Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world. Therefore in December 2019 the Commission presented a communication on a European Green Deal that sets out a detailed vision to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, safeguard biodiversity, establish a circular economy and eliminate pollution, while boosting the competitiveness of European industry and ensuring a just transition for the regions and workers affected.

Parliament has played an important role in pushing for more ambitious EU climate legislation and declared a climate emergency on 28 November 2019.&nbsp; The European Climate Law writes&nbsp;into law the goal to become climate neutral by 2050 and attain the intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels).&nbsp;After 2050 the EU will aim for negative emissions. In July&nbsp;2021 the European Commission presented its “Fit for 55 in 2030” package-the legislative tool to deliver on the targets agreed in the European Climate law.

The EP adopted the new Nature restoration law during its February plenary. The new law sets a target for the EU to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. The EU nature restoration law, agreed with member states, will restore degraded ecosystems in all member states, help achieve the EU’s climate and biodiversity objectives and enhance food security.

To reach the overall EU targets, member states must restore at least 30% of habitats covered by the new law (from forests, grasslands and wetlands to rivers, lakes and coral beds) from a poor to a good condition by 2030, increasing to 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. In line with Parliament’s position, EU countries should give priority to&nbsp;Natura 2000 areas&nbsp;until 2030. Once in a good condition, EU countries shall ensure an area does not significantly deteriorate. Member states will also have to adopt national restoration plans detailing how they intend to achieve these targets.

European Green Deal

Lex Signing ceremony: - signature of the European Climate Law by David SASSOLI, EP President and Joao MATOS FERNANDES on behalf of the Presidency of the Council

EP Plenary session - European Climate Law

Press conference on the 6th Trilogue on the EU Climate law

6th Trilogue on the EU Climate law

The Legal Affairs (JURI) Committee adopt its position on a draft bill on the protection of the environment through criminal law. The proposal introduces new environmental crimes and sanctions for companies and individuals. Extracts from the vote and statement by Antonius MANDERS (EPP, NL), Rapporteur.

Vote on Environmental crimes - JURI Committee: statement by Antonius MANDERS (EPP, NL), Rapporteur and extracts from the vote

The US Inflation Reduction Act is a huge investment bill pouring over US$369 billion into the American economy. It favours clean energy and technology made in the US or in countries America has a trade agreement with, which is not the case for the European Union. Considering how to integrate its climate, energy and industrial policies, so as to contribute towards climate goals and energy security while retaining the global competitiveness of its economy, the EU proposed a Green deal industrial plan. Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - EU response to the US Inflation Reduction Act

This infoclip shows the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure with electric cars, electric and hybrid public transport, hydrogen train and hydrogen refuel stations for trucks . On 14 July 2021, the European Commission presented a package of proposals to equip the EU's climate, energy, land use, transport and taxation policies to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030, compared with 1990 levels – the 'fit for 55' package. The package includes a proposal to revise the 2014 directive on alternative fuels infrastructure and turn it into a regulation.

Infoclip: Deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure

During the summer of 2022, parts of Europe experienced drought conditions exacerbated by heat waves. On 9 August, a senior European Commission researcher said it seemed to be Europe's worst year in 500 years, which was confirmed by the Global Drought Observatory. The footage shows dried-out agricultural fields, cracked earth, agricultural irrigation of fields and dried riverbeds and watercourses.

Infoclip: Climate change - Drought situation in Europe

The Industry, Research and Energy Committee will adopt its positions on two draft bills that are part of the “Fit for 55” package to fight climate change. MEPs will vote on new EU targets to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and increase energy efficiency. The measures would also support the EU’s energy sovereignty and security in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Following the vote, Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), rapporteur, holds a press conference on the revision of the renewable energy directive.

Press conference by Markus PIEPER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, on the revision of the renewable energy directive

MEPs vote on three draft laws that are part of the “Fit For 55” package - the Revision of the Emissions Trading System (ETS), the Social Climate Fund and the Carbon Border Adjustment Fund - following their postponement during the previous session.

Fit for 55: extracts from the voting session on 3 reports - Revision of the EU trading system, Social climate fund and Carbon border adjustment

MEPs votes on eight draft laws aimed at combatting climate change and protecting European jobs and citizens. Plenary rejects the report on the Emissions Trading System including for aviation. MEPs decides to send back to Committee the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and the Social Climate Fund. MEPs adopts the reports on CO2 emissions reductions for new cars, land use and forestry and effort sharing.

Fit for 55: extracts from the voting sessions

The EP press service organises a seminar for media on the Fit for 55 package, with Environment Committee Chair Pascal Canfin and MEPs in charge of the legislative files. Emissions, taxonomy, energy dependency and the impact of the war are among the topics discussed.

european climate law (T)

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