
Amendment 37 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) ReadinessSelection and award criteria should be bassessed on the basis of the existence of a mature and feasible concept for the power plant, including itsproject for carbon capture componentand storage; the existence of a mature and feasible concepproject for the transport and storage of CO2; and articulated commitment of local authorities to support the projectproof of the ability to obtain all necessary authorisation by national and local authorities by the end of 2009. Projects will also need to demonstrate how the results of technological advances will be disseminated effectively and how they will accelerate the achievement of the objectives laid down in the Strategic Energy Technology Plan for Europe.
Amendment 38 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) It will be necessary to select among the eligible projects. This selection should ensure, inter alia, that no more than one carbon capture and storage project is supported in each Member State, in order to ensure the investigation of a wide range of geological storage conditions and to support the objective of encouraging economic recovery across Europe.
Amendment 44 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
It establishes sub-programmes to advance those objectives in the fields of: (a) gas and electricity interconnections; (b) offshore wind energy; and (c) carbon capture a, notably the EU supergrid; (b) offshore wind and other renewable sources of energy (c) energy efficiency, notably through 'smart cities' projects; (ca) eco-ind ustorageries, notably higher resource productivity.
Amendment 53 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – point f a (new)
Article 2 – point f a (new)
(fa) 'renewable energy' shall mean energy from renewable non-fossil energy sources as defined in Article 2 of Directive 2009/ xxxx of the European Parliament and of the Council on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources;
Amendment 54 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – point f b (new)
Article 2 – point f b (new)
(fb) 'smart cities' shall mean cities which are committed to promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy in the building and housing sector and climate- friendly public transport projects, and which coordinate at EU level notably through networks such as the Covenant of Mayors;
Amendment 55 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – point f c (new)
Article 2 – point f c (new)
(fc) 'eco-industries' shall mean activities which produce goods and services to measure, prevent, limit, minimise or correct environmental damage to water, air and soil, and problems related to waste, noise and ecosystems. This includes cleaner technologies, products and services that reduce environmental risk and minimise pollution and resource use;
Amendment 56 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – point g a (new)
Article 2 – point g a (new)
(ga) 'innovative finance instruments' shall mean instruments with a significant leverage effect on public and private investments; they shall include direct equity for large-scale projects, notably though the 'Marguerite' fund, direct equity for small and medium-scale projects through participation in the 'venture capital funds' of the EIF, guaranteed loan facilities and risk sharing facilities at the EIB or public banks, creation of reduced interest rates on lending from the EIB or public banks, or financing technical assistance to 'catalysers for change' such as 'smart cities';
Amendment 57 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – point g b (new)
Article 2 – point g b (new)
(gb) 'own merit principle' shall mean the principle according to which viable and sustainable projects shall be selected among the eligible projects and awarded a grant or assistance under an innovative finance instrument.
Amendment 58 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The financial envelope for the implementation of the EEPR for 2009 and 2010 shall be EUR 3,7500 million, allocated as follows:.
Amendment 63 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. An amount equal to 50% of the total financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1 shall be awarded to projects falling under paragraph 1(c) in the form of direct grants, that is EUR 1,875 million, while the remaining 50% of the total financial envelope shall be awarded in the form of innovative finance instruments. Funds which are unallocated in 2009 and 2010 in the form of grants shall be reallocated to the innovative financing instruments.
Amendment 65 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. The contribution from the budget of the European Union to the EIB, EIF and other public banks towards the innovative finance instruments referred to in paragraph 1a shall be equal to EUR 1,875 million. The relevant financial institutions shall contribute an equal amount, that is an additional EUR 1,875 million, raising the innovative finance instruments to a total of EUR 3,750 million, with a further significant leverage effect on public and private investments of between EUR 5 and 15 million, depending on the nature of the innovative financing instrument.
Amendment 66 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 c (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 c (new)
Amendment 68 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 4
Article 3 – paragraph 4
4. The budgetary authority shall decide on the Commission's proposals within six weeks. Where no decision is taken within this time limit, the proposals shall be deemed to be approvedtwelve weeks.
Amendment 69 #
Proposal for a regulation
Chapter II – Subprogrammes
Chapter II – Subprogrammes
Chapter II deleted
Amendment 128 #
Proposal for a regulation
Chapter III – title
Chapter III – title
CHAPTER III CHAPTER III COMMON PROVISIONS COMMON PROVISIONS DIRECT GRANTS AND INNOVATIVE FINANCE INSTRUMENTS
Amendment 129 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 a (new) – after title of Chapter III
Article 22 a (new) – after title of Chapter III
Article 22a Eligibility 1. Proposals shall be eligible for EEPR assistance only if they implement projects in the fields covered in Article 1. 2. Depending on the project, proposals may be submitted: (a) by one or several Member States or EU cities acting jointly; (b) with the agreement of the Member State(s) directly and/or competent authorities (cities, provinces or regions) concerned by the project in question, by one or several public or private undertakings or bodies acting jointly; or (c) with the agreement of all Member States and/or competent authorities (cities, provinces or regions) directly concerned by the project in question, by one or several international organisations acting jointly; or (d) with the agreement of all Member States and/or competent authorities (cities, provinces or regions) directly concerned by the project in question, by a joint undertaking; or (e) by one or several undertakings, acting jointly. 2. Proposals submitted by natural persons shall not be eligible.
Amendment 130 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 b (new) – after title of Chapter III
Article 22 b (new) – after title of Chapter III
Article 22b Selection and award criteria 1. In assessing the proposals received under the call for proposals, the Commission shall apply the own merit principle, which shall be based on the following criteria: - maturity, notably by reference to the ability to start work early and the commitment to carrying out a significant proportion of the associated spending by the end of 2010, and a demonstrable ability to carry out feasibility assessments, preparatory and technical studies and obtain licences and authorisations by June 2010; - the potential for long-term social returns with respect to energy security and climate change objectives, notably by promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency; - the soundness and technical adequacy of the approach and the soundness of the financial package for the full investment phase of the project, in particular by reference to the likely extent of job creation and size of the domestic fiscal multiplier and the use of under-utilised human and natural resources.
Amendment 131 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 c (new) – after title of Chapter III
Article 22 c (new) – after title of Chapter III
Article 22c Funding conditions 1. EEPR assistance shall contribute to the costs associated with the technical assistance and construction of projects, taking account of possible operating benefits, where appropriate. 2 In the case of projects included in the indicative list of projects under the Annex, EEPR assistance, calculated as the sum of direct grants and innovative finance instruments awarded for each project shall not exceed the maximum amounts of EEPR assistance laid down therein. 3. EEPR direct grant assistance shall not exceed 50% of the eligible investment costs per project.
Amendment 132 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 d (new) – after title of Chapter III
Article 22 d (new) – after title of Chapter III
Article 22d Instruments 1. Following the call for proposals the Commission, as applicable, shall select the proposals, taking the indicative list in the Annex as a basis, to receive EEPR assistance after assessing the compliance of these proposals with the eligibility criteria laid down in Article 22a and the selection and award criteria laid down in Article 22b and shall determine the amount of EEPR funding to be granted. The conditions and methods for their implementation shall be specified in a cooperation agreement between the Commission and the applicants. The Commission shall inform the beneficiaries of any EEPR funding to be granted. 2. EEPR assistance shall be granted on the basis of direct grant agreements or innovative finance instruments as prescribed in Article 23.
Amendment 134 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23
Article 23
Amendment 138 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) for energy efficiency projects, the committee established by Article 16 of Directive 2006/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and by Article 14 of the Directive 2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.
Amendment 141 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 2
Article 28 – paragraph 2
2. Where reference is made to this Article, Articles 4 and 7 5a of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof. The period laid down in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at one month.
Amendment 145 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30
Article 30
The Commission shall monitor the implementation of this Regulation. Each year,very six months, including when it presents the preliminary draft budget, it shall present a report to the European Parliament and to the Council on the implementation of the Programme. In addition to the reporting obligations referred to in the first paragraph, the Commission shall upon the request of the Parliament or of the Council, provide detailed information on the use of EEPR assistance, including that of innovative finance instruments, as well as on the implementation of each project, including its development stage and concrete figures, notably in respect of financial programming,.
Amendment 147 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex – title
Annex – title