93 Amendments of Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY related to 2015/2113(INI)
Amendment 8 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s communication and underlines the importance of striking the right balance between its different goals: energy security and affordability, an ambitious climate policy and the transition towards a more sustainable and low carbon economy, while guaranteeing the EU’s competitiveness;
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s communication and underlines the importance of striking the right balance between its different goals: energy security and affordability, an ambitious climate policy and the transition towards a more sustainable and low carbon economy, while guaranteeboosting the EU’s competitiveness and providing more affordable prices to consumers;
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 34 a (new)
Citation 34 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 5 February 2014 on a 2030 framework for climate and energy policies,1 a __________________ 1a Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0094
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Emphasises that the only way to achieve energy security while at the same time keeping energy prices affordable and reaching our climate goals is to create a sustainable energy landscape, based on a high degree of energy efficiency, renewable energy and a smart infrastructure; stresses, moreover, that the right actions need to be taken today in order to bring about this transition for future generations;
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Member States aran enhanced coordination and oversight of national policies with regard to energy within the Member States is vital, while respecting the exclusively competentce for defining their national energy mix, and the Commission must not encroach upon this competence by passing EU laws that discriminate against certain energy resources to the advantage of othin order to ensure a fully functional internal energy market, strengthen energy security and deliver cost competitive energy to consumers;
Amendment 38 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the need to achieve a comprehensive and ambitious agreement at the UNFCCC COP 21 meeting in Paris that contains sound guarantees for limiting the temperature increase tobelow 2°C Celsius at a maximum;
Amendment 54 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the key role of the Emissions Trading System (ETS) as a cost-effective tool to decarbonise Europe’s energy system and to achieve the EU’s 2030 emission reduction target for 2030 and beyond; in addition to the Market Stability Reserve (MSR), a structural post 2020 reform of the ETS should be implemented, to take into account the 2030 CO2 reduction target, and including as long as no comparable efforts are undertaken in other major economies tangible and more harmoniscontinued measures on carbon leakage to safeguardprovide EU industry with the appropriate levels of support, by ensuring that there will be no additional direct and inundue direct ETS costs at the level of best performers and by taking into account changing production levels; and real ETS costs; yet reiterates that the ETS review should also consider harmonised arrangements to compensate for indirect costs; points out in this regard that around 40% of the global economy is already covered by some form of carbon pricing and often experiencing higher carbon prices than in the EU;
Amendment 58 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas measures for developing the Energy Union and achieving the 2030 climate targets must take full account of the impacts on energy prices, costs and the competitiveness of the EU economy in order to get the necessary support from ciand energy targets offer significant opportunities for both EU business and consumers if implemented correctly, in terms of reducing overall energy costs, boosting competizveness and industrydelivering cost savings to consumers;
Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas climate change, uncompetitive energy prices and an extremely high dependency on unreliable third country suppliers are threatening the sustainability of Europe's energy system;
Amendment 74 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for new ambitious EU initiatives in the non- ETS sectors, in particular in the transport and buildings sector to, underlines that this will assist Member States in achieving their reduction targets; stresses the need of clear signals from policy makers on an EU level in order to make investments in EU energy objectives possible; recalls the European Parliament supports for the introduction of an ambitious EU-level energy efficiency target for 2030 of at least 3040 %, that should be focused in particular on non-ETS sectors; asks the European Commission to bear in mind the objective of 30 % when revising the Energy Efficiency Directive;
Amendment 80 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls for a new EU initiative on LULUCF emissions in a separate pillar to assist Member States in reducing emissions from agriculture, land use and forestry activities, as well as delivering additional emission reductions by 2030, in addition to required energy-related emission reductions;
Amendment 88 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to prioritise the smart cities network in order to stimulate and exchange best practices and to fully exploit the potential of local and regional energy efficiency and greenhouse gas mitigating projects and measures; furthermore stresses the benefits of more sustainable indigenous energy systems, which can increase efficiency, consumer empowerment and small-scale business opportunities;
Amendment 104 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas EU energy and climate policies must complement each another, and their objectives must reinforce rather than undermine one another; the Energy Union should therefore complement Europeand reindustrialisation targetforce European growth objectives, boost the transition to a low- emission economy and enhance the global competitiveness of the European economy, while effectively avoiding any threat of carbon leakage;
Amendment 105 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underscores the need for more harmonised support schemes for renewables and more intra-EU trade in renewable electricity,; calls for the Commission to ensure an equal playing field so as to provide a clear investment signal for sustainable energy forms; calls for a functioning single market, especially for sustainable renewable energy;
Amendment 110 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses that achieving decarbonisation goals depends on the right market conditions for investment in energy efficiency, renewables and smart infrastructures; the Energy Union should prioritise market-based instruments for the promotion of low-carbon energy sources as a means to ensure that the energy transition takes place in the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way;
Amendment 111 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the EU imports more than half of all the energy it consumes, its import dependency is particularly high for crude oil (more than 90 %) and, natural gas (66 %), and hard coal (72%) and the total import bill is more than EUR 1400 billion per dayyear; Whereas buildings are responsible for more than 40% of all EU energy consumption, consuming 61% of all gas imported to the EU;
Amendment 112 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Stresses the need to end environmentally harmful subsidies, which need to be identified and phased out urgently, since these subsidies are a waste of scarce public money which are used first for supporting polluting practices and later for cleaning up;
Amendment 112 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the EU imports more than half of all the energy it consumes, its import dependency is particularly high for crude oil (more than 90 %) and natural gas (66 %), and the total import bill is more than EUR 1400 billion per dayyear; Whereas buildings are responsible for more than 40% of all EU energy consumption, consuming 61% of all gas imported into the EU;
Amendment 113 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Underlines the success and further potential of ecodesign in terms of improving energy efficiency and energy consumption of products, and thereby decreasing household energy costs and consumption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions;
Amendment 114 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 d (new)
Paragraph 7 d (new)
7d. Stresses the role of the EU Energy Label in empowering and informing consumers with accurate, relevant and comparable information on the energy efficiency of energy related products; stresses the need for a revision of the Energy Label in order to further facilitate energy efficient consumer choices and incentivize manufacturing of energy efficient products;
Amendment 123 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission to urgently step up the EU’s efforts through the introduction of long-term measures to pursue the decarbonisation of the transport sector, while ensuring a high level of environment and health protection;
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas many countries are heavily reliant on a single and often unreliable supplier, including some that rely entirely on Russia for their natural gas and others that heavily rely on Northern Africa, which leaves them vulnerable to supply disruptions, whether these are caused by political or commercial disputes, or infrastructure failure;
Amendment 135 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the 2006, 2009, 2014 and 200915 gas disputes between Russia and transit- country Ukraine left many EU countries with severe shortages;
Amendment 136 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Insists on the need for more ambitious long-term EU initiatives for developing and stimulating incentives for the roll-out of alternative fuels infrastructure, to further incentivise the production, market penetration and use of advanced bioand sustainable bio- and other alternative fuels and to speed up the electrification of transport, and in this regard highlights the importance of investments in research, development and technological innovation;
Amendment 139 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the Commission to revise the fuel consumption and CO2 labelling scheme for passenger cars to ensure consumers are provided with more accurate, relevant and comparable information on CO2 emissions, fuel consumption, running costs and tax related information so as to guide the consumer’s choice towards those cars that are the most energy efficient, and in turn incentivise manufacturers to improve the energy efficiency of their vehicles and increase energy security;
Amendment 142 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Notes that improved vehicle performance standards and fuel efficiency are crucial for both reducing EU oil dependency and cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore calls on industry, Member States and the Commission to continue and accelerate their efforts in this field; for the period beyond 2020 asks the Commission to review the CO2 emission standards for cars and vans; notes, however, that the long-term solution for cutting transport emissions and ensuring energy demand reduction and diversification of supply lies in alternative fuels and in electrification with renewable electricity and in promotion of more sustainable modes of transport;
Amendment 159 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
Amendment 164 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas 30 million European jobs are at risk owing to the US shale gas boom, as energy-intensive industries move operations to the US, wherewill always be at risk so long as European industry fails to remain competitive, and therefore any improvements to industrial energy efficiency helping to reduce overall energy costs are far lowervital;
Amendment 184 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Insists that Member States pool resources, in particular ETS revenues, to support from increasing the share of allowances to be auctioned, to support safe and sustainable low-carbon innovation and industrial breakthroughs in the energy-intensive industry sectors which is paramount for the EU to meet its climate goals.
Amendment 189 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital S
Recital S
S. whereas, notwithstanding its global dominance in investment in renewable energy, the World Energy Outlook 2014 predicts global energy demand to grow by 37 % and global coal demand by 15 % by 2040; Whereas in the EU, the increase is projected to be significantly lower due to highly successful energy efficiency improvements;
Amendment 199 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Underlines that the Energy Union marks a significant step forward in the way energy policies are coordinated and implemented, and that due to the substantial impact such policies will have on Europe’s Energy Security, economic and social landscape and environmental policy, requires an open, transparent and inclusive means of governance; reiterates that the Energy Union hinges upon establishing a robust system of governance which ensures full implementation of the relevant Union law within Member States, guarantees regular reporting and information exchange, and ensures the full participation of the European Parliament; calls in this regard on the Commission to present on an annual basis, a report on the implementation of the policies and projects under the Energy Union Strategy which shall be made public and considered as part of Energy Union implementation scrutiny conducted by the European Parliament;
Amendment 224 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital X
Recital X
X. whereas the International Energy Agency's estimates that the EU is responsible for 11 % of global greenhouse gas emissions and that this proportion is set to decrease in the future; whereas the EU's contribution to lowering global emissions must happen alongside that ofset an example to other major emitters in its level of ambition, and recognise its historical contribution to increased global CO2 emissions;
Amendment 234 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital Y
Recital Y
Y. whereas diversification of supplies, the completion of the internal energy market, energy efficiency as a contribution to moderation of demand, more efficient energy consumption, the development of indigenous energy resources and R&D activities are the key drivers of the Energy Union;
Amendment 236 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital Y
Recital Y
Y. whereas diversification of supplies, the completion of the internal energy market, more efficient energy consumption, decarbonising the economy, a higher share of renewable energy, the development of indigenous energy resources and R&D activities are the key drivers of the Energy Union;
Amendment 248 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital Z a (new)
Recital Z a (new)
Za. whereas a reformed EU ETS is an important tool in decarbonising Europe's energy system and achieving the Union's long term emission reductions target;
Amendment 256 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission communication entitled ‘'A Framework Strategy for a Resilient Energy Union with a Forward-Looking Climate Change Policy'; Notes the 5 pillars of Energy Union outlined by the Commission; Insists that policies pursued under these pillars, must always contribute to ensuring security of energy supply, decarbonisation and long term sustainability of the economy, and delivering affordable and competitive energy prices;
Amendment 262 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Emphasises that the only way to achieve energy security while at the same time keeping energy prices affordable and reaching our climate goals is to create a sustainable energy landscape, based on a high degree of energy efficiency, renewable energy and a smart infrastructure; stresses, moreover, that the right actions need to be taken today in order to bring about this transition for future generations;
Amendment 266 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Underlines that energy efficiency and renewable energy will play a key role in delivering the long term EU goal of reducing emissions by 80-95% by 2050 in a cost effective way; as a stepping stone towards this target, the EU must remain committed to its unconditional target of at least 40% emission cuts by 2030; Recalls that energy efficiency, renewable energy and smart infrastructure are the 'no regrets' options because they represent the fastest and cheapest means of ensuring our energy security while keeping prices affordable, helping to reach our climate goals and creating millions of jobs in the EU;
Amendment 295 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that all EU infrastructure projects aimed at diversifying energy sources, suppliers and routes must be fully in line with EU legislation and EU energy security priorities; Believes that the development of renewable energy sources is central to the Energy Union, taking into consideration energy costs; stresses the importance of developing cross-border infrastructure and of enhancing research and innovation in developing smarter energy grids and new energy storage solutions as well as flexible generation technologies for the integration of renewables;
Amendment 366 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that greater transparency of intergovernmental agreements could be achieved by strengthening the role of the Commission in energy-related negotiations involving one or more Member States and third countries, including by having the Commission participate in those negotiations if there is aan advisory capacity in those negotiations in order to mitigate the risks of abuse of a dominant position by one supplier; notes that furthermore the Commission should carry out ex-ante and ex-post assessments and draw up both a positive and a negative list of agreement clauses, such as export ban and destination clauses;
Amendment 375 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses that all future intergovernmental energy agreements with non-EU parties must be discussed with the Commission ahead of signing in order to make sure that they comply with EU legislation, in particular with the Third Energy Package; Highlights that such discussion and consultation must serve as a tool for strengthening the negotiating power of EU member states and companies, while fully respecting commercially sensitive information, and does not in any way prejudice the substance and content of such agreements, but serves to ensure that such agreements are compliant with all relevant Union law and are in the best interests of the companies and member states concerned;
Amendment 382 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission to enhance the transparency of commercial gas contracts in order to effectively remove abusive clauses and ensure better ex-ante compliance checks with EU law and energy security provisionsure full compliance with EU law of all agreements related to buying gas from external suppliers, notably reinforcing transparency; Underlines that such enhanced transparency will increase the negotiating power of Member States and their commercial enterprises, and will help to ensure a more market based approach to international energy agreements;
Amendment 390 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission to prepare draft contract templates and guidelines including an indicative list of abusive clauseclauses relevant to Union interests in order to create a reference for competent authorities and companies in their contracting activities; Calls on the Member States to increase their cooperation on the information exchange mechanism with regard to intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) with third countries in the field of energy, in order to increase transparency and leverage their negotiating power vis- à-vis third countries, thereby securing more affordable energy for European consumers;
Amendment 398 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that in order to ensure a level playing field and strengthen the bargaining position of EU companies vis-à-vis external suppliers, key features of the contracts should be aggregated and regularly published so as to establish a transparent benchmark which can be referred to by competent authorities and companies in their future negotiations, whilst protecting the confidentiality of sensitive information, thereby ensuring a more market based approach and genuine competition in energy contracts and avoiding abuse of dominant positions by third countries;
Amendment 412 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission to establish an EU-wide indicative target for reducing energy import dependency and to publish regular progress reports in this respect;
Amendment 424 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Believes that diversity in the energy mixes of Member States, based on their respective potential, experience, know-how and economic costs and needs, is an asset to the EU as a whole, since it strengthens its resilience to supply disruptions, enables it to make cost-optimal energy choices and allows different technologies to develop and compete on the market, thereby driving down the costs of energy; Insists however, that national diversity must not represent a barrier to the single market, and Member States must fully comply with state aid rules, make appropriate investments in their domestic transmission infrastructures, and ensure high levels of interconnectedness and resilience in their national energy systems in order to deliver on the Unions energy security and market objectives;
Amendment 437 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Believes that the Union can reduce its dependency on particular suppliers and fuels by maximising its use of indigenous sources of energy, including conventional and unconventional low-emission fossil fuels and renewables, and therefore stresses that no fuel or technology contributing toincreasing energy efficiency in industry, transport and buildings (both in the public and private sector as well as domestic homes) as well as maximising its use of indigenous sources of energy, in particular renewables, in line with the EUs energy security and climate goals should be discriminated against;
Amendment 449 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Believes that the Union can reduce its dependency on particular suppliers and fuels by increasing energy efficiency in industry, transport and buildings (both in the public and private sector as well as domestic homes) as well as maximising its use of indigenous sources of energy, including conventional and unconventional low-emission fossil fuels and renewables, and therefore stresses that no fuel or technology contributing toin particular renewables, in line with the EUs energy security and climate goals should be discriminated against;
Amendment 465 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Believes that indigenous resources, both conventional and unconventional, which have the potential to increase the EU's energy security of supply should be fully tapped and that unnecessarmay be considered by Member States in so far as they fully respect the relevant environmental, public health and safety rleguislatory burdens on the entities willing to inveion and contribute to the EUs overall climate, sust ain these fields must be avoidedability and security objectives;
Amendment 485 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Commission to facilitate the effective use of existing EU funding schemes, including the European Fund for Strategic Investments, so as to support investment in the development of Europe's indigenous energy resources, based on a technology-neutral approachn approach which prioritises the internalisation of external costs; Considers that subsidies and the non- internalisation of externalities distort the market, and therefore calls on the Commission to ensure a level playing field so as to provide a clear investment signal for sustainable investments, as well as the phasing-out of the most polluting and dangerous forms of power generation;
Amendment 526 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Recognises that there is currently no single market for energy in Europe, and that the resulting fragmentation within the EUs energy markets is deeply harmful to Europe's competitiveness and energy security;
Amendment 546 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses that the backbone of the future Energy Union must be a fully functioning internal energy market that delivers secure, competitive and sustainable energy to enable EU companies and consumers to access gas and, electricity, heating and cooling in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible;
Amendment 582 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses the need for full implementation and enforcement of existing EU energy legislation and for a swift adoption of ambitious European network codes and guidelines, which must go hand in hand with strengthening the competences of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSO-G) and of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), which should be authorised to recruit additional staff and should be empowered to issue binding decisions on ENTSO-E, ENSTO-G and othe European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSO-G)r bodies with essential EU functions, to obtain the information it requires for its monitoring activities and directly to decide on subsidiary instruments in the case of EU-wide proposals prepared under network codes and guidelines, with additional measures put in place to ensure compliance with ACER's decisions;
Amendment 610 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Stresses that a properly designed future model of the electricity market in the EU must aim at a more market-based and optimal, from the point of view of network security, integration of renewable energy sources; Notes in this regard the need for common standards for smart grids, as a key element in ensuring a stable supply and free flow of energy across borders and contributing to energy security; Furthermore, highlights the role that developing smarter energy grids and new energy storage facilities can play increasing the level of RES on a European scale and ensuring that such infrastructure is developed in conjunction with regional RES hubs;
Amendment 626 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Insists that in order to guarantee a level playing field, stable regulatory conditions and leverage private investments, the governance system should be based on indicative national targets and a binding legal framework;
Amendment 632 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Reminds that Energy Union must help increase the availability of finance for infrastructure projects; Highlights in this regard the role that the EFSI (Juncker package), must play in ensuring that energy infrastructure projects are attractive to private investors with stable regulatory conditions and clearly identifiable medium to long term pay-off, particularly by minimising bureaucracy and encompassing an expedient application and approval process;
Amendment 633 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Welcomes the European Council's proposal for a minimum level of electricity interconnection between Member States of 10 % by 2020 and 15 % by 2030; Underlines the importance of Member States' policies acting in a complementary manner to better functioning of the internal market and strengthening interconnection of transmission networks; Emphasises that attention must be given also to the internal capacity and durability of national transmission networks as well the level of interconnection and cross- border capacity in order to ensure that member states are not made vulnerable by under capacity or outdated technology in transmission and distribution systems in neighbouring and transit countries; Reiterates that subsequent recommendations must include full impact assessments of both national plans and union objectives in this regard;
Amendment 651 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to concentrate their efforts on driving projects of common interest (PCIs) forward, with a view to achieving a pan- European ‘'super grid' with the capacity to transmit power across EU countries from multiple sources and therefore capable of diverting energy from surplus to deficit areas, thereby allowing the market to instantly respond to interruptions of supply wherever they occur; Further stresses that such efforts must focus particularly on resolving the problems arising from existing energy islands;
Amendment 664 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Stresses that the Energy Union should also contribute towards an "Energy Investment Union", ensuring that the more than €1trillion of investment required in the coming years in order to revitalise Europe's economy must come predominantly from private investors, and as such represents opportunities for large investors, as well as individual consumers and private citizens; Notes that in order to create an environment which facilitates and makes the best use of private finance, investor certainty is key;
Amendment 667 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Believes that in view of the vast investment needs for ageing and inadequate distribution grids and the majority of renewable energy sources being connected at distribution grid level, specific initiatives to foster DSO investments including financial instruments should be considered by the Commission and the Member States; Strongly recommends that such investments be prioritised by Member States;
Amendment 712 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Stresses the need to create a robust legislative framework that empowers consumers and makes them active participants in the market as investors and stakeholders; notes that consumers' involvement can be strengthened through, inter alia, consumer financial participation, energy cooperatives and, micro- generation andinitiatives and feed in schemes, as well as enhanced transparency of prices and consumer choices; points out that such initiatives could contribute to reducing energy prices and helpa more competitive and well-functioning internal energy market, which, in turn, could help reduce overall consumer energy bills and address serious social problems, such as fuel poverty;
Amendment 720 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Notes that a more decentralised and flexible energy system, with power and heat sources being placed closer to the point of consumption, can facilitate small- scale energy generation and therefore empowers consumers to be more involved in the energy market and control their own energy use, diminishes transmission and distribution losses, improves the resilience of energy infrastructure, and simultaneously provides local business opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises; calls on the Commission and the Member States, therefore, to facilitate further development and expansion of local and regional renewable energy sources and of local and regional distribution networks and district heating networks through policies that tackle existing barriers and help bring about market transformation; calls on the Commission to propose guidelines on energy self-consumption in order to promote its use and protect the rights of consumers;
Amendment 737 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
Amendment 747 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Notes that following the European Council conclusions of 23 and 24 October 2014, post-2020 EU state that an indicative target at the EU level of at least 27% is set for improving energy- efficiency targets must be non-binding and not apply at national levelin 2030 and that this will be reviewed by 2020, having in mind an EU level of 30% and recalls the European Parliament support for a binding energy efficiency target of 40% in this regard; welcomes the commitment of the European Commission to bear in mind the objective of 30% when revising the Energy Efficiency Directive;
Amendment 748 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Notes that following the European Council conclusions of 23 and 24 October 2014, post-2020 EU state that an indicative target at the EU level of at least 27% is set for improving energy- efficiency targets must be non-binding and not apply at national level; in 2030 and that this will be reviewed by 2020, having in mind an EU level of 30%, as well as an EU level binding target of at least 27% for the share of renewable energy; Recalls the European Parliament support for a binding energy efficiency target of at least 40% and a binding renewable energy target of at least 30% in this regard; welcomes the commitment of the European Commission to bear in mind the objective of 30% when revising the Energy Efficiency Directive;
Amendment 753 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Calls on the Commission to strictly apply the energy efficiency first principle;
Amendment 756 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Calls on the Commission to identify and remove remaining barriers to energy efficiency measures, and to develop a genuine market in energy efficiency in order to foster transfer of best practices and ensure availability of products and solutions throughout the EU with aim of building a true single market in energy efficiency products and services;
Amendment 777 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Notes that improvements in energy- efficiency pursued on a cost-effective basis will make a key contribution to energy security, competitiveness and the achievement of climate objectives; stresses, however, that gains in energy efficiency cannot replace diversification of energycalls in this regard for energy efficiency projects to be treated as key infrastructure investments and for such measures to be treated on equal terms with investments in new generation capacity; stresses, however, that gains in energy efficiency must complement diversification of energy supply, and such diversification must include efforts to find the most efficient and sustainable sources of energy in order to contribute to overall security of supply;
Amendment 793 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Recognises the benefits of increasing renewable energy in the heat market, in particular in buildings; Stresses the increased flexibility of thermal infrastructure and storage in facilitating the integration of intermittent renewable sources by storing energy in the form of heat; Reiterates that energy security can be increased by development of district heating/cooling networks which are an ideal means of integrating sustainable heat into cities on a large scale since they can simultaneously deliver heat derived from a range of sources and are not inherently dependent on any one source;
Amendment 798 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Believes that it will be important to avoid over-prescriptive legislation that can constrain domestic policy choices about howndustry needs clear signals from policy makers in order to make the necessary investments in achieving the EUs energy objectives; therefore highlights the need for ambitious targets and a regulatory framework that promotes innovation without creating unnecessary administrative burden in order to best to promote energy efficiency within a national context;
Amendment 824 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Stresses that a caun ambitious revision of existing energy efficiency legislation, including the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and the Energy Efficiency Directive, is needed in order not to undermine nationalalongside proper implementation of such legislation by Member States, in order to facilitate the achievement of national targets and complement those policies already in place which operate within the 2020 climate and energy framework; calls on the Commission to review the EU energy- efficiency legislation by no sooner than 20182015 as set out in the Annex to the Framework Strategy on Energy Union;
Amendment 847 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Acknowledges vital role that local authorities of European cities undoubtedly make an importantin contribution towards energy independence by increasing energy- efficiency through engaging civil society and local residents to find the best local solutions, developing cogeneration, modernising district heating systems, increasing the use of cleaner public transport, encouraging more active travel models and the renovatingon and insulation of buildings;
Amendment 871 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Underlines that the only way for the EU manufacturing industry to stay cost competitive is to lead the world in resource and energy efficiency, underlines in this regard the crucial role of renewables in the EU energy mix in attaining its greenhouse gas reduction targets, reduction of overall energy costs and strengthened energy security; Underlines the increasingly important role of energy from renewable sources for securing energy supply in the EU in the long term; draws attention to the fact that the production costs of renewables have considerably dropped in recent years; underlines that, in this regard, the current market design should be improved by fully integrating renewables into the market and introducing cost-reflective balancing prices;
Amendment 879 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Urges the Commission to undertake a clear national break-down of the resulting renewable energy development to foster investor certainty, which must lead to binding and enforceable national commitments in this regard; Recalls the detrimental effect of retroactive changes to incentive mechanisms which have been particularly damaging to the investment climate for renewables during the past three years and should be targeted as a priority;
Amendment 896 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 b (new)
Paragraph 36 b (new)
36b. Stresses that achieving the decarbonisation goals depends on the right market conditions for investment in energy efficiency, renewables and smart infrastructures; the Energy Union should prioritise market-based instruments for the promotion of low-carbon energy sources as a means to ensure that the energy transition takes place in the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way;
Amendment 897 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 b (new)
Paragraph 36 b (new)
36b. Stresses the need for traceability and sustainability criteria for fossil fuels;
Amendment 905 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Stresses, however, that the EU must employ a technology-neutral approach to decarbonising our energy systems, adopting strategies for using and promoting not only renewable energy sources but also other low-emission sourcensure a level playing field with regard to national subsidy and state aid regimes, which does not unfairly reinforce market dominance of incumbent technologies and operators, but allows free and fair competition, with regard to decarbonising our energy systems; Welcomes in this regard the Commission's report on subsidies and costs of EU energy; calls on the Commission, in this respect, to revise its Energy and Environmental State Aid Guidelines in a way which will provide for an equitable treatment of energy production from different energy sourc from 10th October 2014, and calls on the Commission to annually update this report, in order to better identify which sectors and areas are in need of additional funds, and those sectors vulnerable to market distortions as a result of subsidies; Calls in this context for the redistribution of subsidies in order to focus on the entire innovation chain in order to unlock the full potential of existing and developing technologies in order to strengthen domestic energy production with a view to the EU climate, energy and security objectives;
Amendment 913 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Stresses, however, that the EU must employ a technology-neutral approach to decarbonising our energy systems, adopting strategies for using and promoting not only renewable energy sources but also other low-emission sources of energy; calls on the Commission, in this respect, to revise its Energy and Environmental State Aid Guidelines in a way which will provide for an equitable treatment of energy production from different energy sources;
Amendment 922 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Paragraph 37 a (new)
37a. Stresses the need to end environmentally harmful subsidies, which need to be identified and phased out urgently, since these subsidies are a waste of scarce public money which are used first for supporting polluting practices and later for cleaning up;
Amendment 935 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Stresses that decarbonisation which is not pursued through a technology-neutral approach could result in a drastic increase in energy costs in some Member States, which would lead tothe transition to a competitive and sustainable low carbon economy offers significant opportunities in terms of new jobs, innovation, growth, and lower commercial and domestic energy bills; Recognises however that these opportunities can only be realised through strong cooperation between the Commission, Industry, Member states, local and regional authorities and citizens, leading to the most effective incentives and regulatory frameworks; Notes that decarbonisation should not result in increased energy costs , energy poverty, deindustrialisation of the European economy and a subsequentor rises in unemployment; stresses that it therefore needs to beReiterates therefore that it is a sovereign decision of each Member State on how to decarbonise its economy; in line with the relevant EU targets and all relevant legislation;
Amendment 943 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 c (new)
Paragraph 38 c (new)
38c. Calls for a revision of the Energy Taxation Directive in line with the polluter pays principle; state aid and taxation of energy production should be based on energy content and the total climate impact in terms of CO2 emissions;
Amendment 945 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 c (new)
Paragraph 38 c (new)
38c. Is convinced that the promotion of a circular economy and greater resource efficiency can lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, thereby making a vital contribution to meeting climate and energy challenges;
Amendment 954 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Recognises that indigenous energy sources such as nuclear, clean coal technologies and fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage (CCS) would make a fundamental contribution to EU energy security and decarbonisation, with shale gas facilitating the transition to a low- emission economy; believes, in this respect, that the Energy Union must reflect the need for the EU to use all low and lower emission sources at Member States' disposalsafe and sustainable indigenous energy sources would make a fundamental contribution to EU energy security and decarbonisation;
Amendment 969 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39a. Stresses that a high level of environmental protection must be ensured in the context of considering energy security; recalls, in this connection, the environmental, climate and health risks and impacts related to the extraction of unconventional fossil fuels;
Amendment 988 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Believes that while it is for Member States to determine the best mix of policies and technologies to deliverir energy mix, EU level coordination of policies and technological development is absolutely necessary in order to deliver on Europe's decarbonisation and national climate change targets; recognises that in some areas, such as product standards, EU-level policies are the most effective, while in others Member States may choose to work togetherand that in many other areas such as infrastructure development, close cooperation and coordination between Member States is crucial;
Amendment 998 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Calls on the Commission to put forward proposals for establishing a Modernisation Fund, which should have strict criteria and guidance to ensure that funding is targeted at genuine energy modernisation projects, which would be selected based on a technology-neutral approach and on whether they are demonstrably consistent with attainment of the EU's 2030 and 2050 greenhouse gas objectives, and energy security objectives;
Amendment 1004 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41a. Stresses that the European Investment Bank should be involved in establishing previously mentioned criteria and guidance for the Modernisation Fund;
Amendment 1008 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the development of the Energy Union takes due consideration of requirements forensures environmental protection, biodiversity and the competitiveness of European industry;
Amendment 1038 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 b (new)
Paragraph 43 b (new)
43b. Notes that improved vehicle performance standards and fuel efficiency are crucial for both reducing EU oil dependency and cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore calls on industry, Member States and the Commission to continue and accelerate their efforts in this field; for the period beyond 2020 asks the Commission to review the CO2 emission standards for cars and vans; notes, however, that the long-term solution for cutting transport emissions and ensuring energy demand reduction and diversification of supply lies in alternative fuels and in electrification with renewable electricity and in promotion of more sustainable modes of transport;
Amendment 1062 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Calls on the Commission to intensify its research efforts regarding the better use of Europe's indigenous resources, both conventional and unconventional including the market uptake and deployment of energy efficient technologies;
Amendment 1073 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44a. Underlines the importance of investments in technological innovation and market penetration of smart grids and meters, as well as smart consumer friendly applications and services.
Amendment 1074 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44a. Stresses that research, science and innovation are essential for a swift transition to a low carbon economy and for the competitiveness of European companies; Highlights that internationally, the EU should remain a leader in climate action, maintaining our strong position in innovative clean technologies will present substantial economic opportunities as other major economies take action to decarbonise; Notes that continued progress in low carbon innovation is vital for the future of Europe's industrial sector and can make the European Union a world leader in renewables;
Amendment 1140 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49 a (new)
Paragraph 49 a (new)
49a. Underlines that Energy Union marks a significant step forward in the way energy policies are coordinated and implemented, and that due to the substantial impact such policies will have on Europe's Energy Security, economic and social landscape and environmental policy, requires an open, transparent and inclusive means of governance; reiterates that the Energy Union hinges upon establishing a robust system of governance which ensures full implementation of the relevant Union law within Member States, guarantees regular reporting and information exchange, and ensures the full participation of the European Parliament; calls in this regard on the Commission to present on an annual basis, a report on the implementation of the policies and projects under the Energy Union Strategy which shall be made public and considered as part of Energy Union implementation scrutiny conducted by the European Parliament and which shall include detailed data from Member States on; – transposition of all relevant EU regulations; – policy and projects implementation; – any shortcomings and problems identified in implementation; – a review of the state of play on implementation of energy union objectives for the preceding year; – a list of actions and targets for the following year as a roadmap to better implementation to be used as part of the report for the following year; Insists that this report be presented to the plenary session of the European Parliament for debate, and is accompanied by a Parliamentary Resolution in ensuring an open and transparent discussion of the progress in this regard;