Enshrining the Paris Agreement in EU law

The European Parliament has today backed a report from Greens/EFA co-rapporteurs Michele Rivasi and Claude Turmes which provides the framework for putting the Paris Climate Agreement into practice. The proposals contained in the report form the parliament’s position on a key part of the European Commission’s Clean Energy Package.
 
Greens/EFA co-rapporteur Claude Turmes comments:
 
“This is a great victory for the climate and citizens. The European Parliament has now set out a strong framework for turning the ambitions of the Paris climate agreement into reality. For the first time, we are proposing a “carbon budget” which will set out exactly what can still be emitted into our atmosphere if we are to comply with the 1.5 and 2 degrees limits set out in Paris and achieve a net-zero carbon economy by 2050.
 
"The report also sets in place measures to counteract some of the weaknesses found elsewhere in the clean energy package. By setting out credible trajectories for the roll-out of renewables and energy efficiency, we can ensure that member states still achieve the objectives."
 
Greens/EFA co-rapporteur Michele Rivasi comments:
 
"European citizens are at the heart of our proposals. By establishing a climate and energy dialogue platform, we can make sure that people and their local representatives have a real say on national climate strategies. This will make climate policy more transparent and inclusive and more reactive to the needs of citizens.
 
"It is a disgrace that in Europe so many people find themselves unable to afford the cost of heating their homes. By introducing planning and reporting obligations for member states, we can help reduce the number of citizens affected by energy poverty."
 
Key features of the report:
 
•    Establishing credible trajectories for the roll-out of renewables and energy efficiency until 2030 and putting in place strong corrective measures in case of any delays or shortfalls (so-called ‘gap filler’).
•    Introducing the concept of “carbon budget” for the first time into EU law in order to identify what can still be emitted in the atmosphere to comply with the 1.5°/2°C commitments under Paris Agreement.
•    Establishing permanent climate and energy dialogue platform so that citizens, local authorities and all affected stakeholders have their say in the formulation of long-term strategies and national plans
•    Responding to energy poverty by introducing planning and reporting obligations to reduce the number of citizens affected by energy poverty in Member States where they compose a significant share of the population.
 
Next steps
 
The Council reached a General Approach on 18 December and is ready for trilogue. The Bulgarian Presidency is keen to make progress with the negotiations. First trilogues are expected to take place late February.