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Verbatim report of proceedings
Monday, 19 April 2004 - Strasbourg OJ edition

Greenhouse gas emission allowance trading
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  García-Orcoyen Tormo (PPE-DE). (ES) Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, it is now some two years since the Emissions Trading Directive opened up a new way forward for the most polluting sectors of industry. These sectors were to become involved in the struggle to reduce emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere. This represented a complex first step that was only taken recently. It was certainly necessary if the European Union is to make progress towards meeting its commitments on climate change. It is true, however, that a climate of fear and misgiving developed with regard to practical implementation.

This is why the changes contained in this linking directive are so significant. The present linking directive allows the implementation of clean development projects. It also provides for the recognition of emission reduction certificates. The linking directive sends out an important political signal from the European Union to the developing countries, indicating that, by way of these projects, developing countries are likely to obtain far more substantial aid than they probably do at present for environmentally friendly development. A message is also being sent to the sectors concerned making it clear that the European Union really does intend to implement the means to facilitate involvement in trading in emissions rights.

I believe Mr de Roo, the rapporteur, fully appreciated the need to ensure the linking directive was very flexible. He therefore worked admirably with all the political groups. In addition, he conducted excellent negotiations with the Council. I trust all this will bear fruit tomorrow and that a majority of the House will vote in favour at first reading.

Nonetheless, it seems some opportunities were not seized or perceived as such. Further, some of the progress has been too faltering. Consequently, the flexible mechanism is not as flexible as it ought to be. The rapporteur is aware of this, as we have discussed it together.

I have in mind firstly domestic or national projects, implementation of which has been restricted to rail networks. I feel it could have been possible to accept a far wider range of situations without detriment to the spirit of this directive.

I also feel excessive caution was exercised when deliberating on the admissibility and implementation of hydro-electric projects. I believe such projects are needed in these countries, and that they are adequately provided for in the Marrakesh agreements. Further, I agree with Mr Linkohr that sinks are called for in these countries too, and that excessive caution has been exercised in this regard also.

Nonetheless, there are some very positive developments worthy of note. One of these is the solution of the problem of supplementarity. I could also mention the capacity of the Member States to organise themselves, share common objectives and determine the best mix of appropriate policies in order to achieve them.

I believe this is an excellent result, and would like to congratulate the rapporteur once again.

 
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