Debate: European Climate Law
Date: THURSDAY, 24 JUNE 2021
Speaker: Ana Paula Zacarias
Language: EN

There are no coincidences. This is a unique moment for Europe and for the world and I’m really proud to be part of it. I really want to thank the negotiating team of the European Parliament, led by the Chair of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, Mr Canfin, and the rapporteur, Ms Guteland, for the efforts and constructive spirit shown throughout the negotiations.  I want to thank you for your kind words towards the Portuguese Presidency team. I also want to thank the Commission, and in particular Executive Vice—President Timmermans, for playing a very active and positive role in helping us reach a compromise.  Despite the exceptional circumstances imposed on us by the pandemic, the trilogues were conducted efficiently and the cooperation between the institutions was nothing short of exemplary. When we embarked on the negotiations, it was clear from the outset that the task was going to be challenging. The positions of the Parliament and of the Council were far apart on several important issues. However, very strong political will from all sides, recognising the need to act swiftly, was crucial to create momentum that led us to a successful outcome in the early hours of 21 April.  The Climate Law Regulation will guide EU climate action for decades to come. Allow me to underline four main points for the Council. First and foremost, it is now a legally binding, long—term target for climate neutrality by 2050. This sets the long—term direction, and to meet this objective it’s important to all EU policies. It was of the utmost importance to the Council that the objective of climate neutrality was defined as a collective for the EU as a whole, in recognition of the principles of solidarity and cost effectiveness in the pursuit of our collective efforts. Decarbonisation will not happen at exactly the same pace in all Member States because they have different circumstances and starting points. Moreover, the Climate Law recognises adaptation as a key component of the long—term global response to climate and provides for stronger action by the EU, by its Member States, to enhance their adaptive capacity, increase resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change in line with the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, to ensure that the EU and the Member States remain on track to achieve the objectives, the Climate Law establishes a framework for monitoring progress.  Secondly, the Climate Law addresses the intermediate steps on its way to 2050. It sets a new, significantly increased EU target for 2030 of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% compared to the levels of 1990. The 2030 target will be implemented through the Commission’s upcoming July package ‘Fit for 55’, which we much look forward to.  The law also contains a process for setting an intermediate climate target for 2040 to provide predictability and confidence to all economic actors. When making its legislative proposal for this target, the Commission is required to publish the EU’s projected indicative greenhouse gas budget for the 2030—2050 period, which will set out the total expected emissions of the EU that the EU can produce without putting at risk its commitments under the Paris Agreement. The greenhouse gas budget was one of Parliament’s main requests in these negotiations, and it is not a secret that it was a bit difficult for the Council, but we achieved a compromise.  This brings me to the third key element in the law, namely the establishment of a new European scientific advisory board on climate based on another important amendment proposed by Parliament. The advisory board, an independent body of scientific experts, will serve as a point of reference for the EU on scientific knowledge on climate change.  Finally, let me mention the issue of sector—specific roadmaps. This was also a Parliament amendment. This mandates the Commission to engage with sectors that themselves choose to prepare indicative roadmaps for charting the path to climate neutrality.  To conclude, I believe that the text before you today is a good agreement which sends a clear signal to European citizens and the world that the EU is strongly engaged in the fight against climate change. Now starts our journey towards a more sustainable future, a journey of work and commitment.  I look forward to your debate and to your vote, and if Parliament approves the text today, the Council intends to move forward swiftly to adopt the regulation before the end of the month. So let’s move forward together for our planet.