Plenary debates and votes in Strasbourg on new guidelines for selecting energy projects for EU funding in order to better align them with the EU’s Green Deal objectives. MEPs also decide whether to apply the urgent procedure process to a recent proposal by the Commission setting an obligatory 80% gas storage level ahead of next winter to ensure security of supply.

debate

plenary session

vote

Transeuropean Energy Networks (T)

KRASNODĘBSKI, Zdzisław (ECR, PL)

energy union (T)

URPILAINEN, Jutta (FI, EC)

KARLSBRO, Karin (Renew, SE)

TOUSSAINT, Marie (Greens/EFA, FR)

BERGKVIST, Erik (S&D, SE)

BERENDSEN, Tom (EPP, NL)

Trans-European energy infrastructure: statement by Zdzisław KRASNODĘBSKI (ECR,PL), rapporteur, extracts from the debate and results of the vote

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/23051283/1649173301578_I223417Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

Title: Trans-European energy infrastructure: statement by Zdzis&#322;aw KRASNOD&#280;BSKI (ECR,PL), rapporteur, extracts from the debate and results of the vote

SOUNDBITE (English), Zdzisław KRASNODĘBSKI (ECR, PL), Rapporteur, First of all, we introduced new criterias such as sustainability because we had to harmonise this regulation, this revision with climate goal of the Union. But there are also other critical criteria which are in the previous regulation. That means security of supply interconnectors that we integrate the networks in electricity and gas in Europe.

SOUNDBITE (English), Zdzisław KRASNODĘBSKI (ECR, PL), Rapporteur, One of the of the discussion we had also in parliament between the institutions was the question is, can we still support the interconnectors in gas, natural gas? It was controversial. Actually, as the rapporteur, I pointed out that it is still necessary. Now we know that it would be necessary to build a new connectors between LNG terminals and some member states. It was actually refused by majority and we decided not to finance any more the new projects, but the old ones should be finished. And there's only the derogation for island countries like Cyprus and Malta. This is that the only exception.

SOUNDBITE (English), Jutta URPILAINEN, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Over the past years, the EU has diversified energy sources and strengthen its security of supply. We have more interconnectors and more LNG terminals across the EU, which has helped us to diversify gas imports. Even so, we are still dependent on Russian gas. So with our Repower-EU strategy, we are determined to phase out Russian gas well before 2030. This means ramping up the production of green energy, something that the revised TEN-E regulation will help us to do.

SOUNDBITE (French), Marie TOUSSAINT (Greens/EFA, FR), Antonio Guterres yesterday denounced dangerous radicals, those countries that continue to invest in fossil fuels. This text provides key rights, and it authorises a mix of gas and hydrogen to continue to maintain public investment in fossil fuels. Such as, for instance, for the LNG terminals we just heard about. Without regard to the exceptions granted to Cyprus or Malta, which was closely linked to the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

SOUNDBITE (Dutch), Tom BERENDSEN (EPP, NL), At the moment, under the present energy crisis, which has become worse because of the terrible war in the Ukraine, it has become clear that the EU is too dependent on energy sources and therefore it can be held. Hostage because of this situation. So this package is an important step towards more European cooperation.

SOUNDBITE (Swedish), Erik BERGKVIST (S&amp;D, SE), In Ukraine, a few weeks ago, they were connected to the European energy systems and that is positive. It creates increased stability and security. Nobody should have to suffer cold in Europe. Today's decision will create a greener and warmer Europe for European citizens. A Europe, where we can turn on more light of hope.

SOUNDBITE (Swedish), Karin KARLSBRO (Renew, SE), We have to liberate ourselves from oil, gas supplies, regardless of where. They come from. If we want to meet our climate targets, fossil fuels cannot be a part. Of our future. European countries need more cooperation to secure our energy supply without CO2 emissions. The Stone Age didn't end because we ran out of stones. Let's not build ourselves into obsolete solutions. Let's not waste money on gas. Let's invest in modern, sustainable, CO2 free energy production and distribution.

Cutaways - announcement of the opening of the vote (7 shots)

Results of the vote: 628 voters / 410 + / 146 - / abstention: 72