50 Amendments of Marisa MATIAS related to 2021/2011(INI)
Amendment 4 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 10 march 2021 on recommendations to the Commission on corporate due diligence and corporate accountability,
Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 b (new)
Citation 10 b (new)
— having regard to the UN Guiding Principles on business and human rights,
Amendment 6 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 c (new)
Citation 10 c (new)
— having regard to the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct (RBC),
Amendment 7 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 d (new)
Citation 10 d (new)
— having regard to the 2009 UN Environment programme Guidelines for Social Life Cycle Assessment of Products1a, _________________ 1a https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11 822/7912
Amendment 11 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 a (new)
Citation 22 a (new)
— having regard to the IEA special report of 07 May 2021 “ The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions”,
Amendment 12 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 b (new)
Citation 22 b (new)
— having regard to the European Environment Agency January 2021 report on growth1a, _________________ 1a https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/sustain ability-transitions/drivers-of- change/growth-without-economic-growth
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas critical raw materials (CRMs) are precious and limited goods of all humankind, that must be treated with care in front of the growing demand for the over whole periodic table; whereas CRM are the originators of industrial value creation and therefore essentially affect downstream sectors; whereas it is of high importance that the EU takes back reduces its dependency and increase its accountrol ofability over its flows, value, and supply chains, and supports, fosters and digitalises ecosystems since this is the new core capacity in international (industrial) competition;
Amendment 18 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the extractive industry also brings negative externalities on the upstream sector to be taken into account and prevented ; whereas mining activities produce air emissions that affect air quality, can also lead to large-scale soil and water contamination and contribute significantly to deforestation and loss of biodiversity; whereas mining activities are also exposing workers to harmful and hazardous conditions; whereas labour rights and protection varies greatly across the globe and different mining sites;
Amendment 20 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas, as pointed in the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee,” there are extremely few examples of raw material exports in developing countries triggering sustainable economic and social development from which broad sections of the population would have benefited. Rather, the situation often entails social exploitation and environmental pollution with usually only a few profiteers on the winning side”;
Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas, according to several scientific studies, approximately 10% of the world's primary energy was devoted to extracting, transporting and refining metal resources in all sectors; whereas the relative share of the world's primary energy devoted to metals is expected to increase by 40% by 2030; whereas the mining sector is responsible for 2% of current global emissions ;
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the growing populationdemand for smart devices, especially IoT, as well as technologies for renewables and the transition towards digital, highly energy- efficient and climate-neutral economies lead in all scenarios to a significant higher demand for CRMs6 ; whereas this scenarios are all based on an unstainable growth model for the planet and humankind, based on supply-side, instead of along-term. public-led planification based foremost on the demand ; whereas digitalisation should also be an opportunity to reduce human exposure to harmful and hazardous conditions and help to create more quality and decent jobs; _________________ 6 World Bank, Commission Foresight Study, OECD.
Amendment 28 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas certain materials mined in Europe like lithium currently have to leave Europe for processing ;
Amendment 29 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas according to the United Nations University, in 2016, the total value of secondary raw materials in waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) was estimated to be around EUR 55 billion1a ; _________________ 1a https://collections.unu.edu/eserv/UNU:78 19/GEM_2020_French_final_pages.pdf
Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas, according to the same study, up to 90% of the world's e-waste has been illegally traded or landfilled1a; _________________ 1a https://collections.unu.edu/eserv/UNU:78 19/GEM_2020_French_final_pages.pdf
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
Bd. whereas 352,474 metric tonnes of e-waste are exported each year from EU countries to countries in the South where social, health and safety regulations are less stringent than in the EU;
Amendment 34 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas several key industrial projects in mining and processing, totalling almost EUR 2 billion, are under way in Europe, expecting to cover 80% of our lithium needs in the battery sector by 2025 ;
Amendment 37 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas under a high demand scenario, the EU would need 18 times more lithium by 2030 and 60 times more by2050; whereas the mining needed for this development is water-intensive, which may compete with the needs of local populations, especially in water-stressed regions1a ; _________________ 1ahttps://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/FR/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52 020DC0493&from=FR#footnote87
Amendment 40 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas the European Environment Agency, in a report of January 2021, considers that "economic growth is closely linked to increased production, consumption and use of resources, with negative effects on nature, climate and human health"; that "current research suggests that it is unlikely that economic growth can be completely divorced from its environmental impacts";
Amendment 41 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Cd. whereas, in the frame of twin transition, there is a serious risk of misuse of EU funds by merely speculative companies and projects, without real effect on economy and territories ;
Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas with current growth and capitalist model, it is evident that new sourcing is required and that the potential of sourcing at high sustainable standards by the EU and its neighbourhood should be carefully and quickly exploitedexploited; whereas, as the amount of metals available on Earth is limited, other options such as recycling, should be promoted in order to change and reduce our over whole consumption and production model ;
Amendment 54 #
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1
Subheading 1
Challenges and opportunities for a responsible, sustainable and long-term public planning of the demand
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 a (new)
Subheading 1 a (new)
Denounces the myth of an absolute decoupling between growth and the use of natural resources ; stresses that current growth model in the EU is often at the cost of relocating polluting production and activities to third countries, making them bear the burden of an unsustainable mode of production, consumption and exchange ;
Amendment 56 #
Calls on the Commission and the Member States to plan for the adoption of binding medium and long-term European targets, based on scientific knowledge, for the reduction of the use of primary raw materials and the impact on the environment, the transition to an economic system compatible with the new global limits ;
Amendment 58 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that waste collection and product design are ‘low hanging frunecessary prerequisit’e strategies to increasmprove CRM supply; notes that CRM substitution, while having its limits in product efficiency, is an inherent goal of industry because of high prices and dependencylso favourable to the industry in the very short term because of high prices and dependency; underlines that current pricing mechanisms do not include negative externalities and do not contribute to a more sensible use of raw materials ;
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that CRM sourcing is tied to geographic location, highly dependent on the availability of low-carbon and renewable energy, and at risk of indirect and direct carbon leakage and exposure to unfair competitionfossil energy, and is a major source of CO2 emissions ; stresses in that regard that the sector should be compelled to transition to low carbon and renewable energy sources for its extraction; underlines unfair competition arises from social and ecological dumping ;
Amendment 84 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to review the criticality assessment methodology before 2023, ahead of the publication of the next list of CRMs; and introduce social and ecological criterion in its methodology for a wider picture of the condition of extraction across the globe ; those criterion should be based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UNGP, including the ILO's fundamental labour rights, the Declaration of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, which includes the Core Labour Standards and the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy, as well as the UN SDGs ;
Amendment 89 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to pay attention not only to CRMs but also to the potential criticality of other raw materials needed for the twin transition; calls on the Commission to consider also aspects of thermodinamical rarity, that is, to take into account natural mineral scarcity as well as energy cost of extraction and refining1a ; _________________ 1a https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ 317771645_The_Thermodynamic_Rarity_ Concept_for_the_Evaluation_of_Mineral _Resources
Amendment 106 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to create an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) on CRMs for a strategic sustainable planning of our demand for the twin transition assessing domestic mineral sources, mining, smelting, transforming, recycling, re-purposing as well as training and retraining of workers ;
Amendment 120 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. WelcomNotes the creation of the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) and its current focus on the most critical CRMs, namely rare earth elements and magnets, since the market conditions are completely distorted and monopolised by China, and on quantitative domestic and non-Chinese sourcing targets to support long-term supply relationships for a huge range of small and large manufacturers in the EU; underlines its role as the world’s largest ‘certification process’ for environmentally assessed and feasible CRM projectsa few global players ; underlines its role as the world’s largest ‘certification process’ for environmentally assessed and feasible CRM projects; warns against the structure of this Alliance, based on Public-Private Partnerships which allow huge financial transfers from public to private hands as well as allowing private commercial interests to set the political and financial agenda of the EU on CRM ; stresses that the participation of foreign companies undermines the so-called European strategic autonomy ;
Amendment 123 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Insists on a public leadership of the ERMA, with all territories concerned, trade unions, NGOs, academics and scientists at its core ; further insists on promoting comprehensive social dialogue mechanisms within ERMA emphasising the employment potential in domestic extractive industries while ensuring the highest environmental standards and good working conditions;
Amendment 127 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Calls the Commission and Member States to evaluate very carefully every proposal for exploitation of CRM, to ensure the best economic and social value for the territories concerned ;
Amendment 130 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Regrets that the creation of strategic stockpiling is not yet part of the action plan in a coordinated and public-led approach between Member States;
Amendment 133 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses the need for closer partnerships between CRM actors, especially mining regions, and downstream users and the common awareness and commitment to sustainable value chains;
Amendment 143 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls for the harmonisation of the definition of waste in the EU and to step- up efforts in the field of market surveillance in order to prevent illegal exports of e-waste;
Amendment 151 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Underlines the need to build secondary CRM markets in order to guarantee constant secondary CRM flows; notes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach; notes that dis-assembly and recycling is major opportunity for re- location of industrial jobs in Europe ;
Amendment 161 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the proposal to map the potential supply of secondary CRMs from EU stocks and waste; encourages the Commission to make this mapping exercise a priority and carry it out earlier than envisaged, by the end of 2021;
Amendment 164 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes the importance of waste recycling considering the high presence of CRM in electrical or electronic equipment ; notes that the increase in recycled volumes is not sufficient in the long term to reduce mining if our growth model remains unchanged; further notes that by moving towards a more circular economy700,000 jobs1a could be created, especially through additional labour demand from recycling plants, repair services and rebounds in consumer demand from savings generated through collaborative action; notes that industrial CRM recycling processes still need massive investment in the collection and recovery infrastructure, in innovation and scaling of technologies, and in skills, while providing job opportunities; , training and labour protection ; recommends in all circular economy plans to have a waste hierarchy, in which waste prevention is the first priority, before maximising the potential of recycling; _________________ 1a https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platfor m/sites/default/files/ec_2018_- _impacts_of_circular_economy_policies_ on_the_labour_market.pdf
Amendment 174 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission to step up efforts to ensure the proper collection of end-of-life products with CRMs instead of having them stockpiled in households or discarded by landfill disposal or incineration; calls on the Commission in the framework of the revision of the eco- design directive, to promote ecoconception and renewable materials and foremost, introduce binding product design standards to ensure easy separation of components when dismantling end-of-life products ;further recommends to ban planned obsolescence and place a responsibility on manufacturers for product support over longer periods of time; underlines the necessity to clarify liability in case of repair or of upgrade between the original manufacturer and the organisation that repaired or upgraded the product;
Amendment 180 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Notes that while smart product design, the reuse of materials, recycled sources and substitution can significantly reduce primary demand, responsible and sustainable sourcing is needed when supply cannot be met; recommends to invest in research for new methods for extraction, recovery and production meeting the highest environmental and social standards;
Amendment 189 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls on Member States to ensure the protection of workers in this sector, with appropriate personal protective equipment, considering that the repair and recycling of electronic products potentially exposes workers to toxic materials;
Amendment 192 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Highlights that sourcing in the EU ismust be subject to the highest environmental and social standards worldwide, provides thousands of highly qualified jobs and is an indispensable prerequisite of the green and digital transition; calls therefore on all actors to help build public acceptanceparticipation for responsible CRM sourcing projects in the EU; calls on the EU and the Member States to ensure strong social and environmental legal safeguards, including free prior and informed consent of all local communities, as well as effective redress mechanisms governed by independent bodies and oversight bodies free from conflicts of interest ;
Amendment 198 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Demands that mining be prohibited in nature conservation areas, and in all categories of protected areas, in accordance with the international recommendations of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); stresses in particular the importance of preserving the seabed and water bodies, as defined by water framework directive;
Amendment 200 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. Underlines that mining of CRM should never be an imperative reason of overriding public interest, including those of a social or economic nature, in particular in the frame of Article 6.4 of Directive2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009on the conservation of wild birds and Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora ;
Amendment 205 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Underlines the importance of maintaining and further developing expertise and skills in mining and processing technologies in the EU; insists on investments on training of workers through the Just Transition Mechanism as mining skills can be transferred to metal and minerals exploitation, possibly in the same regions ;
Amendment 213 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on the Member States to improve the timeliness, predictability and transparency of the authorisation processes for sourcing projects; calls on the EU and the Member States to ensure strong social and environmental legal safeguards, including free prior and informed consent of all local communities, as well as effective redress mechanisms governed by independent bodies and oversight bodies free from conflicts of interest ;
Amendment 231 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Urges the Commission to systematicacarefully and strategically build new CRM partnerships, taking into account sovereignty of third countries over their resources so as to ensure that CRM become a source of welfare for developing countries and make this endeavour a horizontal task of its external and internal policies and to present the results in 2021;
Amendment 234 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Welcomes the EU’s commitment to responsible and sustainable sourcing; stresses the need to underpin this commitment with concrete technical support, institution building and political dialogue with partner countries; stresses the need to mobilise more state and private actors to also subscribe to and implement sustainability standards, according to 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; regrets that the European Commission has postponed its proposition of a mandatory corporate due diligence legislation; insists that the European Union must urgently adopt across- sectoral legislation requiring corporations to respect all human rights and the environment throughout their entire value chains and ensure victims' access to justice; stresses once again that this legislation must provide for strict sanctions for companies, including fines comparable to those provided for by competition law, and civil liability to allow victims to access reparation; recalls its resolution of 10 March 2021 containing recommendations to the Commission on due diligence and corporate responsibility;
Amendment 240 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls for enhanced cooperation to develop international agreements for better monitoring, notification and implementation of CRM export restrictions promoting responsible sourcing and increasing circularity in this sector; supports the adoption of a legally binding treaty to regulate in international law the activities of transnational corporations and other business enterprises; urges the European Union to adopt a mandate and engage in the negotiations of the UN Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group to that end;
Amendment 246 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Reiterates its call in its resolution of 25 March 2021 on a new EU-Africa Strategy – a partnership for sustainable and inclusive development8 for fair and sustainable exploitation of CRMs in Africa, which account for 49 % of EU imports from Africa, and supports the Commission in its endeavours to conclude new CRM partnerships with Africanreminds that any new CRM partnerships between EU and African countries should follow the strictest principles of due diligence, and to create opportunities for development in those countries; ; _________________ 8 Texts adopted, P9_TA(2021)0108.
Amendment 248 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Considers that emissions from extractive activities and imports of critical raw materials should be covered by the border carbon adjustment mechanism ;