MEPs approved on Wednesday the proposal presented in December by the European Commission on the Green Deal - with 482 votes in favour, 136 against and 95 abstentions. Ireland’s Green MEPs today gave a cautious welcome to the European Green Deal presented by new European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen in the European Parliament in Brussels. Direct access to language menu (press "Enter"), Direct access to search menu (press "Enter"), Parliament supports European Green Deal and pushes for even higher ambitions, MEPs welcome the EU plan to become climate neutral by 2050, This requires a higher 2030 emission reductions goal of 55%, Supports ambitious sustainable investment plan to achieve the Green Deal, Investment in renewable energy to achieve climate neutrality should also create new jobs ©Shutterstock.com/Jodi C, The resolution will be available here (15.01.2020), EP Research briefing on the European Green Deal, Press release: ”Green deal for Europe: First reactions from MEPs” (11.12.2019), Press release: “The European Parliament declares climate emergency” (21.11.2019), Press release: “Climate change should be Parliament’s first priority, according to citizens” (29.11.2019), A European Green Deal (Commission’s proposal). To prevent carbon leakage due to differences in climate ambition worldwide, Parliament calls for a WTO-compliant carbon border adjustment mechanism. Domestic capitals agreed in December to cut their net emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 (from 1990 levels) - which would mean a cut in actual "real" emissions of 50.5 - 52.8 percent. European Parliament budget committee calls on Commission to clarify how it will fund renewables policy. “Parliament overwhelmingly supported the Commission’s proposal on the Green Deal and welcomes the fact that there will be consistency between all European Union policies and the objectives of the Green Deal. MEPs urge Commission to put Green Deal on ice amid COVID-19 crisis. The Green Deal aims to achieve climate-neutrality by 2050. The 'carbon budget' approach is commonly shared by NGOs and scientists as the best way to achieve the climate action required by the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. The Irish MEPs, along with their Greens/EFA group in the Parliament have been calling for an ambitious Green Deal for Europe that will take the radical action needed to address the climate and biodiversity emergencies and … [Green Deal] MEPs agree carbon border tax - heavy industries protected. After 50 years, where do Roma rights stand now? European Green Deal Gets an Upgrade by MEPs Posted on 17 January 2020 The demand for legally binding targets on a number of policies from the Green Deal package are crucial for achieving the level of ambition that the Green Deal is set out to achieve. The CEO of Italian energy giant Eni was granted access to commissioners and EU officials to push for gas in the bloc's energy transition - while being on trial in an alleged billion-dollar corruption scandal. "If the climate law is to steer that process, we need to be ready in spring," said Guteland. "MEPs are the directly elected representatives of European citizens who have marched in the streets for and called for much greater climate action," he added. But highly-sensitive issues remain unsolved in the 'trilogue' negotiations. But its role will be limited to "assisting" the European Environment Agency. Green Deal 'MEPs are the directly elected representatives of European citizens who have marched in the streets for and called for much greater climate action,' warned said Romain Laugier from WWF Europe (Photo: John Blower ) The draft compromise proposal, seen by EUobserver, also labels as "not acceptable" the parliament's call to make the net-zero emissions target for 2050 binding for every country. The 'Choosing Green' debate will address some of the most important and most complex key areas relating to the global green transition. One of the new European Commission’s priorities is the Green Deal and Canfin, a climate expert and one of the (few) influential Frenchmen in the Parliament, has already positioned himself as a leading voice pushing for an ambitious package. Negotiations topics include the possibility of having targets to decarbonise certain economic sectors, the timeline to establish the intermediary 2040 target, and the role of the European Climate Change Council (ECCC). Before voting on the Green Deal, MEPs will first discuss legislative proposals to help EU communities succeed in making the transition to low carbon, on Tuesday. His appearance also marked a major shift in relations after the previous US administration under Donald Trump. Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of people in 50 countries believe that climate change is an emergency, according to a recent UN survey. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. Speed up reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions. Lead rapporteur MEP Jytte Guteland expects that most MEPs will support at least 60-percent target for 2030. We highly appreciate your support and value your feedback. Green Deal Centre-right European People’s Party MEPS remain divided, with some saying that a 55 percent reduction target for 2030 is 'unrealistic' (Photo: DerGuy82) By Elena Sánchez Nicolás Despite the pandemic, there is still widespread recognition of climate change as a global emergency. When you have eliminated the JavaScript , whatever remains must be an empty page. Meanwhile, environmentalists have warned that only a 65-percent emissions-reduction target that excludes carbon sinks would be in line with science. Make the Green Deal work: MEPs to discuss funding with the Commission. A Green Deal for Europe was unveiled by the European Commission last December as one of the key features of new Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s policy platform. "There is still a big elephant in the room," MEP Jytte Guteland, the European Parliament's key negotiator on the bill, told EUobserver. Opposition to the EU’s Green Deal promoted by EU Commission leader Ursula von der Leyen is growing among Angela Merkel’s CDU/CSU MEPs in the European Parliament. Higher targets for energy efficiency and renewable energy, including binding national targets for each member state for the latter, and a revision of other pieces of EU legislation in the field of climate and energy are needed by June 2021, they add. "When it comes to the 2030 climate target, it is essential that the council of the European Union and commission pay heed to the more ambitious position of MEPs," said Romain Laugier from WWF Europe. Parliament wants the upcoming Climate Law to include higher ambitions for the EU’s 2030 goal of emissions reductions (55% in 2030 compared to 1990, instead of “at least 50% towards 55%”, as proposed by the Commission). Our exclusive news stories and investigations. The parliament, for its part, wants a 60-percent emission-reduction in the next decade. MEPs convened in a plenary session to discuss with Ursula von der Leyen and Frans Timmermans the roadmap to a climate-neutral continent. Policies to tackle the climate crisis are at the heart of the Deal, which commits the EU to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, with a European Climate Law to be presented by March 2020. Concluding the two-hour debate, the Commissioner in charge of the Green Deal, Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans, answered some of the MEPs’ most urgent questions on ways to finance the energy transition in central and eastern member states, and how to ensure that European and non-EU countries’ industries can compete under similar rules. MEPs propose to have this independent scientific body to control whether EU policy is consistent with climate goals and monitor progress annually. EU capitals say it needs to be a joint effort. Parliament adopted on Wednesday its position on the European Green Deal, unveiled by Commission President von der Leyen in a plenary debate in December. Join the Nordic climate debate on 17 November! MEPs back European Green Deal The European Parliament has voted to support the European Commission’s EUR1trn investment plan to leverage private finance. The Green New Deal is a four part program for moving America quickly out of crisis into a secure, sustainable future. So far, member states have rejected lawmakers' calls to increase the 2030 emissions-reduction target, backing up the European Commission's initial proposal. Why Iran desperately wants a new nuclear deal. Thu 16 Jan 2020. Beyond the Brussels power play, politicians were responding to … The European Climate Law aims to make the bloc's goal of reaching climate-neutrality by 2050 irreversible and legally-binding. MEPs have voted in favour of introducing a carbon border tax on selected imports from less green nations, aimed at protecting Europe's economy and businesses against carbon-emitting competitors outside the bloc. Mar, 07:04. Trilogues are a set of meetings on legislative proposals between representatives of the parliament, the council and the commission. The leader of the Parliamentary Party Markus Pieper told news magazine FOCUS: The Green Deal was a gigantic challenge for an economy in top shape. MEPs welcome the European Green Deal and support an ambitious sustainable investment plan to help close the investment gap. Agriculture, trade and economic governance and other policy areas must now be seen and analysed in the context of the Green Deal”, said Pascal Canfin (RE, FR), Chair of the Environment Committee. John Kerry, the US special presidential envoy, was in Brussels to discuss how to tackle climate change with the European Commission. For European Commission vice-president Frans Timmermans, the Common Agricultural Policy has to answer to "higher expectations" on climate action, protection of biodiversity and environmental sustainability, while ensuring a fair income for all farmers. You must be … Posted on 17 January 2020. Although the Covid-19 pandemic has stalled climate negotiations, work has not stopped. The "European Green Deal" lists legislative proposals, financial instruments and action plans in different sectors, with a timetable. After the corona […] Members of the European Parliament's environment committee on Thursday will vote on a crucial report about the new EU climate law. Concluding the two-hour debate, the Commissioner in charge of the Green Deal, Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans, answered some of the MEPs’ most urgent questions on ways to finance the energy transition in central and eastern member states, and how to ensure that European and non-EU countries’ industries can compete under similar rules. Parliament adopted on Wednesday its position on the European Green Deal, unveiled by Commission President von der Leyen in a plenary debate in December . European Green Deal Gets an Upgrade by MEPs. 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Last month, negotiators made progress on some parts of the law that would force Brussels to create an emissions-cutting target for 2040, and require member states to create plans to adapt to climate-related events such as increased heatwaves, floods or droughts. If you have any thoughts on this story, we would love to hear it. The demand for legally binding targets on a number of policies from the Green Deal package are crucial for achieving the level of ambition that the Green Deal is set out to achieve. MEPs seek numbers for Green Deal sums. Watch our editor-in-chief Koert Debeuf explain the reasons in this 30-second video. Enable JavaScript to see Google Maps. But EU institutions' positions on the course of action are still far apart, according to a document seen by EUobserver. The deal, presented by new President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in the European Parliament in December, sets out the Commission’s plans for a green transition. EU lawmakers also proposed that each country should be encouraged to establish a climate advisory body, but national governments fear that these committees could "overlap" and "undermine" leading international scientific bodies, such as the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It will ensure that our environmental policies plant inclusive seeds for social and economic change, by decreasing social inequalities, reducing imbalances between bigger and smaller Member States, getting rid of geographical disparities as well as disparities between women and men and between generations. MEPs urge reviewing EU list of energy projects in light of Green Deal. Investigative. But at least 13 member states have already national expert advisory bodies in place. But EU institutions' positions on the course of action are still far apart, according to a document seen by EUobserver. The EU aims to be climate neutral in 2050. Last month, negotiators made … "The 2030 target is really important for every institution, but we cannot be in a situation where we need to eat what some else has cooked. Influential. The European Green Deal provides an action plan to. They also want an interim target for 2040 to ensure the EU is on track to reach climate neutrality in 2050. boost the efficient use of resources by moving to a clean, circular economy; restore biodiversity and cut pollution; The plan outlines investments needed and financing tools available. The EU's unprecedented climate law will be unveiled on Wednesday, making its 2050 climate-neutrality goal irreversible, but proposal has been criticised for postponing action on the 'climate emergency'. euobserver.com - Nordic Council of Ministers • 13d. The next round of negotiations is to take place next week (12 March). Inspired by the New Deal programs that helped us out of the Great Depression of the 1930s, the Green New Deal will provide similar relief and create an economy that makes our communities sustainable, healthy and just. [Green Deal] EU capitals water down MEPs' ambition in climate law. Although the agenda is not finalised, the core targets are unlikely to be discussed then. To win MEPs over, she promised a European Green Deal within 100 days of taking office. A number of prominent MEPs who had expressed interest in the post did not enter into the competition, and instead, MEPs elevated David Sassoli, an Italian social democrat. Social Media ToolKit; Digital Masterclasses; Studies; Publications; Documentation centre; Archives; Access to documents; Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Consultations; European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) Visit us; … The last report published by the UN climate change shows "governments are nowhere close to the level of ambition needed to limit climate change to 1.5 degrees and meet the goals of the Paris Agreement," said UN secretary-general António Guterres last week. National governments, led by the Portuguese presidency, have watered down provisions that MEPs are trying to introduce to raise the bar of the first-ever EU climate law. Berlin. While the European Commission, Council, and several MEPs are “convinced the trade agreement toes the line laid out by the Green Deal programme” and would “give leverage to the EU” to pursue its climate goals and impose its environmental, labour and human rights standards, other MEPs … Green deal for Europe: First reactions from MEPs Esther De Lange (EPP, NL) . "Nature doesn't bargain, and you cannot make deals with physics", activist Greta Thunberg, and a group of 30 youth environmentalists warned, after dubbing the unprecedented EU climate law 'a surrender' for ignoring a carbon budget. euobserver.com - Nordic Council of Ministers • 1h. It explains how to ensure a just and inclusive transition. Following Parliament’s recent declaration of a climate emergency, Commission President von der Leyen unveiled the Commission’s plans to achieve climate neutrality in the EU by 2050, on Wednesday in the Brussels Chamber. The European Parliament supported the European Green Deal on Wednesday, however, it also highlighted “challenges, including ensuring a just and inclusive transition and the need for high interim targets”, said the Parliament in a press release. Student or retired? Independent. Live on EUobserver from 10:00 (CET). Green groups warned that if heavy industry continues to receive free allowances even after a carbon border levy is in place, this would essentially be a double subsidy for those sectors. EU lawmakers want to reach an agreement on the climate law before June - when the commission is expected to present a package of climate and energy laws to achieve the new 2030 target. Then this plan is for you. We highly appreciate your support and value your feedback. Does new EU-ACP deal really 'decolonise' aid? The resolution was adopted with 482 votes for, 136 against and 95 abstentions. MEPs stress that they will amend any legislative proposals to meet the objectives of the Green Deal. Members of the European Parliament have written to the European Commission voicing concern that EU … Say NO to EU-Mercosur Trade Deal Let’s rebuild a fairer, greener and more sustainable trade policy Commission refers Poland to ECJ - quotes from Terry Reintke & Dr Sylwia Spurek MEPs support the European Green Deal, but highlight challenges, including ensuring a just and inclusive transition and the need for high interim targets. Green Deal Going Local; Regions getting results; Regional Hubs; Resources. If other parts of the world do not play along these lines too, the EU should reconsider open... Iratxe García (S&D, ES) . MEPs on the environment committee warned on Thursday (1 October) that they will again object to any proposal from the European Commission that lowers protection for bees and other pollinators. We need to have a compromise," she added. The EU should adopt these targets well in advance of the UN climate change conference in November, MEPs say. Photo credit: Adobe Stock. After the European Green Deal was first put forward by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in December, MEPs have now agreed to adopt the Deal under the condition that amendments are made. "The European Commission must correct this," the WWF warned. MEPs support the European Green Deal, but highlight challenges, including ensuring a just and inclusive transition and the need for high interim targets. your membership gives you access to all of our stories. Nearly 40 MEPs have asked that the European Green Deal, a Commission flagship policy, is dropped for the time being due to the coronavirus crisis. European Green Deal gets an upgrade by MEPs Posted on 15 January 2020 With a large majority and cross-party support, Parliament today backed the European Green Deal proposed by the Commission in December, and demanded higher ambition. , your membership gives you access to all of our stories. They also call for an adequately funded just transition mechanism. Our European Green Deal will put Europe on the path of long-term, sustainable growth and prosperity. Parliament adopted on Wednesday its position on the European Green Deal, unveiled by Commission President von der Leyen in a plenary debate in December. Commission demands equal treatment of EU presidents, Hundreds of thousands log on for 'spare' Belgian vaccinations, EU Parliament probes Czech MEP on China ties, Italy's mafias - boosted by Covid, now eyeing EU's billions, Report: The prevalence of men who use internet forums characterised by misogyny. The possibility of creating a "carbon budget" of the total greenhouse gasses the EU could emit without undermining its climate goals will also be discussed next week, but national governments have previously rejected this idea.