### 4. highlights the importance of further encouraging and supporting initiatives aimed at the use of alternative fuels and propulsion methods for shipping in accordance with the principle of technological neutrality; points out , in this regard , the value of liquefied natural gas (lng) as a transitional solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in inland waterway transport; notes that the existing , technically mature vessels and distribution infrastructure now based on lng could be used for biogas and will therefore be essential in scaling up bio-lng as a marine fuel; ### 4. highlights the importance of quickly stepping up the availability and roll-out of alternative fuels , alternative fuels' infrastructure and propulsion methods for shipping with a network approach and in accordance with the principle of technological neutrality; points out that inland waterway transport can be suitable for the deployment of hydrogen , lng , sustainable fuels , biofuels , hybrid and electric vessels , when the eu directs adequate research funding this way as well as incentivises and improves the scalability of required investments; welcomes the use of all readily deployable options to reduce inland navigation emissions , including bridging fuels and transitional systems , such as improved catalysts and filters for existing ships; points out , in this regard , the value of liquefied natural gas (lng) as a transitional solution to reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions in inland waterway transport , as lng emits less co2 , nox and particulate matter than conventional inland waterways fuels; notes that the existing , technically mature vessels and distribution infrastructure now based on lng could be used for biogas and will therefore be essential in scaling up bio-lng as a marine fuel;


### 5. highlights that low-emission and zero-emission alternatives should become more financially attractive than conventional propulsions and that this trend should be accelerated , for example by a realistic , progressively increasing blending percentage based on an impact assessment; ### 5. highlights that low-emission and zero-emission alternatives should become more widely available and more affordable and that the uptake of these fuels should be accelerated , for example by a realistic , progressively increasing blending percentage based on an impact assessment as well as by regulatory stability and financial support , including through the granting of tax incentives by member states;


### 7. notes that far-reaching digitalisation and data collection contributes to a cleaner environment and improved safety on board and result in more efficient routing and better communication and information exchange between ships , ports and infrastructure; stresses the need to further harmonise river information services (ris) , which would solve the problems arising from different interpretations of technical standards and the lack of comparable data , and underlines the need to prepare for interoperable data exchange with other modes of transport; ### 7. notes that far-reaching digitalisation and data collection contributes to a cleaner environment and improved safety on board and result in more efficient routing , less congestion in ports and better communication and information exchange between ships , ports and infrastructure; calls for a strategy to develop and deploy digital and automated technologies in the inland waterway sector , outlining both interoperable standards , across modes and borders as well as the required research actions and funding , including via dedicated calls within horizon europe; stresses the need to update technical standards in the field of inland navigation (cesni) and further harmonise river information services (ris) , which would simplify procedures in the field of regulating inland navigation , solve the problems arising from different interpretations of technical standards and the lack of comparable data , and allow for the speedy development and deployment of innovative solutions , and underlines the need for interoperable data exchange with other modes of transport;


### 7. notes that far-reaching digitalisation and data collection contributes to a cleaner environment and improved safety on board and result in more efficient routing and better communication and information exchange between ships , ports and infrastructure; stresses the need to further harmonise river information services (ris) , which would solve the problems arising from different interpretations of technical standards and the lack of comparable data , and underlines the need to prepare for interoperable data exchange with other modes of transport; ### 7. notes that far-reaching digitalisation and data collection contributes to a cleaner environment and improved safety on board and result in more efficient routing and better communication and information exchange between ships , ports and infrastructure; stresses the need to take into account technical standards in the field of inland navigation (cesni) and to further harmonise in this regard river information services (ris) , which would solve the problems arising from different interpretations of technical standards and the lack of comparable data , and underlines the need to prepare for seamless interoperable data exchange with other modes of transport;


### 8. stresses the importance of connecting existing digital transport policy frameworks and of making sure that transport data are available through a single point of access in order to achieve efficiency gains in waterborne freight transport; calls on the commission in this regard to come up with an eu action plan for multimodal transport data sharing , with the goal of achieving a synchromodal , connected and automated transport system by 2035 at the latest; ### 8. stresses the importance of connecting existing digital transport policy frameworks and of making sure that multimodal transport data are available through a single point of access in order to achieve efficiency gains in waterborne freight transport; calls on the commission in this regard to come up with an eu action plan for multimodal transport infrastructure and data sharing , with the goal of achieving an interoperable , synchromodal , connected and automated transport system by 2035 at the latest;


### 9. highlights that increased automation brings the reality of synchromodal transport in europe closer; insists therefore on the need for a european roadmap for smart and autonomous inland waterway transport systems that supports research , the development and successful implementation of smart ships and ports , and digital interoperability; ### 9. highlights that increased automation brings the reality of synchromodal transport in europe closer; insists therefore on the need for a european roadmap for smart and autonomous inland waterway transport systems that supports research , the development and successful implementation of smart ships and ports , and digital interoperability; raises in this regard the valued contribution of cesni standards related to crew , vessels and information technology;


### 9. highlights that increased automation brings the reality of synchromodal transport in europe closer; insists therefore on the need for a european roadmap for smart and autonomous inland waterway transport systems that supports research , the development and successful implementation of smart ships and ports , and digital interoperability; ### 9. highlights that increased automation brings the reality of synchromodal transport in europe closer; insists therefore on the need for a european roadmap for smart and autonomous inland waterway transport systems that supports future-oriented legislation , research , pilot projects and field labs , the development and successful implementation of smart ships and ports , based on intelligent transport systems , and digital interoperability;


### 9. highlights that increased automation brings the reality of synchromodal transport in europe closer; insists therefore on the need for a european roadmap for smart and autonomous inland waterway transport systems that supports research , the development and successful implementation of smart ships and ports , and digital interoperability; ### 9. highlights that increased automation brings the reality of synchromodal transport in europe closer; insists therefore on the need for a european roadmap for smart and autonomous inland waterway transport systems that supports research , the development and successful implementation of smart ships and ports , and digital interoperability; stresses the great potential of inland waterway transport for autonomous waterborne travel;


### ports: from transshipment point for fossil fuels to clean energy hub ### ports: from transshipment point for fossil fuels to clean energy and circular hub


### 10. stresses the role of inland ports as strategic , multimodal nodes in the logistics system; stresses , therefore , that inland ports as well as sea ports should have efficient connections with a focus on connecting to the ten-t core and comprehensive corridors where possible; ### 10. stresses the role of inland ports as strategic , multimodal nodes in the logistics system; stresses , therefore , that inland ports as well as sea ports should have efficient connections so that they should be deemed to be components of a multimodal approach to transport which are worthy of funding , as well as connecting to the ten-t core and comprehensive corridors;


### 11. highlights that the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure should take into account the potential demand and market characteristics of a port; stresses , therefore , that a european rollout strategy of alternative fuels for multimodal use through the ten-t revision and directive 2014/94/eu on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure (afid) should follow a network approach that leads to an efficiently planned infrastructure , based on the potential market demand characteristics of a port and , where necessary , along water routes; ### 11. highlights that the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure should take into account the potential demand and market characteristics of a port; stresses , therefore , that a european rollout strategy of alternative fuels for multimodal and industrial use through the ten-t revision and directive 2014/94/eu on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure (afid) should follow a network approach that leads to an efficiently planned infrastructure , based on the potential market demand characteristics of a port and along water routes and the principle of technology neutrality;


### 12. stresses the need to modernise inland navigation education and training , focusing on the development of green and digital skills , thereby creating attractive jobs for young people; calls , furthermore , for the proper implementation of directive (eu) 2017/2397 on the recognition of professional qualifications in inland navigation by member states by 17 january 2022; ### 12. stresses the need to modernise inland navigation education and training , focusing on the development of green and digital skills , thereby creating attractive jobs for young people; supports , in this regard , the further development of cesni standards to uphold the necessary skills for crew members on board inland navigation vessels; calls , furthermore , for the proper implementation of directive (eu) 2017/2397 on the recognition of professional qualifications in inland navigation by member states by 17 january 2022;


### 12. stresses the need to modernise inland navigation education and training , focusing on the development of green and digital skills , thereby creating attractive jobs for young people; calls , furthermore , for the proper implementation of directive (eu) 2017/2397 on the recognition of professional qualifications in inland navigation by member states by 17 january 2022; ### 12. stresses the need to modernise inland navigation education and training , focusing on the development of green and digital skills as well as on overcoming language barriers , thereby creating attractive jobs , particularly for young people , with high and harmonised social and safety standards and qualification levels; calls , furthermore , for the proper implementation of directive (eu) 2017/2397 on the recognition of professional qualifications in inland navigation by member states by 17 january 2022;


### 14. stresses the importance of existing eu funding instruments for greening and digitalising our european inland waterway transport sector , such as the connecting europe facility (cef) , horizon europe and the structural and cohesion funds , and the need to mobilise them to finance investments in alternative fuels and adequate ships and infrastructure; ### 14. stresses the importance of existing eu funding instruments for greening and digitalising our european inland waterway transport sector , such as the connecting europe facility (cef) , horizon europe , the structural and cohesion funds and the recovery and resilience facility (rff) , and the need to mobilise them to finance investments in alternative fuels , the development and roll-out of alternative propulsion systems for vessels and infrastructure;


### 15. stresses that the inland waterway sector consists mostly of smes , family businesses and smaller ports , which makes it difficult for them to make expensive investments in order to comply with the goals of the green deal; considers , therefore , that the administrative burden and cost for access to funding should be significantly reduced; ### 15. stresses that the inland waterway sector consists mostly of smes , family businesses and smaller ports , which makes it difficult for them to make expensive investments in order to comply with the goals of the green deal; considers , therefore , that the scalability of required investments should be improved and the administrative burden and cost for access to funding should be significantly reduced;


### 16. calls on the commission to set up a dedicated european inland waterway fund , including a one-stop-shop system that is easily accessible for help and assistance and has the possibility to combine projects into a single application , thus increasing the chances for funding; stresses that the fund should be financed through the reserve funds created under regulation (eu) 546/20149 , where possible complemented with national funds and contributions , and should provide for the possibility of blending with the cef and the structural and cohesion funds; ### 16. calls on the commission to set up a dedicated european inland waterway fund , including a one-stop-shop system that is easily accessible for help and assistance and has the possibility to combine projects into a single application , thus increasing the chances for funding; stresses that the fund should complement the existing reserve funds created under regulation (eu) 546/20149 with significant additional financial contributions from european and national financing instruments in order to leverage further investments from the industry and to address the current investment gap in financing the sustainable transition; this fund should also provide for the possibility of blending with the cef and the structural and cohesion funds as well as financing instruments from the european investment bank;


### 16. calls on the commission to set up a dedicated european inland waterway fund , including a one-stop-shop system that is easily accessible for help and assistance and has the possibility to combine projects into a single application , thus increasing the chances for funding; stresses that the fund should be financed through the reserve funds created under regulation (eu) 546/20149 , where possible complemented with national funds and contributions , and should provide for the possibility of blending with the cef and the structural and cohesion funds; ### 16. calls on the commission to look into the establishment of a dedicated european inland waterway fund , taking into account the member states’ difficult budgetary situation in the pandemic , including a one-stop-shop system that is easily accessible for help and assistance and has the possibility to combine projects into a single application , thus increasing the chances for funding; stresses that the fund should be financed through the reserve funds created under regulation (eu) 546/20149 , where possible complemented with national funds and contributions , and should provide for the possibility of blending with the cef and the structural and cohesion funds;


### 16. calls on the commission to set up a dedicated european inland waterway fund , including a one-stop-shop system that is easily accessible for help and assistance and has the possibility to combine projects into a single application , thus increasing the chances for funding; stresses that the fund should be financed through the reserve funds created under regulation (eu) 546/20149 , where possible complemented with national funds and contributions , and should provide for the possibility of blending with the cef and the structural and cohesion funds; ### 16. calls on the commission to set up a dedicated european inland waterway fund , covering iwt infrastructure in seaports and including a one-stop-shop system that is easily accessible for help and assistance and has the possibility to combine projects into a single application , thus increasing the chances for funding; stresses that the fund should be financed through the reserve funds created under regulation (eu) 546/20149 , where possible complemented with national funds and contributions , and should provide for the possibility of blending with the cef and the structural and cohesion funds;


### passenger transport and urban mobility ### passenger transport , urban mobility and waterborne city logistics


### 17. welcomes the recent commission evaluation of the 2013 urban mobility package10 ; highlights in this regard that the expected results of the urban mobility plan (ump) , namely a reduction in co2 and air pollutant emissions , less congestion and fewer road casualties in urban areas , have not consistently materialised across the eu; calls on the commission , therefore , to encourage member states and cities to include , where possible , waterborne public transport , as a safe and effective mode of transport , in their sustainable urban mobility planning (sump) and to enhance their urban mobility data collection; stresses , furthermore , the need to include waterborne public transport means in digital mobility platforms , such as mobility as a service; ### 17. welcomes the recent commission evaluation of the 2013 urban mobility package10 ; highlights in this regard that the expected results of the urban mobility plan (ump) , namely a reduction in co2 and air pollutant emissions , less congestion and fewer road casualties in urban areas , have not consistently materialised across the eu; calls on the commission , therefore , to encourage member states and cities to include , where possible , waterborne city logistics and local freight distribution as well as waterborne public transport , as a safe and effective mode of transport , in their sustainable urban mobility planning (sump) and to enhance their urban mobility data collection; stresses , furthermore , the need to include waterborne public transport means in digital mobility platforms , such as mobility as a service;


### 8. notes the gender distribution within the agency’s senior management members , with 3 out of 5 (60%) being women; notes the gender distribution within the agency’s management board members , with 46 out of 61 (75 ,41%) being men; further notes the gender distribution within the agency’s overall staff , with 159 out of 253 (62 ,85%) being men; ### 8. notes the gender distribution within the agency’s senior management members , with 3 out of 5 (60%) being women; notes the uneven gender distribution within the agency’s management board members , with 46 out of 61 (75 ,41%) being men; further notes the gender distribution within the agency’s overall staff , with 159 out of 253 (62 ,85%) being men; asks the commission and the member states to take into account the importance of ensuring gender balance when nominating their members to the agency’s management board;


### 1. underlines that renewable energy is key for decarbonisation , and welcomes the commission’s ambition to reach 340 gw offshore renewable energy capacity by 2050; ### 1. underlines that renewable energy is key for decarbonisation , and takes note of the commission’s ambition to reach 340 gw offshore renewable energy capacity by 2050;


### 1. stresses that a net-zero emissions economy requires renewable energy to be deployed on an unprecedented scale; emphasises that if no further actions are taken to accelerate the deployment of offshore renewable energy (ore) , the eu will not be able to live up to its climate commitments; ### 1. stresses that a net-zero emissions economy requires renewable energy to be deployed;


### 2. underlines the importance of modern seaports for the assembly , manufacturing and servicing of offshore renewable energy equipment , and the considerable investment necessary to upgrade port infrastructure and vessels to provide these services; points out the role of seaports as renewable energy hubs , for electric offshore grid-connection and cross-border interconnectors , as well as for electrolysis and the storage and distribution of hydrogen and other clean alternative fuels; ### 2. underlines the importance of modern seaports for the assembly , manufacturing and servicing of offshore renewable energy equipment , and the considerable investment necessary to upgrade port infrastructure , including investment in transport terminals and infrastructure , and vessels to provide these services; points out the role of seaports , together with potentially nearby located lng terminals , as renewable energy hubs , for electric offshore grid-connection and cross-border interconnectors , as well as for electrolysis and the storage and distribution of hydrogen and other low-carbon , gases and clean alternative fuels;


### 2. recalls that offshore renewable energy has an impact on fisheries and aquaculture; calls for the establishment of dialogue and cooperation with fishers at an early stage; emphasises the need to take into account local ecosystems and specificities , with an integrated management approach via marine spatial planning; welcomes the commission’s further analysis on the interactions between offshore renewable energy and other sea activities; ### 2. recalls that offshore renewable energy has an impact on fisheries and aquaculture; calls for the establishment of dialogue and cooperation with fishers and aquaculture producers at an early stage and effective participation in any decision affecting them; emphasises the need to take into account local ecosystems and specificities , with an integrated management approach via an equitable marine spatial planning; urges the commission to conduct further analysis on the interactions between offshore renewable energy and other sea activities;


### 2. recalls that offshore renewable energy has an impact on fisheries and aquaculture; calls for the establishment of dialogue and cooperation with fishers at an early stage; emphasises the need to take into account local ecosystems and specificities , with an integrated management approach via marine spatial planning; welcomes the commission’s further analysis on the interactions between offshore renewable energy and other sea activities; ### 2. recalls that offshore renewable energy has an impact on fisheries and aquaculture; calls for the compulsory establishment of dialogue and cooperation with fishers at an early stage; emphasises the need to take into account local ecosystems and specificities , with an integrated management approach via marine spatial planning; welcomes the commission’s further analysis on the interactions between offshore renewable energy and other sea activities;


### 2. highlights that the energy production targets for ore in all of eu’s sea basins , as outlined in commission communication com(2020)0741 , are at least 60 gw by 2030 and 340 gw by 2050; highlights that the competitiveness of offshore wind energy as an energy source will continue to increase and prices will continue to fall further in step with continuous development and deployment; ### 2. highlights that the energy production targets for ore in all of eu’s sea basins , as outlined in commission communication com(2020)0741 , are at least 60 gw by 2030 and 340 gw by 2050; highlights that the competitiveness of offshore wind energy as an energy source will continue to increase and prices will continue to fall further in step with continuous development and deployment; stresses that investments in offshore wind energy must not affect the exploitation of gas in areas where there are natural gas reserves , given that natural gas is important as a transitional technology for ensuring energy security during the transition to a green economy;


### 2. highlights that the energy production targets for ore in all of eu’s sea basins , as outlined in commission communication com(2020)0741 , are at least 60 gw by 2030 and 340 gw by 2050; highlights that the competitiveness of offshore wind energy as an energy source will continue to increase and prices will continue to fall further in step with continuous development and deployment; ### 2. highlights that the energy production targets for ore in all of eu’s sea basins , as outlined in commission communication com(2020)0741 , are at least 60 gw by 2030 and 340 gw by 2050; highlights that the competitiveness of offshore wind energy as an energy source will continue to increase and prices will continue to fall further in step with continuous development and deployment; highlights that ore is weather-based and that a sustainable and reliable energy system needs a combination of low- and zero-carbon energy sources;


### 3. underlines the opportunities that offshore renewable energy can offer to coastal tourism regions , both by increasing the energy-related sustainability of tourist stays , and by balancing seasonal economic effects , providing stable and predictable jobs and growth in local renewable offshore industries and small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) all year round; ### 3. underlines the opportunities that offshore renewable energy can offer to coastal tourism regions , both by increasing the energy-related sustainability of tourist stays , and by balancing seasonal economic effects , providing stable and predictable jobs and growth in local renewable offshore industries and small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) all year round; points out that any investment in offshore wind farms should contribute as much as possible to the socio-economic development of the regions with the relevant access to the low emission fuels potentially produced as a result of the overcapacity of the res electricity;


### 3. emphasises that the deployment of offshore renewable energy should also be an opportunity for other activities , through an environmental , social and economic co-benefits approach , thus benefiting fishers and local communities; ### 3. emphasises that , although the deployment of offshore renewable energy can be an opportunity for other related activities , the social and economic effects to fishers and local communities must thoroughly be assessed;


### 4. underlines that most outermost regions and islands are still highly dependent on fossil fuel imports in spite of having opportunities for renewables; calls on the commission and the member states to pay special attention to the development of offshore renewable energy in these territories , focusing in particular on their transport needs and tourism industries; ### 4. underlines that most outermost regions and islands are still highly dependent on fossil fuel imports in spite of having opportunities for renewables; calls on the commission and the member states to pay special attention to the development of offshore renewable energy in these territories , focusing in particular on their transport needs , tourism industries and fossil fuel dependence; calls , therefore , for the initiative 'clean energy for eu islands' to be stepped up to promote best practices , and for more public and private financial support and technical assistance;


### 4. underlines that offshore renewable energy could be deployed in marine protected areas if in line with conservation objectives , in order to reduce impact on fisheries; ### deleted


### 4. underlines that offshore renewable energy could be deployed in marine protected areas if in line with conservation objectives , in order to reduce impact on fisheries; ### 4. underlines that offshore renewable energy must be in line with conservation objectives , in order to reduce impact on fisheries;


### 5. recalls that the need for further offshore renewable energy development applies to all of europe’s sea-basins and that areas with widely untapped offshore renewable potential , such as the mediterranean sea , require special attention , including through innovative technologies such as floating offshore wind , wave and tidal energy , while front runners , such as the north sea , must continue to develop and to defend their leading global position for the benefit of europe as a whole; ### 5. recalls that the need for further offshore renewable energy development applies to all of europe’s sea-basins and that areas with widely untapped offshore renewable potential , such as the mediterranean sea , require special attention , including through innovative technologies such as floating offshore wind , wave and tidal energy , while front runners , such as the north sea , must continue to develop and to defend their leading global position for the benefit of europe as a whole; the tremendous natural potential for offshore wind energy and good natural potential for wave and tidal energy in the atlantic and its outermost regions , some of which are pioneers in island decarbonisation , should be reflected in the atlantic action plan , revised in 2020 , and help strengthen cross-border synergies;


### 5. recalls that the need for further offshore renewable energy development applies to all of europe’s sea-basins and that areas with widely untapped offshore renewable potential , such as the mediterranean sea , require special attention , including through innovative technologies such as floating offshore wind , wave and tidal energy , while front runners , such as the north sea , must continue to develop and to defend their leading global position for the benefit of europe as a whole; ### 5. recalls that the need for further offshore renewable energy development applies to all of europe’s sea-basins and that areas with widely untapped offshore renewable potential , such as the mediterranean or baltic sea , require special attention , including through innovative technologies such as floating offshore wind , wave and tidal energy , while front runners , such as the north sea , must continue to develop and to defend their leading global position for the benefit of europe as a whole;


### — having regard to the commission recommendations of may 2020 for positive interactions between offshore wind farms and fisheries , ### deleted


### b. whereas the transition to a net-zero greenhouse gas (ghg) economy requires a clean energy transition that ensures sustainability , security of supply and affordability of energy; ### b. whereas the transition to a net-zero greenhouse gas (ghg) economy requires a clean energy transition that ensures sustainability , security of supply and affordability of energy while recognising that sustainability and carbon footprint across the value chain has to be taken into consideration when deploying offshore renewable energy;


### b. whereas the transition to a net-zero greenhouse gas (ghg) economy requires a clean energy transition that ensures sustainability , security of supply and affordability of energy; ### b. whereas the transition to a net-zero greenhouse gas (ghg) economy requires a clean energy transition that ensures sustainability , energy efficiency , security of supply and affordability of energy;


### c. whereas the dramatic fall in renewable offshore energy prices has made it one of the cheapest sources of energy and consequently a critical element in the green transition , paving the way for a modern , resource-efficient and competitive economy , and has also made it one of the most important pillars of the eu’s climate ambitions; ### c. whereas the decrease in renewable offshore energy prices has made it an affordable source of energy and consequently an element in the green transition , paving the way for a modern , resource-efficient and competitive economy;


### 8. notes the gender balance within the agency’s senior management members , with 20 out of 25 (80 %) being men; notes the gender balance in the agency’s management board , with 60 out of 80 (75 %) being men; notes the gender balance within the agency’s overall staff , with 508 out of 744 (68 ,28 %) being men; ### 8. notes with concern the lack of gender balance within the agency’s senior management members , with 20 out of 25 (80 %) being men and in the agency’s management board , with 60 out of 80 (75 %) being men; notes the gender balance within the agency’s overall staff , with 508 out of 744 (68 ,28 %) being men; asks the agency to ensure gender balance at the management and staff levels in the future; asks the commission and the member states to take into account the importance of ensuring gender balance when nominating their members to the agency’s management board;


### 6. notes that the agency is outsourcing some recurrent tasks in order to free up highly skilled experts , so that they are available for more strategic tasks; acknowledges the continuous efforts by the agency to become more efficient , freeing up resources , including qualified staff; ### 6. notes that the agency is outsourcing some recurrent tasks to member states in order to free up highly skilled experts , so that they are available for more strategic tasks; acknowledges the continuous efforts by the agency to become more efficient , freeing up resources , including qualified staff;


### 9. notes that , in response to the covid-19 crisis and its impact on the aviation industry , the agency has taken a more conservative approach towards recruitment , striving to achieve the right balance between business needs and available resources; notes that the agency implemented a resourcing planning model with quarterly reviews , balancing prioritised business talent demand and financial impact to assure that all tasks foreseen in the strategic planning document are implemented; notes , furthermore , that due to this new resourcing procedure the agency had to put on hold some of the planned recruitments for 2020 to 2023; ### 9. notes that , in response to the covid-19 crisis and its impact on the aviation industry , the agency has taken a more conservative approach towards recruitment , striving to achieve the right balance between business needs and available resources , favouring internal mobility and temporary sharing of resources between units; notes that the agency implemented a resourcing planning model with quarterly reviews , balancing prioritised business talent demand and financial impact to assure that all tasks foreseen in the strategic planning document are implemented; notes , furthermore , that due to this new resourcing procedure the agency had to put on hold some of the planned recruitments for 2020 to 2023;


### 10. welcomes the efforts taken by the agency to improve social dialogue on topics such as harassment prevention and staff support , which constitute important aspects for the proper running of the agency´s activities and the wellbeing of its employees; notes that the agency , following social dialogue , reached an agreement containing measures to respond to the global crisis in july 2020; recalls the increasing rate of union affiliation of the agency’s staff and acknowledges the statement of the agency that the union affiliation has contributed to a wider consultation , and corresponds to a high level of uncertainty/concerns on the future of the wider aviation industry; points to the fact that it might also be related to continuing social tensions and calls on the agency to keep the discharge authority informed on this matter; ### 10. welcomes the efforts taken by the agency to improve social dialogue on topics such as harassment prevention and staff support , which constitute important aspects for the running of the agency´s activities and the wellbeing of its employees; notes that the agency , following social dialogue , reached an agreement on containment measures to respond to the global crisis in july 2020; recalls the increasing rate of union affiliation of the agency’s staff and acknowledges the statement of the agency that the union affiliation has contributed to a wider consultation , and corresponds to a high level of uncertainty/concerns on the future of the wider aviation industry; points to the fact that according to the agency its management continues to be in constant contact with its social partners to address social issues and calls on the agency to keep the discharge authority informed on this matter;


### 15. acknowledges the agency’s existing measures and ongoing efforts to ensure transparency , prevention and management of conflicts of interest , and whistleblower protection; welcomes the fact that in 2020 there were no actual cases of conflict of interest; further notes that any potential cases in the agency could be addressed with mitigating measures; acknowledges that cvs and declarations of interest of board members are published on the agency’s website; ### 15. acknowledges the agency’s existing measures and ongoing efforts to ensure transparency , prevention and management of conflict of interest , and whistleblower protection; welcomes the fact that in 2020 there were no actual cases of conflict of interest; further notes that any potential cases in the agency could be addressed with mitigating measures; notes that cvs and declarations of interest of most of the board members are published on the agency’s website;


### 23. notes that , regarding the follow-up of last year’s court report , the agency is streamlining its certification and standardisation activities by launching its sustainable aviation programme in 2020; notes that in order to attain the european ambitions in sustainability and aviation , the agency’s priorities focus on supporting and fostering new greener technologies , facilitating decarbonisation of the aviation system , and promoting operational efficiency gains with a positive impact on environmental performance; ### 23. notes that , regarding the follow-up of last year’s court report , the agency is streamlining its certification and standardisation activities by launching its sustainable aviation programme in 2020 which can significantly contribute to the implementation of the european green deal; notes that in order to attain the european ambitions in sustainability and aviation , the agency’s priorities focus on supporting and fostering new greener technologies , facilitating decarbonisation of the aviation system , and promoting operational efficiency gains with a positive impact on environmental performance;


### 24. notes , with regard to the follow-up of last year’s court report , that the agency has designated a disability coordinator , following the strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030 , who will be responsible for the reviewing the accessibility of the agency’s website; calls on the agency to report to the discharge authority on the developments in this regard; ### 24. welcomes , with regard to the follow-up of last year’s court report , that the agency has designated a disability coordinator , following the strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030 , who will be responsible for the reviewing the accessibility of the agency’s website; calls on the agency to report to the discharge authority on the developments in this regard;


### 25. notes from the agency’s replies that the agency has applied an improved social media strategy and redesigned its website to create an area that offers content for a non-specialist audience; notes that this practice allowed the agency to inform the public about the measures being taken to ensure health safety in passenger travel during the covid-19 pandemic; ### 25. notes from the agency’s replies that the agency has applied an improved social media strategy and redesigned its website to create an area that offers content for a non-specialist audience but calls on the agency to make the information contained there available in as many official languages as possible , not only in english; notes that this practice allowed the agency to inform the public about the measures being taken to ensure health safety in passenger travel during the covid-19 pandemic;


### (1) the commission has set out , in its communication of 11 december 2019 entitled ‘the european green deal’21 , a new growth strategy that aims to transform the union into a fair and prosperous society , with a modern , resource-efficient and competitive economy , where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. the commission’s communication on the climate target plan22proposing to increase the greenhouse gas emissions’ reduction level to at least 55% by 2030 - an ambition that was endorsed by the european council on 11 december 2020 - and its underlying impact assessment confirms that the energy mix of the future will be very different from the one of today and underpins the necessity to review and if necessary to revise the energy legislation. the current energy infrastructure investments are clearly insufficient to transform and build the energy infrastructure of the future. that also means infrastructure needs to be in place to support the european energy transition , including rapid electrification , scaling up of renewable electricity generation , the increased use of renewable and low-carbon gases , energy system integration and a higher uptake of innovative solutions. ### (1) the commission has set out , in its communication of 11 december 2019 entitled ‘the european green deal’21 , a new growth strategy that aims to transform the union into a fair and prosperous society , with a modern , resource-efficient and competitive economy , where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. the commission’s communication on the climate target plan22 proposing to increase the greenhouse gas emissions’ reduction level to at least 55% by 2030 - an ambition that was endorsed by the european council on 11 december 2020 - and its underlying impact assessment confirms that the energy mix of the future will be very different from the one of today and underpins the necessity to review and if necessary to revise the energy legislation. the current energy infrastructure investments are clearly insufficient to transform and build the energy infrastructure of the future. that also means infrastructure needs to be in place to support the european energy transition , including rapid electrification , scaling up of renewable and fossil-free electricity generation , the increased use of renewable and low-carbon gases , energy system integration and a higher uptake of innovative solutions.


### (1) the commission has set out , in its communication of 11 december 2019 entitled ‘the european green deal’21 , a new growth strategy that aims to transform the union into a fair and prosperous society , with a modern , resource-efficient and competitive economy , where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. the commission’s communication on the climate target plan22 proposing to increase the greenhouse gas emissions’ reduction level to at least 55% by 2030 - an ambition that was endorsed by the european council on 11 december 2020 - and its underlying impact assessment confirms that the energy mix of the future will be very different from the one of today and underpins the necessity to review and if necessary to revise the energy legislation. the current energy infrastructure investments are clearly insufficient to transform and build the energy infrastructure of the future. that also means infrastructure needs to be in place to support the european energy transition , including rapid electrification , scaling up of renewable electricity generation , the increased use of renewable and low-carbon gases , energy system integration and a higher uptake of innovative solutions. ### (1) the commission has set out , in its communication of 11 december 2019 entitled ‘the european green deal’21 , a new growth strategy that aims to transform the union into a fair and prosperous society , with a modern , resource-efficient and competitive economy , where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. the commission’s communication on the climate target plan22 proposing to increase the greenhouse gas emissions’ reduction level to at least 55% by 2030 - an ambition that was endorsed by the european council on 11 december 2020 - and its underlying impact assessment confirms that the energy mix of the future will be very different from the one of today and underpins the necessity to review and if necessary to revise the energy legislation. the current energy infrastructure investments are clearly insufficient to transform and build the energy infrastructure of the future. that also means infrastructure needs to be in place to evolve and adapt itself to support the european energy transition , including rapid electrification , scaling up of renewable electricity generation , the increased use of renewable and low-carbon gases , energy system integration and a higher uptake of innovative solutions.


### (1) the commission has set out , in its communication of 11 december 2019 entitled ‘the european green deal’21 , a new growth strategy that aims to transform the union into a fair and prosperous society , with a modern , resource-efficient and competitive economy , where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. the commission’s communication on the climate target plan22 proposing to increase the greenhouse gas emissions’ reduction level to at least 55% by 2030 - an ambition that was endorsed by the european council on 11 december 2020 - and its underlying impact assessment confirms that the energy mix of the future will be very different from the one of today and underpins the necessity to review and if necessary to revise the energy legislation. the current energy infrastructure investments are clearly insufficient to transform and build the energy infrastructure of the future. that also means infrastructure needs to be in place to support the european energy transition , including rapid electrification , scaling up of renewable electricity generation , the increased use of renewable and low-carbon gases , energy system integration and a higher uptake of innovative solutions. ### (1) the commission has set out , in its communication of 11 december 2019 entitled ‘the european green deal’21 , a new growth strategy that aims to transform the union into a fair and prosperous society , with a modern , resource-efficient and competitive economy , where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. the commission’s communication on the climate target plan22 proposing to increase the greenhouse gas emissions’ reduction level to at least 55% by 2030 - an ambition that was endorsed by the european council on 11 december 2020 - and its underlying impact assessment confirms that the energy mix of the future will be very different from the one of today and underpins the necessity to review and if necessary to revise the energy legislation. the current energy infrastructure investments are clearly insufficient to transform and build the energy infrastructure of the future. that also means infrastructure needs to be in place to support the european energy transition , including rapid electrification , scaling up of renewable and fossil free electricity generation , the increased use of renewable and low-carbon gases , energy system integration and a higher uptake of innovative solutions.


### (5) the evaluation of regulation (eu) no 347/2013 has clearly shown that the framework has effectively improved the integration of member states’ networks , stimulated energy trade and hence contributed to the competitiveness of the union. projects of common interest in electricity and gas have strongly contributed to security of supply. for gas , the infrastructure is now well connected and supply resilience has improved substantially since 2013. regional cooperation in regional groups and through cross-border cost allocation is an important enabler for project implementation. however , in many cases the cross-border cost allocation did not result in reducing the financing gap of the project , as intended. while the majority of permitting procedures have been shortened , in some cases the process is still long. the financial assistance from the connecting europe facility (cef) has been an important factor as grants for studies have helped projects to reduce risks in the early stages of development , while grants for works have supported projects addressing key bottlenecks that market finance could not sufficiently address. ### (5) the evaluation of regulation (eu) no 347/2013 has clearly shown that the framework has effectively improved the integration of member states’ networks , stimulated energy trade and hence contributed to the competitiveness of the union. projects of common interest in electricity and gas have strongly contributed to security of supply. regional cooperation in regional groups and through cross-border cost allocation is an important enabler for project implementation. however , in many cases the cross-border cost allocation did not result in reducing the financing gap of the project , as intended. while the majority of permitting procedures have been shortened , in some cases the process is still long. the financial assistance from the connecting europe facility (cef) has been an important factor as grants for studies have helped projects to reduce risks in the early stages of development , while grants for works have supported projects addressing key bottlenecks that market finance could not sufficiently address.


### (6) the ten-e policy is a central instrument in the development of an internal energy market and necessary to achieve the european green deal objectives. to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and higher levels of greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2030 , europe will need a more integrated energy system , relying on higher levels of electrification based on renewable sources and the decarbonisation of the gas sector. the ten-e policy can ensure that the union energy infrastructure development supports the required energy transition to climate neutrality in line with the energy efficiency first principle. ### (6) the ten-e policy is a central instrument in the development of an internal energy market and necessary to achieve the european green deal objectives. to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and higher levels of greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2030 , europe will need a more integrated energy system , relying on higher levels of electrification and the use of hydrogen based on renewable sources and the decarbonisation of the gas sector. the ten-e policy can ensure that the union energy infrastructure development supports the required energy transition to climate neutrality in line with the energy efficiency first principle.


### (6) the ten-e policy is a central instrument in the development of an internal energy market and necessary to achieve the european green deal objectives. to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and higher levels of greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2030 , europe will need a more integrated energy system , relying on higher levels of electrification based on renewable sources and the decarbonisation of the gas sector. the ten-e policy can ensure that the union energy infrastructure development supports the required energy transition to climate neutrality in line with the energy efficiency first principle. ### (6) the ten-e policy is a central instrument in the development of an internal energy market and necessary to achieve the european green deal objectives. to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and higher levels of greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2030 , europe will need a more integrated energy system , relying on higher levels of electrification based on renewable and fossil-free sources and the decarbonisation of the gas sector. the ten-e policy can ensure that the union energy infrastructure development supports the required energy transition to climate neutrality in line with the energy efficiency first principle.


### (6) the ten-e policy is a central instrument in the development of an internal energy market and necessary to achieve the european green deal objectives. to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and higher levels of greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2030 , europe will need a more integrated energy system , relying on higher levels of electrification based on renewable sources and the decarbonisation of the gas sector. the ten-e policy can ensure that the union energy infrastructure development supports the required energy transition to climate neutrality in line with the energy efficiency first principle. ### (6) the ten-e policy is a central instrument in the development of an internal energy market and necessary to achieve the european green deal objectives. to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and higher levels of greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2030 , europe will need a more integrated energy system , relying on higher levels of electrification based on renewable and low carbon energy sources and the decarbonisation of the gas sector. the ten-e policy can ensure that the union energy infrastructure development supports the required energy transition to climate neutrality in line with the energy efficiency first principle.


### (6) the ten-e policy is a central instrument in the development of an internal energy market and necessary to achieve the european green deal objectives. to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and higher levels of greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2030 , europe will need a more integrated energy system , relying on higher levels of electrification based on renewable sources and the decarbonisation of the gas sector. the ten-e policy can ensure that the union energy infrastructure development supports the required energy transition to climate neutrality in line with the energy efficiency first principle. ### (6) the ten-e policy is a central instrument in the development of an internal energy market and necessary to achieve the european green deal objectives. to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and higher levels of greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2030 , europe will need a more integrated energy system , relying on higher levels of electrification based on renewable and fossil free sources and the decarbonisation of the gas sector. the ten-e policy can ensure that the union energy infrastructure development supports the required energy transition to climate neutrality in line with the energy efficiency first principle.


### (6) the ten-e policy is a central instrument in the development of an internal energy market and necessary to achieve the european green deal objectives. to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and higher levels of greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2030 , europe will need a more integrated energy system , relying on higher levels of electrification based on renewable sources and the decarbonisation of the gas sector. the ten-e policy can ensure that the union energy infrastructure development supports the required energy transition to climate neutrality in line with the energy efficiency first principle. ### (6) the ten-e policy is a central instrument in the development of an internal energy market and necessary to achieve the european green deal objectives. to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and higher levels of greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2030 , europe will need a more integrated energy system , relying on higher levels of electrification based on renewable and low-carbon sources and the decarbonisation of the gas sector. the ten-e policy can ensure that the union energy infrastructure development supports the required energy transition to climate neutrality in line with the energy efficiency first principle.


### (11) security of supply , as one main driver behind regulation (eu) no 347/2013 , has been significantly improved through projects of common interest. moreover , the commission’s climate target impact assessment27 expects the consumption of natural gas to be reduced significantly because its non-abated use is not compatible with carbon-neutrality. on the other hand , the consumption of biogas , renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and synthetic gaseous fuels will increase significantly towards 2050. therefore , the natural gas infrastructure no longer needs support through the ten-e policy. the planning of energy infrastructure should reflect this changing gas landscape. ### (11) security of supply , as one main driver behind regulation (eu) no 347/2013 , has been significantly improved through projects of common interest. moreover , the commission’s climate target impact assessment27 expects the consumption of natural gas to be reduced significantly because its non-abated use is not compatible with carbon-neutrality. on the other hand , the consumption of biogas , renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and synthetic gaseous fuels will increase significantly towards 2050. therefore , natural gas infrastructures will need less support through the ten-e policy.


### (11) security of supply , as one main driver behind regulation (eu) no 347/2013 , has been significantly improved through projects of common interest. moreover , the commission’s climate target impact assessment27 expects the consumption of natural gas to be reduced significantly because its non-abated use is not compatible with carbon-neutrality. on the other hand , the consumption of biogas , renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and synthetic gaseous fuels will increase significantly towards 2050. therefore , the natural gas infrastructure no longer needs support through the ten-e policy. the planning of energy infrastructure should reflect this changing gas landscape. ### (11) security of supply , as one main driver behind regulation (eu) no 347/2013 , has been significantly improved through projects of common interest. moreover , the commission’s climate target impact assessment27 expects the consumption of natural gas to be reduced significantly because its non-abated use is not compatible with carbon-neutrality. on the other hand , the consumption of biogas , renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and synthetic gaseous fuels will increase significantly towards 2050 , which will require substantial changes for gas infrastructures to support the energy transition. therefore , the natural gas infrastructure no longer needs the same kind of support through the ten-e policy. this support should be aimed mainly at the progressive integration of hydrogen and renewable gases in gas networks. the planning of energy infrastructure should reflect this changing gas landscape and should condition the support so that gas infrastructure can be used in the future for hydrogen.


### (11) security of supply , as one main driver behind regulation (eu) no 347/2013 , has been significantly improved through projects of common interest. moreover , the commission’s climate target impact assessment27 expects the consumption of natural gas to be reduced significantly because its non-abated use is not compatible with carbon-neutrality. on the other hand , the consumption of biogas , renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and synthetic gaseous fuels will increase significantly towards 2050. therefore , the natural gas infrastructure no longer needs support through the ten-e policy. the planning of energy infrastructure should reflect this changing gas landscape. ### (11) security of supply , as one main driver behind regulation (eu) no 347/2013 , has been significantly improved through projects of common interest. moreover , the commission’s climate target impact assessment27 expects the consumption of natural gas to be reduced significantly because its non-abated use is not compatible with carbon-neutrality. on the other hand , the consumption of biogas , renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and synthetic gaseous fuels will increase significantly towards 2050. therefore , the construction of new natural gas infrastructure no longer needs support through the ten-e policy. the planning of energy infrastructure should reflect this changing gas landscape.


### (11) security of supply , as one main driver behind regulation (eu) no 347/2013 , has been significantly improved through projects of common interest. moreover , the commission’s climate target impact assessment27 expects the consumption of natural gas to be reduced significantly because its non-abated use is not compatible with carbon-neutrality. on the other hand , the consumption of biogas , renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and synthetic gaseous fuels will increase significantly towards 2050. therefore , the natural gas infrastructure no longer needs support through the ten-e policy. the planning of energy infrastructure should reflect this changing gas landscape. ### (11) security of supply , as one main driver behind regulation (eu) no 347/2013 , has been significantly improved through projects of common interest. the commission’s impact assessment in support of a 55 % emissions reduction target by 2030 expects a reduction of natural gas in the final energy demand from 22% to 16-17%27. on the other hand , the consumption of biogas , renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and synthetic gaseous fuels will increase significantly towards 2050.therefore , the natural gas infrastructure should get support through the ten-e policy only by allowing the development of natural gas pcis included in the 4th and 5th pci list , if they can prove to be already in a mature or advanced stage of planning or realisation by the entry into force of this regulation and given , that they can prove their readiness for the transport of renewable or low-carbon gases , including hydrogen. the planning of energy infrastructure should reflect this changing gas landscape.


### (11) security of supply , as one main driver behind regulation (eu) no 347/2013 , has been significantly improved through projects of common interest. moreover , the commission’s climate target impact assessment27 expects the consumption of natural gas to be reduced significantly because its non-abated use is not compatible with carbon-neutrality. on the other hand , the consumption of biogas , renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and synthetic gaseous fuels will increase significantly towards 2050. therefore , the natural gas infrastructure no longer needs support through the ten-e policy. the planning of energy infrastructure should reflect this changing gas landscape. ### (11) security of supply , as one main driver behind regulation (eu) no 347/2013 , has been significantly improved through projects of common interest. moreover , the commission’s climate target impact assessment27 expects the consumption of natural gas to be reduced significantly because its non-abated use is not compatible with carbon-neutrality. on the other hand , the consumption of biogas , renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and synthetic gaseous fuels will increase significantly towards 2050. in addition , in member states where natural gas projects represent substantial ghg emissions reduction potential , such as transition from coal or lignite to natural gas , these projects should be considered eligible under the ten-e regulation. furthermore , in some specific regions natural gas projects may still be instrumental to provide security of supply and market competition , for which ten-e eligibility should be maintained. besides these types of projects , the natural gas infrastructure needs less support through the ten-e policy. at the same time , natural gas infrastructure projects with projects of common interest status already awarded , will maintain this status until completion in order to materialise the planned and expected market and security of supply improvements as well as their contribution towards emission reduction and air pollution mitigation.


### (11) security of supply , as one main driver behind regulation (eu) no 347/2013 , has been significantly improved through projects of common interest. moreover , the commission’s climate target impact assessment27expects the consumption of natural gas to be reduced significantly because its non-abated use is not compatible with carbon-neutrality. on the other hand , the consumption of biogas , renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and synthetic gaseous fuels will increase significantly towards 2050. therefore , the natural gas infrastructure no longer needs support through the ten-e policy. the planning of energy infrastructure should reflect this changing gas landscape. ### (11) security of supply , as one main driver behind regulation (eu) no 347/2013 , has been significantly improved through projects of common interest. moreover , the commission’s climate target impact assessment27 expects the consumption of natural gas to be reduced significantly because its non-abated use is not compatible with carbon-neutrality. on the other hand , the consumption of biogas , renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and synthetic gaseous fuels will increase significantly towards 2050. therefore , the construction of new natural gas infrastructure no longer needs support through the ten-e policy. the planning of energy infrastructure should reflect this changing gas landscape.


### (12) the importance of smart electricity grids in achieving the union’s energy and climate policy objectives has been acknowledged in the communication from the commission on energy system integration28. the criteria for the category should include technological developments regarding innovation and digital aspects. furthermore , the role of projects promoters should be clarified. given the expected significant increase in power demand from the transport sector , in particular for electric vehicles along highways and in urban areas , smart grid technologies should also help to improve energy network related support for cross border high capacity recharging to support the decarbonisation of the transport sector. ### (12) the importance of smart electricity grids in achieving the union’s energy and climate policy objectives has been acknowledged in the communication from the commission on energy system integration28. the criteria for the category should include technological developments regarding innovation and digital aspects. furthermore , the role of projects promoters should be clarified. given the expected significant increase in power demand from the transport sector , in particular for electric vehicles along highways and in urban areas , smart grid technologies should also help to improve energy network related support for cross border high capacity recharging to support the decarbonisation of the transport sector. rapid deployment of the necessary electricity grid connections for efficient and high-capacity charging of electric vehicles should be prioritised along all core network corridors and in the overall ten-t network.


### (12) the importance of smart electricity grids in achieving the union’s energy and climate policy objectives has been acknowledged in the communication from the commission on energy system integration28. the criteria for the category should include technological developments regarding innovation and digital aspects. furthermore , the role of projects promoters should be clarified. given the expected significant increase in power demand from the transport sector , in particular for electric vehicles along highways and in urban areas , smart grid technologies should also help to improve energy network related support for cross border high capacity recharging to support the decarbonisation of the transport sector. ### (12) the importance of smart electricity grids in achieving the union’s energy and climate policy objectives has been acknowledged in the communication from the commission on energy system integration28 . the criteria for the category should include technological developments regarding innovation and digital aspects. furthermore , the role of projects promoters should be clarified. given the expected significant increase in power demand from the transport sector , in particular for electric vehicles along highways and in urban areas , smart grid technologies should also help to improve energy network related support for cross border high capacity recharging to support the decarbonisation of the transport sector and facilitate the installation of charging stations in regions where they are lacking.


### (13) the commission’s communication on energy system integration underlines the need for integrated energy infrastructure planning across energy carriers , infrastructures , and consumption sectors. such system integration starts from the point of departure of applying the energy efficiency first principle and taking a holistic approach beyond individual sectors. it also addresses the decarbonisation needs of the hard to abate sectors , such as parts of industry or certain modes of transport , where direct electrification is , currently , technically or economically challenging. such investments include hydrogen and electrolysers , which are progressing towards commercial large-scale deployment. the commission’s hydrogen strategy gives priority to hydrogen production from renewable electricity , which is the cleanest solution and is most compatible with the eu climate neutrality objective. in a transitional phase however , other forms of low-carbon hydrogen are needed to more rapidly replace existing hydrogen and kick-start an economy of scale. ### (13) the commission’s communication on energy system integration underlines the need for integrated energy infrastructure planning across energy carriers , infrastructures , and consumption sectors. such system integration starts from the point of departure of applying the energy efficiency first principle and taking a holistic approach beyond individual sectors. it also addresses the decarbonisation needs of the hard to abate sectors , such as parts of industry or certain modes of transport , where direct electrification is , currently , technically or economically challenging. such investments include hydrogen and electrolysers , which are progressing towards commercial large-scale deployment. the commission’s hydrogen strategy gives priority to hydrogen production from renewable electricity , which is the cleanest solution and is most compatible with the eu climate neutrality objective. for the foreseeable future , however , other forms of low-carbon hydrogen are needed to more rapidly replace existing hydrogen and kick-start an economy of scale , especially in view of the fact that weather-dependent renewable energy is by its nature unplannable , while for a satisfactory level of security of supply in the electricity grid there needs to be plannable and fossil-free energy production.


### (13) the commission’s communication on energy system integration underlines the need for integrated energy infrastructure planning across energy carriers , infrastructures , and consumption sectors. such system integration starts from the point of departure of applying the energy efficiency first principle and taking a holistic approach beyond individual sectors. it also addresses the decarbonisation needs of the hard to abate sectors , such as parts of industry or certain modes of transport , where direct electrification is , currently , technically or economically challenging. such investments include hydrogen and electrolysers , which are progressing towards commercial large-scale deployment. the commission’s hydrogen strategy gives priority to hydrogen production from renewable electricity , which is the cleanest solution and is most compatible with the eu climate neutrality objective. in a transitional phase however , other forms of low-carbon hydrogen are needed to more rapidly replace existing hydrogen and kick-start an economy of scale. ### (13) the commission’s communication on energy system integration underlines the need for integrated energy infrastructure planning across energy carriers , infrastructures , and consumption sectors. such system integration starts from the point of departure of applying the energy efficiency first principle and taking a holistic approach beyond individual sectors. it also addresses the decarbonisation needs of the hard to abate sectors , such as parts of industry or certain modes of transport , where direct electrification is , currently , technically or economically challenging. such investments include hydrogen and electrolysers , which are progressing towards commercial large-scale deployment. the commission’s hydrogen strategy gives priority to hydrogen production from renewable and low carbon electricity , which is the cleanest solution and is most compatible with the eu climate neutrality objective. in a transitional phase however , other forms of low-carbon hydrogen are needed to more rapidly replace existing hydrogen and kick-start an economy of scale.


### (13) the commission’s communication on energy system integration underlines the need for integrated energy infrastructure planning across energy carriers , infrastructures , and consumption sectors. such system integration starts from the point of departure of applying the energy efficiency first principle and taking a holistic approach beyond individual sectors. it also addresses the decarbonisation needs of the hard to abate sectors , such as parts of industry or certain modes of transport , where direct electrification is , currently , technically or economically challenging. such investments include hydrogen and electrolysers , which are progressing towards commercial large-scale deployment. the commission’s hydrogen strategy gives priority to hydrogen production from renewable electricity , which is the cleanest solution and is most compatible with the eu climate neutrality objective. in a transitional phase however , other forms of low-carbon hydrogen are needed to more rapidly replace existing hydrogen and kick-start an economy of scale. ### (13) the commission’s communication on energy system integration underlines the need for integrated energy infrastructure planning across energy carriers , infrastructures , and consumption sectors. such system integration starts from the point of departure of applying the energy efficiency first principle and taking a holistic approach beyond individual sectors. it also addresses the decarbonisation needs of the hard to abate sectors , such as parts of industry or certain modes of transport , where direct electrification is , currently , technically or economically challenging. such investments include hydrogen and electrolysers , which are progressing towards commercial large-scale deployment. the commission’s hydrogen strategy gives priority to hydrogen production from renewable and low-carbon electricity , which is the cleanest solution and is most compatible with the eu climate neutrality objective. in a transitional phase however , other forms of low-carbon hydrogen are needed to more rapidly replace existing hydrogen and kick-start an economy of scale.


### (14) moreover , the commission’s hydrogen strategy29 concluded that for the required deployment of hydrogen a large-scale infrastructure network is an important element that only the union and the single market can offer. there is currently very limited dedicated infrastructure in place to transport and trade hydrogen across borders. such should consist of a significant extent of assets converted from natural gas , complemented by new assets dedicated to hydrogen. furthermore , the hydrogen strategy sets a strategic goal to increase installed electrolyser capacity to 40 gw by 2030 in order to scale up the production of renewable hydrogen and facilitate the decarbonisation of fossil-fuel dependent sectors , such as industry or transport. therefore , the ten-e policy should include new and repurposed hydrogen transmission infrastructure and storage as well as electrolyser facilities. hydrogen transmission and storage infrastructure should also be included in the union-wide ten-year network development plan so as to allow a comprehensive and consistent assessment of their costs and benefits for the energy system , including their contribution to sector integration and decarbonisation , with the aim of creating a hydrogen backbone for the union. ### (14) moreover , the commission’s hydrogen strategy29 concluded that for the required deployment of hydrogen a large-scale infrastructure network is an important element that only the union and the single market can offer. there is currently very limited dedicated infrastructure in place to transport and trade hydrogen across borders. such should consist of a significant extent of assets converted from natural gas , complemented by new assets dedicated to hydrogen. furthermore , the hydrogen strategy sets a strategic goal to increase installed electrolyser capacity to 40 gw by 2030 in order to scale up the production of renewable hydrogen and facilitate the decarbonisation of fossil-fuel dependent sectors , such as industry or transport. therefore , the ten-e policy should include new and repurposed hydrogen transmission infrastructure , retrofitted pipelines for regional and temporary blending solutions and storage as well as electrolyser facilities. hydrogen transmission and storage infrastructure should also be included in the union-wide ten-year network development plan so as to allow a comprehensive and consistent assessment of their costs and benefits for the energy system , including their contribution to sector integration and decarbonisation , with the aim of creating a hydrogen backbone for the union.


### (14) moreover , the commission’s hydrogen strategy29concluded that for the required deployment of hydrogen a large-scale infrastructure network is an important element that only the union and the single market can offer. there is currently very limited dedicated infrastructure in place to transport and trade hydrogen across borders. such should consist of a significant extent of assets converted from natural gas , complemented by new assets dedicated to hydrogen. furthermore , the hydrogen strategy sets a strategic goal to increase installed electrolyser capacity to 40 gw by 2030 in order to scale up the production of renewable hydrogen and facilitate the decarbonisation of fossil-fuel dependent sectors , such as industry or transport. therefore , the ten-e policy should include new and repurposed hydrogen transmission infrastructure and storage as well as electrolyser facilities. hydrogen transmission and storage infrastructure should also be included in the union-wide ten-year network development plan so as to allow a comprehensive and consistent assessment of their costs and benefits for the energy system , including their contribution to sector integration and decarbonisation , with the aim of creating a hydrogen backbone for the union. ### (14) moreover , the commission’s hydrogen strategy29 concluded that for the required deployment of hydrogen a large-scale infrastructure network is an important element that only the union and the single market can offer. there is currently very limited dedicated infrastructure in place to transport and trade hydrogen across borders. existing gas transmission networks should be adapted to allow conversion to hydrogen. such should consist of a significant extent of assets converted from natural gas , complemented by new assets dedicated to hydrogen. furthermore , the hydrogen strategy sets a strategic goal to increase installed electrolyser capacity to 40 gw by 2030 in order to scale up the production of renewable hydrogen and facilitate the decarbonisation of fossil-fuel dependent sectors , such as industry or transport. therefore , the ten-e policy should include new and repurposed hydrogen transmission infrastructure and storage as well as electrolyser facilities. hydrogen transmission and storage infrastructure should also be included in the union-wide ten-year network development plan so as to allow a comprehensive and consistent assessment of their costs and benefits for the energy system , including their contribution to sector integration and decarbonisation , with the aim of creating a hydrogen backbone for the union.


### (14) moreover , the commission’s hydrogen strategy29 concluded that for the required deployment of hydrogen a large-scale infrastructure network is an important element that only the union and the single market can offer. there is currently very limited dedicated infrastructure in place to transport and trade hydrogen across borders. such should consist of a significant extent of assets converted from natural gas , complemented by new assets dedicated to hydrogen. furthermore , the hydrogen strategy sets a strategic goal to increase installed electrolyser capacity to 40 gw by 2030 in order to scale up the production of renewable hydrogen and facilitate the decarbonisation of fossil-fuel dependent sectors , such as industry or transport. therefore , the ten-e policy should include new and repurposed hydrogen transmission infrastructure and storage as well as electrolyser facilities. hydrogen transmission and storage infrastructure should also be included in the union-wide ten-year network development plan so as to allow a comprehensive and consistent assessment of their costs and benefits for the energy system , including their contribution to sector integration and decarbonisation , with the aim of creating a hydrogen backbone for the union. ### (14) moreover , the commission’s hydrogen strategy29 concluded that for the required deployment of hydrogen a large-scale infrastructure network is an important element that only the union and the single market can offer. there is currently very limited dedicated infrastructure in place to transport and trade hydrogen across borders. such should consist of a significant extent of assets converted from natural gas , complemented by new assets dedicated to hydrogen. furthermore , the hydrogen strategy sets a strategic goal to increase installed electrolyser capacity to 40 gw by 2030 in order to scale up the production of renewable hydrogen and facilitate the decarbonisation of fossil-fuel dependent sectors , such as industry or transport. therefore , the ten-e policy should include new , repurposed and retrofitted hydrogen transmission infrastructure and storage as well as electrolyser facilities. hydrogen transmission , storage and import infrastructure should also be included in the union-wide ten-year network development plan so as to allow a comprehensive and consistent assessment of their costs and benefits for the energy system , including their contribution to sector integration and decarbonisation , with the aim of creating a hydrogen backbone for the union. the new hydrogen category should be aligned with the objectives of the energy system integration and eu hydrogen strategies.


### (15) moreover , a new infrastructure category should be created for smart gas grids to support investments which integrate renewable and low carbon gases such as biogas , biomethane , and hydrogen , in the network and help manage a resulting more complex system , building on innovative digital technologies. ### (15) moreover , a new infrastructure category should be created for smart gas grids to facilitate large-scale connection for individual consumers , to support investments which integrate renewable and low carbon gases such as biogas , biomethane , and hydrogen , in the network and help manage a resulting more complex system , building on innovative digital technologies.


### (15) moreover , a new infrastructure category should be created for smart gas grids to support investments which integrate renewable and low carbon gases such as biogas , biomethane , and hydrogen , in the network and help manage a resulting more complex system , building on innovative digital technologies. ### (15) in its position on the european climate law of 8 october 2020 , parliament called for the development of smart and digital gas networks to be given top priority in the multiannual financial framework mff. therefore , a new infrastructure category should be created for smart gas grids to support investments which integrate renewable and low carbon gases such as biogas , biomethane , and hydrogen , in the network and help manage a resulting more complex system , building on innovative digital technologies.


### (16) regulation (eu) no 347/2013 requires a candidate project of common interest to prove a significant contribution to at least one criterion from a set of criteria in the process for the elaboration of the union list , which may , but does not need to , include sustainability. that requirement , in line with the specific needs of the internal energy market at the time , enabled development of projects of common interest which addressed only security of supply risks even if they did not demonstrate benefits in terms of sustainability. however , given the evolution of the union infrastructure needs and the decarbonisation goals , the conclusions of the 2020 july european council , according to which “union expenditure should be consistent with paris agreement objectives and the "do no harm" principle of the european green deal , sustainability in terms of the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid or the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions , as relevant , should be assessed in order to ensure that ten-e policy is coherent with energy and climate policy objectives of the union. the sustainability of co2 transport networks is addressed by their purpose to transport carbon dioxide. ### (16) regulation (eu) no 347/2013 requires a candidate project of common interest to prove a significant contribution to at least one criterion from a set of criteria in the process for the elaboration of the union list , which may , but does not need to , include sustainability. that requirement , in line with the specific needs of the internal energy market at the time , enabled development of projects of common interest which addressed only security of supply risks even if they did not demonstrate benefits in terms of sustainability. however , given the evolution of the union infrastructure needs and the decarbonisation goals , the conclusions of the 2020 july european council , according to which “union expenditure should be consistent with paris agreement objectives and the "do no harm" principle of the european green deal , sustainability in terms of the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid or the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions , as relevant , should be assessed in order to ensure that ten-e policy is coherent with energy and climate policy objectives of the union , taking into account the specificities of each member state and the need to implement different pathways towards decarbonisation. the sustainability of co2 transport networks is addressed by their purpose to transport carbon dioxide.


### (16) regulation (eu) no 347/2013 requires a candidate project of common interest to prove a significant contribution to at least one criterion from a set of criteria in the process for the elaboration of the union list , which may , but does not need to , include sustainability. that requirement , in line with the specific needs of the internal energy market at the time , enabled development of projects of common interest which addressed only security of supply risks even if they did not demonstrate benefits in terms of sustainability. however , given the evolution of the union infrastructure needs and the decarbonisation goals , the conclusions of the 2020 july european council , according to which “union expenditure should be consistent with paris agreement objectives and the "do no harm" principle of the european green deal , sustainability in terms of the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid or the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions , as relevant , should be assessed in order to ensure that ten-e policy is coherent with energy and climate policy objectives of the union. the sustainability of co2 transport networks is addressed by their purpose to transport carbon dioxide. ### (16) regulation (eu) no 347/2013 requires a candidate project of common interest to prove a significant contribution to at least one criterion from a set of criteria in the process for the elaboration of the union list , which may , but does not need to , include sustainability. that requirement , in line with the specific needs of the internal energy market at the time , enabled development of projects of common interest which addressed only security of supply risks even if they did not demonstrate benefits in terms of sustainability. however , given the evolution of the union infrastructure needs and the decarbonisation goals , the conclusions of the 2020 july european council , according to which “union expenditure should be consistent with paris agreement objectives and the "do no harm" principle of the european green deal , sustainability in terms of the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid or the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions , as relevant , should be assessed in order to ensure that ten-e policy is coherent with energy and climate policy objectives of the union , taking also into account the specificities of each member state and the needs to implement different pathways towards decarbonisation. the sustainability of co2 transport networks is addressed by their purpose to transport and store carbon dioxide.


### (16) regulation (eu) no 347/2013 requires a candidate project of common interest to prove a significant contribution to at least one criterion from a set of criteria in the process for the elaboration of the union list , which may , but does not need to , include sustainability. that requirement , in line with the specific needs of the internal energy market at the time , enabled development of projects of common interest which addressed only security of supply risks even if they did not demonstrate benefits in terms of sustainability. however , given the evolution of the union infrastructure needs and the decarbonisation goals , the conclusions of the 2020 july european council , according to which “union expenditure should be consistent with paris agreement objectives and the "do no harm" principle of the european green deal , sustainability in terms of the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid or the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions , as relevant , should be assessed in order to ensure that ten-e policy is coherent with energy and climate policy objectives of the union. the sustainability of co2 transport networks is addressed by their purpose to transport carbon dioxide. ### (16) regulation (eu) no 347/2013 requires a candidate project of common interest to prove a significant contribution to at least one criterion from a set of criteria in the process for the elaboration of the union list , which may , but does not need to , include sustainability. that requirement , in line with the specific needs of the internal energy market at the time , enabled development of projects of common interest which addressed only security of supply risks even if they did not demonstrate benefits in terms of sustainability. however , given the evolution of the union infrastructure needs and the decarbonisation goals , the conclusions of the 2020 july european council , according to which “union expenditure should be consistent with paris agreement objectives and the "do no harm" principle of the european green deal , sustainability in terms of the integration of renewable and fossil free energy sources into the grid or the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions , as relevant , should be assessed in order to ensure that ten-e policy is coherent with energy and climate policy objectives of the union. the sustainability of co2 transport networks is addressed by their purpose to transport carbon dioxide.


### (18) furthermore , to achieve the union’s 2030 and 2050 climate and energy targets and climate neutrality objective , europe needs to significantly scale up renewable electricity generation. the existing infrastructure categories for electricity transmission and storage are crucial for the integration of the significant increase in renewable electricity generation in the power grid. in addition , that requires stepping up investment in offshore renewable energy30. coordinating long-term planning and development of offshore and onshore electricity grids should also be addressed. in particular , offshore infrastructure planning should move away from the project-by-project approach towards a coordinated comprehensive approach ensuring the sustainable development of integrated offshore grids in line with the offshore renewable potential of each sea basin , environmental protection and other uses of the sea. ### (18) furthermore , to achieve the union’s 2030 and 2050 climate and energy targets and climate neutrality objective , europe needs to significantly scale up renewable electricity generation. the existing infrastructure categories for electricity transmission and storage are crucial for the integration of the significant increase in renewable electricity generation in the power grid. in addition , that requires stepping up investment in offshore renewable energy30. coordinating long-term planning and development of offshore and onshore electricity grids should also be addressed. in particular , offshore infrastructure planning should move away from the project-by-project approach towards a coordinated comprehensive approach ensuring the sustainable development of integrated offshore grids in line with the offshore renewable potential of designated sea basins and taking due account of environmental protection , landscape protection and other uses of the sea.


### (18) furthermore , to achieve the union’s 2030 and 2050 climate and energy targets and climate neutrality objective , europe needs to significantly scale up renewable electricity generation. the existing infrastructure categories for electricity transmission and storage are crucial for the integration of the significant increase in renewable electricity generation in the power grid. in addition , that requires stepping up investment in offshore renewable energy30 . coordinating long-term planning and development of offshore and onshore electricity grids should also be addressed. in particular , offshore infrastructure planning should move away from the project-by-project approach towards a coordinated comprehensive approach ensuring the sustainable development of integrated offshore grids in line with the offshore renewable potential of each sea basin , environmental protection and other uses of the sea. ### (18) furthermore , to achieve the union’s 2030 and 2050 climate and energy targets and climate neutrality objective , europe needs to significantly scale up renewable electricity generation , also in the islands and the outermost regions. the existing infrastructure categories for electricity transmission and storage are crucial for the integration of the significant increase in renewable electricity generation in the power grid. in addition , that requires stepping up investment in offshore renewable energy30 . coordinating long-term planning and development of offshore and onshore electricity grids should also be addressed. in particular , offshore infrastructure planning should move away from the project-by-project approach towards a coordinated comprehensive approach ensuring the sustainable development of integrated offshore grids in line with the offshore renewable potential of each sea basin , environmental protection and other uses of the sea.


### (18) furthermore , to achieve the union’s 2030 and 2050 climate and energy targets and climate neutrality objective , europe needs to significantly scale up renewable electricity generation. the existing infrastructure categories for electricity transmission and storage are crucial for the integration of the significant increase in renewable electricity generation in the power grid. in addition , that requires stepping up investment in offshore renewable energy30. coordinating long-term planning and development of offshore and onshore electricity grids should also be addressed. in particular , offshore infrastructure planning should move away from the project-by-project approach towards a coordinated comprehensive approach ensuring the sustainable development of integrated offshore grids in line with the offshore renewable potential of each sea basin , environmental protection and other uses of the sea. ### (18) furthermore , to achieve the union’s 2030 and 2050 climate and energy targets and climate neutrality objective , europe needs to significantly scale up renewable electricity generation. the existing infrastructure categories for electricity transmission and storage are crucial for the integration of the significant increase in renewable electricity generation in the power grid , through cross-border diversification , for example. in addition , that requires stepping up investment in offshore renewable energy30. coordinating long-term planning and development of offshore and onshore electricity grids should also be addressed. in particular , offshore infrastructure planning should move away from the project-by-project approach towards a coordinated comprehensive approach ensuring the sustainable development of integrated offshore grids in line with the offshore renewable potential of each sea basin , environmental protection and other uses of the sea.