12 Amendments of Helmut SCHOLZ related to 2015/2113(INI)
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Strongly believes that a long-term resilient Energy Union should be based on cost effectiveness, increased energy efficiency, renewable energy, interconnection, with particular attention to European islands, improved self- sufficiency and cooperation; Supports the goal of the Energy Union to move away from an economy driven by fossil fuels, an economy where energy is based on a centralized, supply-side approach and which relies on old technologies and outdated business models; is convinced that trade can contribute to achieving this goal.
Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Points out that the EU imports 53% of its energy at a cost of around EUR 400 billion, which makes it the largest energy importer in the world; notes that the majority of these imports are used for heating and cooling; points out that Member States' trade deficits could be significantly improved and unemployment reduced by an ambitious programme to increase energy efficiency of housing through the EU.
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Supports the goal of the Energy Union to move away from an economy driven by fossil fuels, an economy where energy is based on a centralized, supply-side approach and which relies on old technologies and outdated business models; is convinced that trade can contribute to achieving this goal.
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the inclusion of energy chapters in trade agreements can improve access to energy resources and foreign markets; calls for coherence between the EU's trade policy and the principles of EU energy policy in this regard, and agrees therefore with the Commission, that energy related provisions in trade agreements of the Union must contribute to achieving sustainable energy goals of the Energy Union; is sceptical regarding the Commission proposal to increase LNG imports into the EU, in particular if these resources have been gained applying methods which are hazardous for the environment, such as fracking; emphasises the need for an ambitious fuel quality directive to receive guidance concerning requirements on trade in fuels;
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Emphasises the need for coherence in the Union's trade policy and energy diplomacy in order to build energy partnerships of mutual benefit.
Amendment 33 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes that rationalising energy demand and promoting sustainable energy sources are among the most effective tools for reducing dependency on external energy from volatileprofit-driven international energy suppliers and achieving EU climate objectives;
Amendment 35 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Recalls that the demand for market opening in the energy sector towards Russia has been perceived as undermining the most important source of income of the Russian Federation, and proved to be the main obstacle in negotiating an advanced partnership and trade agreement between the EU and the Russian Federation; points out that even in the current political climate and despite of the sanctions applied by both sides, the world's largest energy corporations are extending joint ventures with Russian companies in resource exploration.
Amendment 43 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Commission and the respective Member States to negotiate with Artic Region states an agreement prohibiting the exploration of oil and gas in this sensitive region, and to prevent the establishment of trade routes for oil through Arctic passages;
Amendment 46 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Highlights the importance trade can play in the promotion and development of future-oriented energy technology, particularly regarding energy storage and transport and the development of international standards for energy efficiency; points out that EU companies have a share of 40% of all patents for renewable technologies.
Amendment 51 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Emphasises the importance of provisions in trade agreements related to technological cooperation and services in the field of energy efficiency and decentralised production of renewable energies, including maintenance and software development; points out that decarbonisation is a common goal of the European Union and many partner countries, regions and cities;
Amendment 55 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Calls on the Commission to encourage developing countries through international trade instruments to diversify their energy production, and to promote in particular the production of solar energy in the EU's southern neighbourhood.
Amendment 70 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Shares the view of the Commission that it is important to build a Mediterranean gas hub; points out that at the same time, Mediterranean Member States should be actively supported in developing their solar energy capacities and in feeding the potential surplus into supply networks for less advantaged Member States.