Dokumenter - Think Tank - Europa-Parlamentet

Studie - Issues at stake in view of the COP29 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku-Scaling up climate action and support - 17-10-2024

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 22:00:00 GMT

This study provides an overview of the status of international climate negotiations and issues at stake at the COP29 climate change conference. It also addresses the current implementation of the Paris Agreement, the climate policies of key Parties and the stakeholders in the negotiations. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI).

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2024 - EP

Briefing - Europe's 2040 climate target and path to climate neutrality by 2050 - 12-09-2024

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 22:00:00 GMT

The IA offers a convincing explanation of the need to set a 2040 climate target. It is crucial, for instance, to provide predictability for the Member States, stakeholders, investors and decision makers, and to step up the current pace of emissions reductions across all sectors in order to meet the 2030 target. The assessment includes three policy options for analysis. The theoretical option 1 (O1) corresponds to the linear trajectory under the ECL and is assessed as being below the baseline. Option 2 (O2) corresponds to the baseline. Only option 3 (O3), which involves a minimum 90 % reduction in GHG emissions compared to 1990, goes beyond the baseline. This rather limited choice of options raises concerns about the completeness and realism of the alternatives, not least in light of the significant long-term challenges and corresponding EU policy ambitions. In line with the requirements of the Better Regulation Guidelines (BRG), the IA assesses a wide range of economic, environmental and social impacts and includes a comparison of options based on their effectiveness, efficiency, coherence and proportionality. The IA uses a number of economic modelling tools to quantify impacts, including the benefits of climate change mitigation, in order to ensure robust results. It ultimately concludes that O3 – the preferred option – is the most effective one for achieving EU climate neutrality by 2050. Additionally, it would position the EU as a strong leader in global climate action. When choosing the preferred option, the IA takes into account, inter alia, the strategic autonomy goals and discusses the evolution of the energy system, along with the need to decrease the EU's dependency on energy imports. While the IA warns against new dependencies on raw materials or technology from non-EU countries, it does not specify, for example, which factors will influence the scale-up of renewable hydrogen in the EU (considered key), or what amounts of this substance will need to be imported and from which countries. It also avoids discussing the evolution of global demand for critical raw materials in 2031-2040, and the impact this will have on third countries' labour conditions and local communities, or other impacts of increased mining. Nor does it examine the wider geopolitical context in this regard. Overall, the main IA report is comprehensive, self-standing and includes all necessary information further detailed in the annexes. However, in addition to twice exceeding the recommended length of 40 pages of text (BRG, p. 34), this complex IA report contains a number of formatting and proof reading errors that hinder its readability and transparency. Additionally, while the IA consistently references stakeholders' opinions, clearer statements regarding their support of the initiative would have been beneficial. The proposed target to reduce GHG emissions by 90-95 % compared to 1990 levels by 2040 aligns with the ECL's commitment to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2024 - EP

Briefing - CO₂ emission performance standards and reporting obligations for new heavy-duty vehicles - 10-09-2024

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Road transport is a major contributor to climate change. CO2 emissions from heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) have grown steadily and account for over a quarter of road transport CO2 emissions. On 14 February 2023, the European Commission tabled a legislative proposal to revise Regulation (EU) 2019/1242 setting CO2 emission standards for new HDVs in the EU. The proposed revision would expand the scope of the regulation to include urban buses, coaches, trailers and additional types of lorries. The average CO2 emissions of trucks and coaches, compared with 2019 levels, would have to fall by 45 % from 2030, by 65 % from 2035, and by 90 % from 2040 onwards. The proposal set a target date when all newly registered urban buses would have to be zero-emission vehicles. The co-legislators reached a provisional agreement on the proposal in January 2024. The regulation was adopted on 14 May 2024, entered into force on 26 June 2024, and started applying from 1 July 2024. Fifth edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2024 - EP

Briefing - Revision of EU air quality legislation: Setting a zero pollution objective for air - 19-04-2024

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in the EU and causes significant damage to ecosystems. As part of the European Green Deal's zero pollution ambition, on 26 October 2022 the European Commission tabled a proposal for a revision of the Ambient Air Quality Directives. The proposed directive would set air quality standards for 2030 that are more closely aligned with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, as updated in 2021. It would also include a mechanism for the standards' regular review based on the latest scientific information. To achieve them on time, the Member States would have to establish air quality plans ahead of 2030. Provisions on air quality monitoring and assessment would be updated, including through new requirements for monitoring pollutants of emerging concern, such as ultrafine particles. Stakeholders' reactions to the proposal have been mixed. Non-governmental organisations call for full alignment with the WHO guidelines by 2030 at the latest, and for penalties if the 2030 deadline is missed. Industry representatives insist on the need to meet current standards first, before aiming for higher ones. �Ϸ��վ and the Council reached a provisional agreement on the file on 20 February 2024. The text, approved in March by Member States representatives in the Council and by �Ϸ��վ's Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, now requires formal adoption by the co-legislators. �Ϸ��վ is expected to vote on the final text during its second April 2024 part-session. Third edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2024 - EP

Briefing - Hearings of European Commissioners-designate: Wopke Hoekstra - Climate - 28-09-2023

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 22:00:00 GMT

This Briefing concerns a portfolio change in the European Commission in mid-mandate and takes the same format and approach as those Briefings published in September 2019 to give Members of the European �Ϸ��վ an overview of major issues of interest in the context of the Hearings of the Commissioners-designate.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2023 - EP

Oversigt - Towards cleaner air for Europe - 06-09-2023

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 06:43:34 GMT

During its September session, �Ϸ��վ will vote on the report adopted by its Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) on a proposal to revise EU air quality legislation. The report as voted would form �Ϸ��վ's position for negotiations with the Council, which has still to agree on its general approach.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2023 - EP

Oversigt - Revision of the industrial emissions directive - 05-07-2023

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 14:58:24 GMT

In July, �Ϸ��վ will vote on the report adopted by its Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) on a Commission proposal updating EU rules to prevent and control pollution from industry. The report, as voted, would form �Ϸ��վ's position for trilogue negotiations with the Council.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2023 - EP

Briefing - EU Taxonomy: Environmental Delegated Act and amending Climate Delegated Act - 05-07-2023

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 22:00:00 GMT

This briefing has been prepared to support the parliamentary scrutiny of two delegated acts (DA) supplementing Regulation (EU) 2020/852 (‘Taxonomy Regulation’) as regards the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment: i) the Delegated Regulation establishing the technical screening criteria for determining the conditions under which an economic activity qualifies as contributing substantially to the sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources, to the transition to a circular economy, to pollution prevention and control, or to the protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems (‘Environmental Delegated Act’) and amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2178 (‘Disclosure Delegated Act’) as regards specific public disclosures for those economic activities; and ii) the amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2139 (‘Climate Delegated Act’) as regards the establishment of the technical screening criteria for determining the conditions under which an economic activity qualifies as contributing substantially to climate change mitigation or climate change adaptation. In accordance with the empowerments set out in Articles 10(3),11(3) ,12(2), 13(2), 14(2) and 15(2) of the Taxonomy Regulation , the Commission shall adopt DAs to establish technical screening criteria (TSC) determining the conditions under which an economic activity qualifies as contributing substantially to one or more of the objectives listed under Article 9, and for determining whether that economic activity causes no significant harm to any of the other objectives. In addition, the Commission is empowered to adopt a DA on disclosure obligations under Article 8(4).

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2023 - EP

Oversigt - Research for TRAN Committee - Perspectives for the rolling stock supply in the EU - 01-07-2023

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 22:00:00 GMT

This At a glance note summarises the study providing an assessment of the foreseeable demand and supply of rolling stock up to the year 2030 and highlightING the obstacles to the provision of rolling stock, which may potentially hinder the attainment of EU goals in rail transport. The study provides the basis to consider whether or not there is a necessity to incentivise rolling stock supply within the EU (including imports and/or domestic production) and provides policy recommendations relevant to EU decision-making. The EU market is mature and expected to growth.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2023 - EP

Oversigt - Research for REGI Committee - The impact of the gas supply crisis on the Just Transition Plans - 20-06-2023

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

This At a glance note summarises the study Tproviding information on the current and potential impact of the gas supply crisis on the Just Transition Plans (JTPs). The evidence is based on the analysis of EU gas and energy supply dependencies, trade linkages with Russia, the general EU’s policy framework, Just Transition Mechanism (JTM), REPowerEU plan and the investigation of six case studies. It concludes with specified policy recommendations reflecting the implemen tation of the JTM, the JTPs in the light of risks of the energy crisis.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2023 - EP

Briefing - Updating CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles - 31-05-2023

Tue, 30 May 2023 22:00:00 GMT

The IA is underpinned by solid internal and external expertise and based on integrated modelling coherent with the interlinked European Green Deal and the REPowerEU initiatives. It is transparent on methods, builds on specifically updated assumptions and addresses potential uncertainties with two sensitivity analyses. Despite slight weaknesses in the definition of the problems and objectives, the intervention logic of the initiative is clear. The IA's annexes contain a lot of relevant information and form part of the analysis, notably as regards the policy options' details and their assessment. The IA's accessibility and transparency would have benefitted from a more coherent presentation of the options' features, their interlinkages and the effect on the selection of the preferred options, particularly for non-expert readers. For the level of emission targets, the IA leaves the choice of a 'preferred' option to the policymakers, while indicating that the highest targets would lead to the fastest deployment of ZEV and to a strengthening of EU innovation and competitiveness. It considers the impact on SMEs in a proportionate manner, also based on their targeted consultation.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2023 - EP

Oversigt - Reducing methane emissions in the energy sector - 03-05-2023

Wed, 03 May 2023 12:06:07 GMT

The European Commission has proposed a regulation on methane emissions reduction in the energy sector. The proposal aims to address emissions from the oil, gas and coal sectors through measuring, reporting and verification requirements, and through setting stricter rules on leak detection and repair, as well as limiting venting and flaring. �Ϸ��վ's Committees on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) and on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) adopted a joint report that puts forward significant amendments to the original proposal. The report is scheduled for a plenary vote in May, which would set �Ϸ��վ's position for trilogue negotiations with the Council.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2023 - EP

Briefing - EU rules for renewable hydrogen: Delegated regulations on a methodology for renewable fuels of non-biological origin - 05-04-2023

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 22:00:00 GMT

Renewable hydrogen has the potential to play a significant role in the energy system as a versatile energy carrier and feedstock that can help decarbonise a variety of applications in areas such as heavy industry, chemicals manufacturing, transportation, and electricity generation and storage. Hydrogen can be produced through the electrolysis of water with renewable electricity, using different setups that vary in terms of cost, impact on the electricity system and carbon emissions. Today, renewable hydrogen makes up a small fraction of total hydrogen production. Most hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels and, although cheaper, it causes carbon emissions. Demand for renewable hydrogen is expected to grow quickly as the need for climate-friendly solutions increases. While the falling cost of renewable electricity certainly plays a role in boosting this demand, sustaining it still requires support measures aimed at growing the market and bringing down the cost of electrolysers. To avoid a situation where renewable electricity used for hydrogen production is diverted away from other uses, it is important to ensure additionality, i.e. additional renewable electricity capacity for renewable hydrogen production. On 10 February 2023, in line with the requirements of the Renewable Energy Directive, the Commission adopted two delegated regulations: one defining rules on renewable hydrogen production and clarifying the additionality criteria for renewable electricity, and another setting out a methodology to calculate lifecycle GHG emissions. �Ϸ��վ and the Council of the EU have four months to approve or reject the rules, but they cannot amend them. On 28 March 2023, the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) decided not to raise an objection to the delegated regulation on additionality. Having in place definitive criteria for renewable hydrogen is key to making investment decisions and to launching EU and Member State initiatives that can support the growth of the European hydrogen industry.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2023 - EP

Oversigt - Revision of the Ozone Regulation - 27-03-2023

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 09:11:43 GMT

The Ozone Regulation, in force since January 2010, is the main legal instrument governing ozone-depleting substances (ODS). In April 2022, the European Commission proposed a new regulation on ODS aimed at increasing the efficiency of the existing measures and rules, and ensuring more comprehensive monitoring, while also making administrative simplifications and saving costs. �Ϸ��վ is expected to vote on the proposal during the March II 2023 plenary session, and thereby set its position for trilogue talks.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2023 - EP

Studie - Research for TRAN committee: Environmental challenges through the life cycle of battery electric vehicles - 27-03-2023

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 22:00:00 GMT

This study provides an up-to-date expert assessment and comparison between the life cycle’s carbon footprint of BEV and ICEV passenger cars. It presents evidence from the literature and from LCA modelling and concludes with policy recommendations. The analysis includes sensitivities, regional variations for six Member States, and also the effects of technical and legislative development on the potential outlook up to 2050.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2023 - EP

Oversigt - Revision of the Effort-sharing Regulation - 08-03-2023

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 13:35:11 GMT

The EU's effort-sharing legislation covers greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in sectors that were not included in the EU emissions trading system (ETS). To reduce emissions in these sectors for the 2021-2030 period, the Effort-sharing Regulation (ESR) establishes binding national targets and sets up annual emissions allocations (AEAs) for each Member State. In July 2021, the European Commission submitted a proposal to amend the regulation. A provisional agreement was reached on 8 November 2022 in interinstitutional negotiations. �Ϸ��վ is due to vote at first reading on the agreed text during the March I plenary session.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2023 - EP

Oversigt - G7 climate club - 06-03-2023

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 23:00:00 GMT

Open, cooperative and inclusive – these are the adjectives used by the Group of Seven (G7) leaders to describe the climate club, a global initiative launched in December 2022 to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement. Its objective is to encourage nations with bold climate goals to join forces as a way to speed up the transition towards net-zero emissions by 2050 and contribute to reaching the targets of the Paris Agreement on climate change. A climate club may help to address coordination and implementation challenges arising from other instruments and initiatives, such as the EU's new carbon border adjustment mechanism and Green Deal industrial plan, and the US Inflation Reduction Act.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2023 - EP

Oversigt - What if increased energy storage could help fix climate change? - 23-02-2023

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 23:00:00 GMT

The European Union is committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, which requires a drastic increase in the share of energy from renewable sources in the electricity mix. However, the availability of some renewable energy sources is variable and intermittent, creating concerns about system reliability. Devising new energy storage capacities could solve this issue and contribute to the EU's climate neutrality goal.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2023 - EP

Oversigt - Research for REGI Committee - Cohesion Policy in EU Coal Regions - 14-02-2023

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 23:00:00 GMT

Decarbonisation brings both significant challenges and opportunities for coal regions. This At a glance note summarises the study analysing the implementation and impact of Cohesion Policy, including Just Transition Funds, in EU coal regions. Looking retrospectively at the 2014-2020 programming period and forward to the 2021-27 period, the study concludes that Cohesion Policy has made, and is likely to continue to make a real contribution to achieving smarter, greener and more socially connected development of EU coal regions.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2023 - EP

Briefing - ReFuelEU Aviation initiative: Summary of �Ϸ��վ's and Council's positions - 14-02-2023

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 23:00:00 GMT

On 14 July 2021, the European Commission presented the 'fit for 55' package, which includes a number of proposals to help cut emissions from transport. One of these proposals – the ReFuelEU Aviation initiative – sets out provisions aimed at increasing the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels. �Ϸ��վ and the Council have adopted their initial positions. Interinstitutional negotiations on the final wording of the rules started in September 2022. The Council and �Ϸ��վ positions both seek to amend the Commission proposal, inter alia with regard to eligible fuels. They also seek to ramp up obligations linked to the use of sustainable aviation fuels and the use of revenue generated by financial penalties. This briefing offers a short comparison of the positions of the two co-legislators on a number of different aspects of the initiative: the fuel mandate for increasing the share of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF); the definition of SAF; the level playing field and fuel tankering; which airports and aircraft operators the initiative should apply to; and how to use the revenue from fines.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2023 - EP

Oversigt - CO2 emission standards for new cars and vans - 08-02-2023

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 17:32:40 GMT

The 'fit for 55' package contains several legislative proposals aimed at reducing CO2 emissions in the transport sector. Emissions in this sector have barely fallen since 2005, because of increased transport demand. One of the proposals addresses road transport emissions by setting stricter CO2 emission standards for new cars and vans. On 27 October 2022, the �Ϸ��վ and Council reached a trilogue agreement on the proposal. The vote on the agreed text is expected during the �Ϸ��վ's February II 2023 plenary session.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2023 - EP

Briefing - Climate change [What Think Tanks are thinking] - 03-02-2023

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 23:00:00 GMT

Last year’s UN Climate Change Conference, COP27, made some headway in efforts to fight climate change, but its overall progress was limited. The gathering agreed to create a loss-and-damage fund, to support poorer countries disproportionately affected by climate change while only being responsible for a small share of global greenhouse gas emissions. Governments at COP27 also called for reform of the International Monetary Fund and the multilateral development banks, to align global public finance with the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate. However, the meeting produced barely any new initiatives on climate mitigation, which are needed to take to keep alive the Paris 1.5°C temperature-reduction goal. The European Union is debating a response to the US Inflation Reduction Act, which provides for US$369 billion investment in energy security and combatting climate change, but may threaten to lure away from Europe some clean-tech corporate investment. This note offers links to recent commentaries, studies and reports from international think tanks on climate issues. More papers on the topic can be found in a previous edition of ‘What Think Tanks are Thinking.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2023 - EP

Briefing - Revision of the EU Ambient Air Quality Directives - 19-10-2022

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 22:00:00 GMT

Air pollution is a serious issue with tangible negative effects on health, the environment, economies and societies. The EU has developed a policy on air quality to help Member States reduce air polluting emissions. Although emissions have been falling for the past two decades, exceedances for certain harmful pollutants are still widespread and persistent. A 2019 Commission fitness check of the EU Ambient Air Quality Directives (AAQDs), which are central to EU air quality policy, shows that the two directives 'have not ensured that sufficient action is taken throughout the EU to meet air quality standards and keep exceedances as short as possible, resulting in a mixed picture'. The identified deficiencies require a revision of the AAQDs, which also need to be adapted to the priorities of the European Green Deal and in particular to its zero pollution pillar. �Ϸ��վ, which scrutinised implementation of the AAQDs in 2021, will be a co-legislator in this revision. This briefing presents findings on the implementation of the directives and thus aims to inform parliamentary decision-making.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2022 - EP

Oversigt - FuelEU Maritime – Sustainable maritime fuels - 12-10-2022

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 22:00:00 GMT

In July 2021, the European Commission presented its 'fit for 55' package of legislative proposals aimed at ensuring that the EU-27 will achieve the targets set in the European Green Deal, the Climate Law and the Paris Agreement. The package includes the FuelEU Maritime proposal, which aims to stimulate demand for clean fuels and help to cut carbon emissions within the maritime sector. Following a vote by the Committee on Transport and Tourism, the �Ϸ��վ is expected to vote on its position on the proposal during its October II session.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2022 - EP

Studie - Research for TRAN Committee: Pricing instruments on transport emissions - 11-05-2022

Tue, 10 May 2022 22:00:00 GMT

This briefing provides an overview of pricing instruments on road transport CO2 emissions. It presents the current use of these instruments in the EU, the main EU legal framework in this field including the expected developments, and the impacts these instruments may have on the road transport sector and society in general.

Kilde : © Den Europæiske Union, 2022 - EP