REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on a General Union Environment Action Programme to 2020: "Living well, within the limits of our planet"

6.5.2013 - (COM(2012)0710 – C7‑0392/2012 – 2012/0337(COD)) - ***I

Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
Rapporteur: Gaston Franco

Amendments

Procedure : 2012/0337(COD)

Document stages in plenary

Document selected :

A7-0166/2013

Texts tabled :

A7-0166/2013

Debates :

PV 23/10/2013 - 19
CRE 23/10/2013 - 19

Votes :

PV 24/10/2013 - 12.2
Explanations of votes

Texts adopted :

P7_TA(2013)0451

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
OPINION of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
PROCEDURE

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on a General Union Environment Action Programme to 2020: "Living well, within the limits of our planet"

(COM(2012)0710 – C7‑0392/2012 – 2012/0337(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2012)0710),

– having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 192(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C7‑0392/2012),

– having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

– having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 20 March 2013 [1],

– having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions[2],

– having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and the opinion of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A7-0166/2013),

1. Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

2. Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

3. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

Amendment 1 Proposal for a decision Recital 5 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(5a) The European Parliament in its resolution of 20 April 2012 on the review of the 6th Environment Action Programme and the setting of priorities for the 7th Environment Action Programme – A better environment for a better life¹ highlighted three priorities on which to base the new programme, namely implementation and strengthening, integration, and the international dimension.
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	¹Texts adopted, P7_TA(2012)0147.
Amendment 2 Proposal for a decision Recital 5 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(5b) The European Environment Agency (EEA) report entitled ‘The European environment – state and outlook 2010’ (SOER 2010) points out that a number of major environmental challenges still remain and that there will be serious repercussions if nothing is done to address them.
Amendment 3 Proposal for a decision Recital 6 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(6a) Effective implementation of current and future environment policies is central to ensuring high employment, a competitive economy, social stability and a rich and healthy environment.
Justification
As highlighted in various parts of this document, environment policies are central to ensure that the EU in the future will experience social stability, a competitive economy providing high employment and a rich and healthy environment. These advantages of environment policies are summed up and made more explicit in this amendment.
Amendment 4 Proposal for a decision Recital 7
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(7) It is essential that Union priority objectives for 2020 are established, in light of a long-term vision for 2050. The new programme should build on policy initiatives in the Europe 2020 strategy, including the EU climate and energy package, the Roadmap for moving to a low-carbon economy in 2050, the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, the Roadmap to a resource-efficient Europe and the Innovation Union Flagship Initiative.	(7) It is essential that Union priority objectives for 2020 are established, in light of a clear long-term vision for 2050, in order to provide a stable environment for sustainable investment and growth. The new programme should build on policy initiatives in the Europe 2020 strategy, including the EU climate and energy package, the Roadmap for moving to a low-carbon economy in 2050, the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, the Roadmap to a resource-efficient Europe and the Innovation Union Flagship Initiative.
Amendment 5 Proposal for a decision Recital 8
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(8) The programme should help achieve the environment targets the Union has already agreed.	(8) The programme should help achieve the environment targets the Union has already agreed and identify policy areas where there is a need to set additional targets.
Amendment 6 Proposal for a decision Recital 9
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(9) The Union has agreed to achieve a reduction of EU greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of at least 20 % by 2020 (30 %, provided that other developed countries commit themselves to comparable emissions reductions and that developing countries contribute adequately according to their responsibilities and respective capabilities); to ensure that 20 % of energy consumption comes from renewable energy by 2020; and a 20 % cut in primary energy use compared with projected levels, to be achieved by improving energy efficiency.	(9) The Union has agreed to achieve a reduction of EU greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of at least 20 % by 2020 (30 %, provided that other developed countries commit themselves to comparable emissions reductions and that developing countries contribute adequately according to their responsibilities and respective capabilities); to ensure that 20 % of energy consumption comes from renewable energy by 2020; and a 20 % cut in primary energy use compared with projected levels, to be achieved by improving energy efficiency. Those pledges should continue to apply on the basis of the existing climate and energy policy framework, which sets binding targets for 2030, in order to ensure that long-term climate-policy objectives can be achieved in a cost-effective manner.
Amendment 7 Proposal for a decision Recital 10
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(10) The Union has agreed to halt the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services in the EU by 2020, restore them in so far as feasible, while stepping up the EU contribution to averting global biodiversity loss ;	(10) The Union has agreed to halt the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services in the EU by 2020, restore them in so far as feasible, while stepping up the EU contribution to averting global biodiversity loss and to a long-term vision that, by 2050, the Union's biodiversity and the ecosystem services it provides – its natural capital – are protected, valued and appropriately restored in a manner that reflects their intrinsic value and their essential contribution to human wellbeing and economic prosperity;
Justification
Reflecting the Commission Communication (COM(2011) 244), Council Conclusions of 25, 26 May 2010 and 23 June 2011, and the position of the European Parliament as adopted in plenary in its report on our life insurance, our natural capital: an EU biodiversity strategy to 2020(2011/2307).
Amendment 8 Proposal for a decision Recital 10 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(10a) The Union has set itself the target of halting global forest cover loss by 2030 and reducing gross tropical deforestation by at least 50% by 2020 compared to 2008 levels¹.
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	¹2912th meeting of the Environment Council, 4 December 2008.
Amendment 9 Proposal for a decision Recital 19
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(19) Action to deliver the priority objectives should be taken at different levels of governance, in line with the principle of subsidiarity.	(19) Action to deliver the priority objectives should be taken at different levels of governance, in line with the principle of subsidiarity and the latest scientific developments.
Amendment 10 Proposal for a decision Recital 20
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(20) Engagement with non-government actors is important in ensuring the success of the programme and the achievement of its priority objectives.	(20) Transparency-based engagement with non-government actors is important in ensuring the success of the programme and the achievement of its priority objectives.
Amendment 11 Proposal for a decision Recital 21
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(21) Biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystems in the Union have important implications for the environment and are costly for society as a whole, particularly for economic actors in sectors that depend directly on ecosystem services.	(21) Biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystems in the Union have important implications not only for the environment and human wellbeing but also for future generations and they involve high costs for society as a whole, particularly for economic actors in sectors that depend directly on ecosystem services. Biodiversity threats also represent a challenge for the Union in terms of its responsibility towards the outermost regions and the overseas countries and territories, which are 'biodiversity hotspots'¹, and towards the rest of the world in relation to the Union's ecological footprint outside its borders.
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	¹ ‘Biodiversity hotspots’ are geographical areas in which biodiversity is under threat. The outermost regions and the overseas countries and territories are home to 70% of Europe’s biodiversity and to more endemic species than continental Europe as a whole.
Amendment 12 Proposal for a decision Recital 22
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(22) There is significant scope for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resource efficiency in the Union. This will ease pressures on the environment and bring increased competitiveness and new sources of growth and jobs through cost savings from improved efficiency, commercialisation of innovations and better management of resources over their whole life cycle.	(22) There is significant scope for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy and resource efficiency in the Union. This will ease pressures on the environment and bring increased competitiveness and new sources of growth and jobs through cost savings from improved efficiency, commercialisation of innovations and better management of resources over their whole life cycle.
Amendment 13 Proposal for a decision Recital 22 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(22a) Degradation of the marine environment, including from ocean acidification, marine litter, and ocean noise, poses a significant threat to the Union marine environment.
Amendment 14 Proposal for a decision Recital 23
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(23) Environmental problems and impacts continue to pose significant risks for human health and wellbeing, whereas measures to improve the state of the environment can be beneficial.	(23) Environmental problems and impacts increasingly pose significant risks for human health and wellbeing, whereas measures to improve the state of the environment can be beneficial and should be encouraged in all aspects of Union policy.
Amendment 15 Proposal for a decision Recital 23 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(23a) Union policy on climate change should pursue a comprehensive approach, recognising that all sectors of the economy have to contribute to tackling climate change on the path to achieving 2050 objectives. In addition to the scope in sectors covered by the Emissions Trading Scheme, additional action is needed to unlock cost effective reductions of emissions covered by the Effort Sharing Decision, in ways that can stimulate green investment and encourage behaviour change in consumers and other actors.
Amendment 16 Proposal for a decision Recital 24
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(24) The full and even implementation of the environment acquis across the Union is a sound investment for the environment and human health, and also for the economy.	(24) The full and even implementation of the environment acquis across the Union is not only a Treaty obligation but also represents a sound investment for the environment and human health, and also for the economy.
Amendment 17 Proposal for a decision Recital 25
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(25) Union environment policy should continue to draw on a sound evidence base.	(25) Union environment policy should continue to draw on a sound knowledge and evidence base and be responsive to new scientific findings.
Amendment 18 Proposal for a decision Recital 26
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(26) Environmental objectives should be supported by adequate investments.	(26) Environmental objectives should be supported by adequate investments, and the use of Public Private Partnerships should be encouraged, in particular in the waste management sector, through the targeting of Union Structural Fund support in accordance with the Waste Framework Directive. Union funding should thus be made available as a matter of priority for activities higher up the waste hierarchy (for example, recycling plants should take priority over waste disposal).
Amendment 19 Proposal for a decision Recital 27
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(27) Environmental integration is essential to reduce pressures on the environment resulting from the policies and activities of other sectors and to meet environment and climate-related targets.	(27) Environmental integration in all policy areas is essential to reduce pressures on the environment resulting from the policies and activities of other sectors and to meet environment and climate-related targets.
Amendment 20 Proposal for a decision Recital 30
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(30) As part of the follow-up to the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20 Summit), the new general action programme should support international and regional processes aiming to transform the global economy into an inclusive green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty reduction.	(30) The new general Union environment action programme should support the implementation of the commitments undertaken at the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20 Summit), at Union and at international level, aiming to transform the global economy into an inclusive green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Amendment 21 Proposal for a decision Recital 33 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(33a) In keeping with the Commission Communication (COM(2012)0095) and the European Parliament resolution of 12 March 2013 on improving the delivery of benefits from EU environment measures: building confidence through better knowledge and responsiveness¹, greater attention should be paid to the implementation of Union environmental law.
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	¹ Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0077.
Amendment 22 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) to turn the Union into a resource-efficient, green and competitive low-carbon economy;	(b) to turn the Union into a resource-efficient, green, innovative and competitive low-carbon economy;
Amendment 23 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e) to improve the evidence base for environment policy;	(e) to improve the knowledge and evidence base for environment policy;
Amendment 24 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	2a. The programme shall ensure a high level of environmental protection as well as quality of life through equitable and sustainable wellbeing for citizens.
Amendment 25 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3. All measures, actions and targets set out in the programme shall be implemented in accordance with the principles of smart regulation and subject to comprehensive impact assessment where appropriate.	3. All measures, actions and targets set out in the programme shall be implemented in accordance with the principles of smart regulation, and shall be based on reliable scientific research and subject to comprehensive impact assessment where appropriate.
Amendment 26 Proposal for a decision Article 3 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The Union and its Member States are responsible for ensuring the delivery of the priority objectives set out in this programme. They shall pursue a coherent approach to addressing the challenges identified. Action shall be taken with due account of the principle of subsidiarity and at the level best suited to achieving the priority objectives and related outcomes set out in this programme.	1. The Union and its Member States are responsible for ensuring the delivery of the priority objectives set out in this programme. They shall pursue a coherent approach to addressing the challenges identified. Action shall be taken with due regard for the principles of conferral, subsidiarity and proportionality and at the level best suited to achieving the priority objectives and related outcomes set out in this programme.
Amendment 27 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4. Considerable headway has also been made in integrating environmental objectives into other Union policies and activities. The reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has, since 2003, linked direct payments to requirements for farmers to maintain land in good agricultural and environmental condition and to comply with relevant environmental legislation. Fighting climate change has become an integral part of energy policy and progress is being made on integrating resource efficiency, climate change and energy efficiency concerns into other key sectors, such as transport and buildings.	4. Considerable headway has also been made in integrating environmental objectives into other Union policies and activities. The reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has, since 2003, linked direct payments to requirements for farmers to maintain land in good agricultural and environmental condition and to comply with relevant environmental legislation. Fighting climate change has become an integral part of energy policy and progress is being made on integrating resource efficiency, climate change and energy efficiency concerns into other key sectors, such as transport and buildings. In future, however, greater attention must be paid to implementing cross-compliance more effectively.
Amendment 28 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
5. However, many environmental trends in the EU remain worrying, not least due to insufficient implementation of existing EU environment legislation. Only 17 % of species and habitats assessed under the Habitats Directive are in good status, and the degradation and loss of natural capital is jeopardising efforts to attain the EU’s biodiversity and climate change objectives. This has high associated costs which have not yet been properly valued in our economic or social system. Thirty per cent of the EU’s territory is highly fragmented, affecting the connectivity and health of ecosystems and their ability to provide services as well as viable habitats for species. While progress has been made in the EU to decouple growth from GHG emissions, resource use and environmental impacts, resource use is still largely unsustainable and inefficient, and waste is not yet properly managed. As a result, EU businesses are foregoing the significant opportunities that resource efficiency offers in terms of competitiveness, cost reductions, improved productivity and security of supply. Water quality and air pollution levels are still problematic in many parts of Europe, and EU citizens continue to be exposed to hazardous substances, potentially compromising their health and wellbeing. Unsustainable land use is consuming fertile soils, with impacts on food security and the achievement of biodiversity targets. Soil degradation continues largely unchecked.	5. However, many environmental trends in the EU remain worrying, not least due to insufficient implementation of existing EU environment legislation. Only 17 % of species and habitats assessed under the Habitats Directive are in good status, and the degradation and loss of natural capital is jeopardising efforts to attain the EU’s biodiversity and climate change objectives. Of the 395 European native species listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 110 are in danger because of invasive alien species infestation. This has high associated costs which have not yet been properly valued in our economic or social system. Thirty per cent of the EU’s territory is highly fragmented, affecting the connectivity and health of ecosystems and their ability to provide services as well as viable habitats for species. Marine habitats and species remain at risk of decline and extinction from a variety of human-induced threats within Union waters. While progress has been made in the EU to decouple growth from GHG emissions, resource use and environmental impacts, resource use is still largely unsustainable and inefficient, and waste is not yet properly managed. As a result, EU businesses are foregoing the significant opportunities that resource efficiency offers in terms of competitiveness, cost reductions, improved productivity and security of supply. Water quality and air pollution levels are still problematic in many parts of Europe, and EU citizens continue to be exposed to hazardous substances, compromising their health and wellbeing. Unsustainable land use is consuming fertile soils, with impacts on global food security and the achievement of biodiversity targets. Soil degradation continues largely unchecked
Justification
The ecological and economic justifications for action are compelling. Biological invasions are one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss. Invasive alien species may have far-reaching and harmful effects on the environment and natural resources for generations. Invasive alien species can also affect human life and health and cause serious economic damage to agriculture, forestry and fisheries, which is estimated to be at least EUR 12 billion per year in Europe alone. Postponing effective action further will prevent the EU from achieving its own biodiversity conservation objectives and its global biodiversity commitments.
Amendment 29 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 7
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
7. Together with current wasteful production and consumption systems in the world economy, rising global demand for goods and services and depletion of resources is increasing the cost of essential raw materials, minerals and energy, generating more pollution and waste, increasing global GHG emissions and driving land degradation, deforestation and biodiversity loss. Nearly two-thirds of the world’s ecosystems are in decline and there is evidence that planetary boundaries for biodiversity, climate change and the nitrogen cycle have already been transgressed. There is likely to be a global shortfall of 40 % in water by 2030 unless there is significant progress in improving resource efficiency. There is also the risk that climate change will further exacerbate these problems, with high costs. In 2011, disasters partly due to climate change resulted in global economic losses of over 300 billion Euros. The OECD has warned that the continued degradation and erosion of natural capital risks bringing about irreversible changes that could endanger two centuries of rising living standards and entail significant costs.	7. Together with current wasteful production and consumption systems in the world economy, rising global demand for goods and services, the lack of provision for sustainable resource management at international level and the depletion of resources are increasing the cost of essential raw materials, minerals and energy, generating more pollution and waste, increasing global GHG emissions and driving land degradation, deforestation and biodiversity loss. Nearly two-thirds of the world’s ecosystems are in decline and there is evidence that planetary boundaries for biodiversity, climate change and the nitrogen cycle have already been transgressed. There is likely to be a global shortfall of 40 % in water by 2030 unless there is significant progress in improving resource efficiency. There is also the risk that climate change will further exacerbate these problems, with high costs ¹. In 2011, disasters partly due to climate change resulted in global economic losses of over 300 billion Euros. The OECD has warned that the continued degradation and erosion of natural capital risks bringing about irreversible changes that could endanger two centuries of rising living standards and entail significant costs.
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	¹ According to the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change, without action, the overall costs of climate change will be equivalent to losing at least 5% of global gross domestic product (GDP) each year. Including a wider range of risks and impacts, this figure could increase this to 20% of GDP.
Amendment 30 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 9
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
9. To live well in the future, urgent, concerted action should be taken now to improve ecological resilience and maximise the benefits environment policy can deliver for the economy and society, while respecting the planet’s ecological limits. This programme reflects the EU’s commitment to transforming itself into an inclusive green economy that secures growth and development, safeguards human health and well-being, provides decent jobs, reduces inequalities and invests in and preserves natural capital.	9. To live well in the future, urgent, concerted action should be taken now to improve ecological resilience and maximise the benefits environment policy can deliver for the economy and society, while respecting the planet’s ecological limits. This programme reflects the EU’s commitment to transforming itself into an inclusive green economy that secures growth and development, safeguards human health and well-being, provides decent jobs, reduces inequalities and invests in and preserves biodiversity and the ecosystem services it provides - natural capital – for its intrinsic value and for its essential contribution to human wellbeing and economic prosperity.
Amendment 31 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 10
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
10. The following 2050 vision is intended to help guide action up to and beyond 2020: In 2050, we live well, within the planet’s ecological limits. Our prosperity and healthy environment stem from an innovative, circular economy where nothing is wasted and where natural resources are managed in ways that enhance our society’s resilience. Our low carbon growth has long been decoupled from resource use, setting the pace for a global sustainable economy.	10. The following 2050 vision is intended to help guide action up to and beyond 2020: In 2050, we live well, within the planet’s ecological limits. Our well-being and healthy environment stem from an innovative, circular economy where nothing is wasted and where natural resources are managed in ways that enhance our society’s resilience. Biodiversity and ecosystem services are protected, valued and appropriately restored. Our low carbon growth has long been decoupled from resource use, setting the pace for a global sustainable economy. Environmental justice is delivered inside and outside the Union. All people have equal access to environmental benefits. Burdens due to environmental degradation are shared in a fair manner.
Amendment 32 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 11
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
11. This transformation requires the full integration of environment issues into other policies, such as energy, transport, agriculture, fisheries, economy and industry, research and innovation, employment and social policy so as to create a coherent, joined-up approach. Action within the EU should also be complemented by enhanced global action and cooperation with neighbouring countries to tackle common challenges.	11. This transformation requires the full integration of environment issues into other policies, such as energy, transport, agriculture, fisheries, international trade, economy and industry, research and innovation, employment, trade, development, foreign affairs and security, social policy and education and training so as to create a coherent, joined-up approach. Action within the EU should also be complemented by enhanced global action and cooperation with neighbouring countries to tackle common challenges.
Amendment 33 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 12
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
12. The EU has set this transformation in motion with long-term, integrated strategies to halt biodiversity loss, improve resource efficiency and expedite the transition towards a low-carbon economy. The Commission has further integrated environmental concerns and objectives in recent initiatives taken in other key policy areas, including energy and transport, and sought to enhance the delivery of environmental benefits through reforms of EU policies for agriculture and rural development, fisheries and cohesion, building on achievements to date.	12. The EU has set this transformation in motion with long-term, integrated strategies to halt biodiversity loss, improve resource efficiency and expedite the transition towards a low-carbon economy. The Commission has further integrated environmental concerns and objectives in recent initiatives taken in other key policy areas, including energy and transport, and sought to enhance the delivery of environmental benefits through reforms of EU policies for agriculture and rural development, fisheries and cohesion, building on achievements to date. In that connection, however, greater attention must be paid to the implementation of the provisions on cross-compliance.
Amendment 34 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 13
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
13. The EU has signed up to many internationally-agreed environmental commitments, including those made at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) where it marked its support for the inclusive green economy as a central part of a broader strategy for sustainable development.	13. The EU has signed up to many legally binding commitments under Multilateral Environmental Agreements as well to politically binding environmental commitments, including those agreed at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). The Rio + 20 outcome document recognises the inclusive green economy as an important tool for achieving sustainable development and sets out a framework for action covering all three dimensions of sustainable development, which are reflected in the priority objectives of this programme. In that document, it was also agreed to elaborate sustainable development goals (SDGs), to strengthen the institutional framework and to develop a financing strategy for sustainable development. The Union and its Member States must now ensure that those commitments are implemented both at home through their internal policies, as well as globally through contributions to international action.
Amendment 35 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 14
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
14. This programme complements these efforts by defining priority objectives for the EU to attain over the period up to 2020.	14. This programme complements these efforts by defining priority objectives for the EU to attain over the period up to 2020 and indicative pathways towards 2050. It shall ensure implementation, encourage domestic action and help a range of actors to make cost effective investment choices.
Amendment 36 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 15
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
15. In many cases, action to achieve these objectives will be required primarily at national, regional or local level, in line with the principle of subsidiarity. In others, additional measures at EU level will be needed. Since environment policy is a sphere of shared competence in the EU, one of the purposes of this programme is to create common ownership of shared goals and objectives and ensure a level playing field for businesses and public authorities. Clear goals and objectives also provide policy makers and other stakeholders, including regions and cities, businesses and social partners, and individual citizens, with a sense of direction and a predictable framework for action.	15. In many cases, action to achieve these objectives will be required primarily at national, regional or local level, in line with the principle of subsidiarity, with the proviso that the public must be given an appropriate say in discussions on environmental issues. In others, additional measures at EU level will be needed. Since environment policy is a sphere of shared competence in the EU, one of the purposes of this programme is to create common ownership of shared goals and objectives and ensure a level playing field for businesses and public authorities. Clear goals and objectives and the exchange of best practice also provide policy makers and other stakeholders, including regions and cities, businesses and social partners, and individual citizens, with a sense of direction and a predictable framework for action.
Amendment 37 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 16
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
16. The EU’s economic prosperity and well-being is underpinned by its natural capital, which includes ecosystems that provide essential goods and services, from fertile soil and multi-functional forests to productive land and seas, from fresh water and clean air to pollination, flood control and climate regulation and protection against natural disasters. A substantial body of EU legislation seeks to protect, conserve and enhance natural capital, including the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the Air Quality and related directives and the Habitats and Birds Directives. Legislation to tackle climate change, chemicals, industrial emissions and waste also contribute to easing the pressures on biodiversity, including ecosystems, species and habitats.	16. The EU’s economic prosperity and well-being is underpinned by its natural capital, i.e. its biodiversity, including ecosystems that provide essential goods and services, from fertile soil and multi-functional forests to productive land and seas, from fresh water and clean air to pollination, flood control and climate regulation and protection against natural disasters. A substantial body of EU legislation seeks to protect, conserve and enhance natural capital, including the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the Urban Wastewater Directive¹, the Nitrates Directive², the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the Air Quality and related directives and the Habitats and Birds Directives. Legislation to tackle climate change, chemicals, industrial emissions and waste also contribute to easing the pressures on biodiversity, including ecosystems, soil, species and habitats.
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	¹ Directive 91/271/EEC.
	² Directive 91/676/EEC.
Amendment 38 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 17
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
17. However, recent assessments show that biodiversity in the EU is still being lost and that most ecosystems are seriously degraded. The EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 sets out targets and actions needed to reverse these negative trends and to enhance ecosystem services. It must be implemented in full to enable the EU to meet its biodiversity headline target for 2020. Whereas the strategy includes built-in measures to improve the implementation of the Birds and Habitats directives, including the Natura 2000 network, reaching the headline target will require the full implementation of all existing legislation aimed at protecting natural capital.	17. However, recent assessments show that biodiversity in the EU is still being lost and that most ecosystems are seriously degraded. Invasive alien species pose greater risks than previously thought for biodiversity, human health and the economy. The EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 sets out targets and actions needed to halt the loss of biodiversity and to maintain, restore and enhance ecosystems and their services. It must be implemented in full to enable the EU to meet its biodiversity headline target for 2020. Whereas the strategy includes built-in measures to improve the implementation of the Birds and Habitats directives, including the Natura 2000 network, reaching the headline target will require the full implementation of all existing legislation aimed at protecting natural capital.
Justification
The ecological and economic justifications for action are compelling. Biological invasions are one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss. Invasive alien species may have far-reaching and harmful effects on the environment and natural resources for generations. Invasive alien species can also affect human life and health and cause serious economic damage to agriculture, forestry and fisheries, which is estimated to be at least EUR 12 billion per year in Europe alone. Postponing effective action further will prevent the EU from achieving its own biodiversity conservation objectives and its global biodiversity commitments.
Amendment 39 Proposal for a decision Annex - paragraph 18
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
18. Despite considerable efforts to date, the requirement under the WFD to achieve ‘good ecological status’ by 2015 is likely to be met only for some 53 % of surface water bodies in the EU³⁹. There is also a risk that the Marine Strategy Framework Directive target to achieve ‘good environmental status’ by 2020 may be missed, inter alia due to continued overfishing and the presence of marine litter in Europe's seas. And while EU air and industrial emissions policies have helped to reduce many forms of pollution, ecosystems continue to suffer from excess nitrogen deposition and ozone pollution associated with emissions from transport, intensive agriculture and power generation.	18. Despite considerable efforts to date, the WFD target of achieving 'good ecological status' by 2015 is likely to be met only for some 53 % of surface water bodies in the EU. For that reason, the provisions on cross-compliance should also encompass the WFD. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive target to achieve 'good environmental status' by 2020 is also coming under severe pressure, inter alia due to continuing human threats such as overfishing, pollution (including underwater noise pollution) and marine litter, combined with the effects of global warming (such as acidification of the oceans). And while EU air and industrial emissions policies have helped to reduce many forms of pollution, ecosystems continue to suffer from excess nitrogen and sulphur deposition and ozone pollution associated with emissions from transport, unsustainable agriculture practices and power generation.
Amendment 40 Proposal for a decision Annex - paragraph 18 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	18a. Agriculture and forestry represent together 78% of land cover in the Union and continue to play a major role in maintaining natural resources, biodiversity and diverse cultural landscapes as a precondition for other human activities in rural areas. Afforestation plays a key role in soil fixation and in climate change adaptation and mitigation, whilst sustainable agriculture contributes to better soil preservation and water quality. Extensive and traditional practices with high ecological and conservation value should be promoted, as well as local production and consumption, which is also a way of preventing GHG emissions and adequate emphasis should be put on integrated and innovative agriculture practices like precision technologies and ecological approaches. Special attention should be given to increasing soil fertility with non chemical fertilizers, sustainable yields increase and the inclusion of leguminous crops. Using the right policies, in particular a comprehensively restructured CAP , it is possible to enhance agricultural land’s carbon storage capacity. The land use, land-use change and forestry sector (LULUCF) is indeed the only sector that acts as a carbon sink, owing to its CO2 storage capacity.
Amendment 41 Proposal for a decision Annex - paragraph 19
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
19. Protecting, conserving and enhancing the EU's natural capital therefore also requires tackling problems at source through, inter alia, better integration of natural capital objectives into other policies, ensuring that policies are coherent and deliver co-benefits. The greening elements set out in the Commission's reform proposals, notably for EU agriculture, fisheries and cohesion policy, backed by the proposals for greening the EU budget under the Multi-Annual Financial Framework 2014-2020 (MFF) are designed to support these objectives. For instance, aquatic ecosystems in rural areas should benefit from the linking of farm payments to compliance with relevant requirements of the WFD as set out in the Commission's proposals for the reform of the CAP⁴⁰. Greening of the CAP will also promote the environmentally beneficial agricultural practices of crop diversification, the protection of permanent grassland, and the establishment and maintenance of ecologically valuable farmland and forest areas.	19. Protecting, conserving, enhancing and according proper value to the EU's natural capital therefore also requires tackling problems at source through, inter alia, better integration of natural capital objectives into the development and implementation of other policies, ensuring that policies are coherent and deliver co-benefits. The greening elements set out in the Commission's reform proposals, notably for EU agriculture, fisheries and cohesion policy, backed by the proposals for greening the EU budget under the Multi-Annual Financial Framework 2014-2020 (MFF) are designed to support these objectives. Aquatic ecosystems in rural areas should benefit from the linking of farm payments to compliance with objective and measurable criteria laid down in the WFD, as agriculture geared to compliance with stringent environmental requirements can not only safeguard the quality of the soil and improve it on a lasting basis and protect biodiversity in rural areas, but also make a significant contribution to improving air and water quality. Greening of the CAP will also promote the environmentally beneficial agricultural practices of crop diversification, the protection of permanent grassland and grazing land, sustainable agroforestry and the establishment and maintenance of ecologically valuable farmland and forest areas. An essential element in this sustainable agriculture is farming in a spirit of responsibility for future generations which at the same time makes sparing use of resources and is productive.
Amendment 42 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 20
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
20. In the case of the marine environment, while the maritime sector offers economic opportunities, from fishing, shipping and aquaculture to raw materials and offshore energy and marine biotechnology, care needs to be taken to ensure their exploitation is compatible with the conservation and sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems.	20. The Union has a primary responsibility for the marine environment, given that it has the world's largest maritime domain, not least because of its overseas countries and territories. While the maritime sector offers economic opportunities, from fishing, shipping and aquaculture to raw materials and offshore energy and marine biotechnology, care needs to be taken to ensure their exploitation is compatible with the conservation and sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems. In conjunction with sustainable maritime spatial planning, integrated European coastal management can play an effective role in coordinating maritime and coastal activities and striking a balance between the various functions which the seas and oceans perform.
	The marine environment is also lagging far behind in terms of protection, as the Natura 2000 marine environment network, which was scheduled for completion in 2012¹, is still neither ecologically coherent nor operational. Member States have made considerable efforts to extend the Natura 2000 marine network on the basis of existing scientific knowledge and implement programmes to acquire the scientific data on the marine environment required in order to complete the network, and those efforts must be continued. Marine protected areas, in particular in the Mediterranean, need to be managed more efficiently.
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	¹ COM(2006)0216 of 22 May 2006.
Amendment 43 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 21
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
21. Ecosystem-based approaches to climate change mitigation and adaptation which also benefit biodiversity and the provision of other ecosystem services should be used more extensively as part of the EU’s climate change policy, while other environmental objectives such as biodiversity conservation and water protection should be fully taken into account in decisions relating to renewable energy. Finally, measures to address transport-related air pollution and CO2 emissions will need to be rolled out.	21. Ecosystem-based approaches to climate change mitigation and adaptation which also benefit biodiversity and the provision of other ecosystem services should be used more extensively as part of the EU’s climate change policy, while other environmental objectives such as biodiversity conservation and soil and water protection should be fully taken into account in decisions relating to renewable energy. Finally, measures to address transport-related air pollution and CO2 emissions will need to be rolled out.
Amendment 44 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 22
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
22. The degradation, fragmentation and unsustainable use of land in the EU is jeopardising the provision of several key ecosystem services, threatening biodiversity and increasing Europe’s vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters. It is also driving soil degradation. More than 25% of the EU's territory is affected by soil erosion by water, which compromises soil functions and affects the quality of freshwater. Soil contamination and sealing are also persistent problems. More than half a million sites across the EU are thought to be contaminated and until they are identified and assessed, they continue to pose potentially serious environmental and health risks. Every year more than 1 000 km² of land are taken for housing, industry, transport or recreational purposes. These long-term changes are difficult or costly to reverse, and nearly always involve trade-offs between various social, economic and environmental needs. Member States' planning decisions relating to land use should be made more sustainable.	22. The degradation, fragmentation and unsustainable use of land within and outside the EU is jeopardising the provision of several key ecosystem services, threatening biodiversity and increasing Europe’s vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters. It is also driving soil degradation and desertification. More than 25% of the EU's territory is affected by soil erosion by water, which compromises soil functions and affects the quality of freshwater. Soil contamination and sealing are also persistent problems. More than half a million sites across the EU are thought to be contaminated and until they are identified and assessed, they continue to pose potentially serious environmental economic and social risks, including health risks. Every year more than 1 000 km² of land are taken for housing, industry, transport or recreational purposes. Such artificial sealing of the soil has an adverse impact on the natural water cycle, because surface water can no longer seep into the ground and replenish the groundwater. Since the soil is no longer able to absorb and store rainwater, the increased run-off leads to flooding and a shortage of drinking water. These long-term changes are difficult or costly to reverse, and nearly always involve trade-offs between various social, economic and environmental needs. For this reason, Member States' planning decisions relating to land use should define exactly which areas are to be released for building and impose restrictions on the size of those areas. Sufficient green areas should be set aside to offset the unavoidable impact of large-scale sealing, especially taking biodiversity conservation and water protection into account, with a view to achieving the objective of having no net land take by 2050.
	With a view to addressing the serious problem of the sealing of the soil, the Member States should be required to take steps to reduce the area of land which has been built on and to safeguard agricultural land used to produce food, feedingstuffs and renewable raw materials.
Amendment 45 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 23
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
23. To reduce the most significant man-made pressures on land, soil and other ecosystems in Europe, action will be taken to ensure that decisions relating to land use at all relevant levels give proper consideration to environmental as well as social and economic impacts. The Rio+20 Summit outcome called for a 'land degradation neutral world'. The EU and Member States should reflect on how best to make such a commitment operational within their respective competencies as well as to address soil quality issues within a binding legal framework. Targets will also be set for sustainable land use and soil.	23. To reduce the most significant man-made pressures on land, soil and other ecosystems in Europe, action will be taken to ensure that decisions relating to land use at all relevant levels give proper consideration to environmental as well as social and economic impacts. The Rio+20 Summit outcome, recognising the economic and social significance of good land management, called for a 'land degradation neutral world'. The EU and Member States should, without delay, reflect on how best to make such a commitment operational within their respective competencies as well as how to address soil quality issues using a risk-based approach within a binding legal framework drawing on relevant aspects of the Commission’s proposal for a directive establishing a framework for the protection of soil and amending Directive 2004/35/EC¹. In addition, the pooling of knowledge and experience among Member States should be encouraged. Targets should also be set for sustainable land use and soil.
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	¹ COM(2006)0232 of 22.9.2006.
Amendment 46 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 24
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
24. Further efforts to manage the nutrient cycle in a more cost-effective and resource-efficient way, and to improve efficiency in use of fertilisers are also required. This calls for improving the implementation of EU environmental legislation to address these challenges.	24. Further efforts to manage the nutrient cycle in a more cost-effective and resource-efficient way, to improve efficiency in use of fertilisers, and to create a sustainable nutrient cycle between urban and rural areas are also required. This calls for investments in research, improving the implementation of EU environmental legislation to address these challenges,
Amendment 47 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 24 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	24a. Several of the programme's aims would benefit from a less intensive approach to livestock production as this would lead to lower emissions of nitrogen and phosphorus, reduced threats to biodiversity and improved quality of soil, air and water.
Amendment 48 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 25
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
25. Action taken under the Biodiversity Strategy to restore 15 % of degraded ecosystems in the EU and to expand the use of green infrastructure will help to overcome land fragmentation. It will further enhance natural capital and increase ecosystem resilience, and can offer cost-effective options for climate change mitigation and adaptation and disaster risk management. Meanwhile, Member States' efforts to map and assess ecosystems and their services, and the ‘no net loss’ initiative planned in 2015 will contribute to maintaining the stock of natural capital at a variety of scales. The integration of the economic value of ecosystem services into accounting and reporting systems at EU and national level by 2020 will result in better management of the EU's natural capital.	25. Action taken under the Biodiversity Strategy to restore 15 % of degraded ecosystems in the EU by 2020 and to expand the use of green infrastructure will help to overcome land fragmentation. However, that target should be regarded as a minimum and the Union should set a considerably higher restoration target reflecting its own more ambitious headline target and its 2050 vision. As an addition to the full implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives, action taken under the Biodiversity strategy will further contribute to establishing and maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems and enhancing their services. It will further enhance natural capital and increase ecosystem resilience, and can offer cost-effective options for climate change mitigation and adaptation and disaster risk management. Meanwhile, Member States' efforts to map and assess ecosystems and their services, and the ‘no net loss’ initiative planned in 2015 will contribute to maintaining the stock of natural capital. The integration of the economic value of ecosystem services into accounting and reporting systems at EU and national level by 2020 will result in better management of the EU's natural capital.
Amendment 49 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 26 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) The loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services are halted and ecosystems and their services are maintained and enhanced.	(a) The loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services are halted and ecosystems and their services are maintained, restored and enhanced, in particular through the full implementation and effective conservation of the Natura 2000 network supported by Prioritised Action Frameworks, and the implementation of the "no net loss principle".
Amendment 50 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 26 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) The impacts of pressures on fresh, transitional and coastal waters are significantly reduced to achieve, maintain or enhance good status as defined by the Water Framework Directive.	(b) The impacts of pressures on fresh, transitional and coastal waters are significantly reduced, inter alia, by means of cross-cutting measures, to achieve, maintain or enhance good status as defined by the Water Framework Directive.
Amendment 51 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 26 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d) The impacts of air pollution on ecosystems and biodiversity are further reduced.	(d) The impacts of air pollution on ecosystems and biodiversity are significantly reduced to achieve the long-term objective of not exceeding critical loads and levels.
Amendment 52 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 26 – subparagraph 1 – point g
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(g) Forests and the services they provide are protected and their resilience to climate change and fires is improved.	(g) Forests and the services they provide are protected and managed sustainably and their resilience to climate change, fires, storms and pests is improved.
Amendment 53 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 26 – subparagraph 1 – point g a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ga) Union citizens play an active part in protecting, conserving and enhancing the Union’s natural capital and making sure that it is accorded an appropriate value.
Amendment 54 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 26 – subparagraph 1 – point g b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(gb) Pollination is maintained at a high level; measures are taken to support and foster bee health; and, where necessary, measures are taken to ensure that the use of plant protection products which have been shown by a scientific risk assessment to have an adverse impact on bee populations is accompanied by the implementation of risk reduction measures.
Amendment 55 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 26 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) Fully implementing the EU Biodiversity Strategy.	(a) Fully implementing the EU Biodiversity Strategy without further delay.
Amendment 56 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 26 – subparagraph 2 – point a а (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(aa) Taking further steps to safeguard, boost and support agricultural sectors that make a proven contribution to biodiversity, and in particular the bee-keeping sector.
Amendment 57 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 26 – subparagraph 2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) Fully implementing the Blueprint to Safeguard Europe’s Water Resources.	(b) Fully implementing the Water Framework Directive and the Blueprint to Safeguard Europe’s Water Resources, by means of, inter alia, cross-compliance measures.
Amendment 58 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 26 – subparagraph 2 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) Increasing efforts, inter alia, to ensure that healthy fish stocks are achieved by 2020 at the latest, starting by fishing at, or below, maximum sustainable yield levels as from 2015 in all fisheries and establish an EU-wide quantitative reduction target for marine litter.	(c) Increasing efforts, inter alia, to ensure that healthy fish stocks are achieved by 2020 at the latest, starting by fishing at, or below, maximum sustainable yield levels as from 2015 in all fisheries, to combat pollution, to establish an EU-wide quantitative reduction target for marine litter and to complete the network of marine protected areas in the Union; and, in addition, setting up an integrated and coherent coastal management in order to ensure a long-term balance between environmental protection and the sustainable exploitation of marine and coastal areas;
Amendment 59 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 26 – subparagraph 2 – point d
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d) Strengthening efforts to reach full compliance with EU air quality legislation and defining strategic targets and actions beyond 2020.	(d) Reaching full compliance with EU air quality legislation and defining strategic targets and actions beyond 2020.
Amendment 60 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 26 – subparagraph 2 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e) Increasing efforts to reduce soil erosion and increase soil organic matter, to remediate contaminated sites and to enhance the integration of land use aspects into coordinated decision-making involving all relevant levels of government, supported by the adoption of targets on soil and on land as a resource, and land planning objectives.	(e) Increasing efforts to reduce soil erosion and increase soil organic matter, to remediate contaminated sites and to enhance the integration of land use aspects into coordinated decision-making involving all relevant levels of government, supported by the adoption of targets on soil and on land as a resource, and land planning objectives.
	Increasing efforts to reduce land use and maintain agricultural land for the production of feed and food and renewable raw materials.
Amendment 61 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 26 – subparagraph 2 – point f
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(f) Taking further steps to reduce emissions of nitrogen and phosphorus, including those from urban and industrial wastewater and from fertiliser use.	(f) Taking further steps to reduce emissions of nitrogen and phosphorus, including those from urban and industrial wastewater and from fertiliser use, and to recover waste phosphorous.
Justification
The recovery of phosphorus, a key compound in farming, should be encouraged, given that natural deposits are dwindling and significant quantities are to be found in urban wastewater.
Amendment 62 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 26 – subparagraph 2 – point g a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ga) Enhancing public information provision in the Union with regard to environmental policy, improving environmental education in national school systems and supporting grassroots action.
Amendment 63 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph - 27 (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	- 27. The Europe 2020 strategy seeks to promote sustainable growth, with the priority being to build a low-carbon economy which is more resource-efficient and competitive, through two flagship initiatives which strike a balance between environmental aspirations and industrial policy objectives, namely ‘A resource-efficient Europe’ and ‘An integrated industrial policy for the globalisation era’¹.
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	¹ COM(2010)0614 of 28 October 2010.
Amendment 64 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 27
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
27. The Europe 2020 Strategy’s ‘Resource-efficient Europe’ Flagship Initiative aims to support the shift towards an economy that is efficient in the way it uses all resources, decouples absolutely economic growth from resource and energy use and its environmental impacts, reduces GHG emissions, enhances competitiveness through efficiency and innovation and promotes greater energy security. The Roadmap to Resource Efficient Europe and the Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy are key building blocks of the Initiative, setting out the framework for future actions to deliver on these objectives.	27. The ‘Resource-efficient Europe’ Flagship Initiative aims to support the shift towards an economy that is efficient in the way it uses all resources, reduces overall resource extraction and use, decouples absolutely economic growth from resource and energy use and its environmental impacts, reduces GHG emissions, enhances competitiveness through efficiency and innovation and promotes greater energy and resource security. The Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe, the Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy and the exchange of best practice between Member States are key building blocks of the Initiative, setting out the framework for future actions to deliver on these objectives.
Amendment 65 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 27 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	27a. A European bioeconomy is a key element for smart and green growth in Europe. The bioeconomy has a particularly strong influence on regional economies within the Union, as well as promoting economic growth and creating jobs. The bioeconomy requires investment in the supply chains for raw materials, so as to guarantee the availability of raw materials.
Amendment 66 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 28
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
28. Innovation to improve resource efficiency is required across the economy to improve competitiveness in the context of rising resource prices, scarcity and supply constraints. The business sector is the prime driver of innovation, including eco-innovation. However, markets will not deliver on their own. Government action, at Union and Member State level, is essential to provide the right framework conditions for eco-innovation, stimulating the development of sustainable business or technological solutions to environmental challenges.	28. Innovation to improve resource efficiency and reduce overall resource use is required across the economy to improve competitiveness in the context of rising resource prices, import dependency, scarcity and supply constraints. As a means of contributing to securing raw materials supply, innovation partnerships between industry and the waste management sector as well as research for the recyclability of important technology raw materials need to be reinforced. The business sector, is the prime driver of innovation, including eco-innovation. However, markets will not deliver on their own. Government action, at Union and Member State level, is essential to provide the right legal framework conditions for investment and eco-innovation, stimulating the development of sustainable business or technological solutions to environmental challenges and promoting sustainable patterns of resource use.
Amendment 67 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 29
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
29. This key requirement for meeting the environmental challenge also has important socio-economic benefits. Potential job growth brought about by the transformation to a low carbon and resource-efficient economy is key for delivering the Europe 2020 employment objectives. Employment in environmental technologies and service sectors in the EU has been growing by around 3 % annually over recent years. The global market for eco-industries is estimated to be worth at least a trillion Euros, and is forecast to almost double over the next 10 years. European companies already have a global lead in recycling and energy efficiency and should be encouraged to benefit from this growth in global demand, supported by the Eco-innovation Action Plan. For example, the European renewables sector alone is expected to generate more than 400,000 new jobs by 2020.	29. This key requirement for meeting the environmental challenge also has important socio-economic benefits. Environmental policy has to be used to lever business competitiveness so as to give sustainable industry of the Union a boost. Potential job growth brought about by the transformation to a safe and sustainable low carbon and resource-efficient economy is key for delivering the Europe 2020 employment objectives. Employment in environmental technologies and service sectors in the EU has been growing by around 3 % annually over recent years. The global market for eco-industries is estimated to be worth at least a trillion Euros, and is forecast to almost double over the next 10 years. European companies already have a global lead in recycling and energy efficiency and should be encouraged to benefit from this growth in global demand, supported by the Eco-innovation Action Plan. For example, the European renewables sector alone is expected to generate more than 400,000 new jobs by 2020.
Amendment 68 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 29 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	29a. In order for this to be achieved, the Union will need to create and maintain the conditions required for the development of eco-industries, which include making sure that they have a sustainable supply of raw materials¹.
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	¹ COM(2011)0025 of 2 February 2011, entitled ‘Tackling the challenges in commodity markets and on raw materials’.
Amendment 69 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 29 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	29b. Furthermore, the ‘partnership for a stronger European industry’ will provide a means of stepping up investment and innovation in six green economy-related growth markets, namely: advanced manufacturing technologies for clean production; key enabling technologies; bio-based products; sustainable construction and raw materials; clean vehicles and vessels; and smart grids¹.
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	¹COM(2012)0582 of 10 October 2012, entitled ‘A stronger European industry for growth and economic recovery: Industrial policy communication update’.
Amendment 70 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 30
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
30. Fully implementing the EU Climate and Energy Package is essential to reach the milestones identified for 2020 and for building a competitive, low-carbon economy by 2050. Whereas the EU is currently on track to reduce domestic GHG emissions 20 % below 1990 levels by 2020, meeting the 20 % energy efficiency target will require far more rapid efficiency improvements. This is also important in the light of still-growing demand for energy and the on-going debate on conflicts between land use for food and for bio-energy. The new Energy Efficiency Directive is expected to make a significant contribution in this regard.	30. Fully implementing the EU Climate and Energy Package is essential to reach the milestones identified for 2020 and for building a competitive, sustainable, low-carbon economy based on a high renewable energy supply by 2050. Whereas the Union is currently on track to reduce domestic GHG emissions 20 % below 1990 levels by 2020 and might be able to achieve even more, meeting the 20 % energy efficiency target will require far more rapid efficiency improvements at all levels. Whereas the new Energy Efficiency Directive is expected to make a significant contribution in this regard, it should be complemented by setting requirements for the energy use of all energy-related products entering the Union market. This is also important in the light of still-growing demand for energy. Furthermore, energy efficiency needs to be backed up by resource efficiency. Particular attention needs to be paid to the increasing competition for land for food and energy purposes. It is also vital to make sure that wood resources, including biomass for energy use, are sustainably managed and used as efficiently as possible, taking into account the cascading use principle as well as the economic context of the different uses to which wood resources may be put. This would contribute to building a low carbon economy.
Amendment 71 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 31
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
31. All sectors of the economy will need to contribute to reducing GHG emissions for the EU to deliver its fair share of global efforts. The EU needs to agree the next steps for its climate and energy framework beyond 2020 in order to prepare itself for international negotiations on a new legally binding agreement, but also to provide Member States and industry with a clear framework to make the medium-term investments needed. Hence the EU needs to consider policy options for delivering the reductions set out in the Low-Carbon Economy Roadmap for the period beyond 2020. The 2050 Energy roadmap and the White Paper on transport need to be underpinned by strong policy frameworks. Moreover, Member States need to develop and put in place long-term, cost-effective low-carbon development strategies aimed at achieving the EU objective of reducing GHG emissions by 80% to 95% by mid-century, compared to 1990, as part of a global effort to limit average temperature increase to below 2°C. The EU Emissions Trading System will continue to be a central pillar of EU climate policy beyond 2020.	31. All sectors of the economy will need to contribute to reducing GHG emissions for the EU to deliver on its commitments and reach the objective of reducing GHG emissions by 80-95% by 2050 compared to 1990. The EU urgently needs to agree the next steps towards a new climate and energy framework beyond 2020 with three legally binding targets for emission reduction, energy efficiency and renewable energy in order to prepare itself for an active engagement in international negotiations on a new legally binding agreement by 2015, but also to provide Member States and industry with a clear legal framework to make the medium- and long-term investments needed. Hence the EU needs to consider policy options for delivering the reductions set out in the Low-Carbon Economy Roadmap for the period beyond 2020 in line with the proposed milestones and latest science. The 2050 Energy roadmap and the White Paper on transport need to be underpinned by strong policy frameworks, milestones and targets for the years 2030, 2040 and 2050. Moreover, Member States need to develop and put in place long-term, cost-effective low-carbon development strategies aimed at achieving the EU objective of decarbonisation by mid-century, compared to 1990, as part of a global effort to limit average temperature increase to below 2°C. The EU Emissions Trading System will continue to be a central pillar of EU climate policy beyond 2020 and needs to be structurally reformed so as to incentivise investments in low-carbon and sustainable technologies. In order to fulfil its international commitments, the Union needs to substantially support developing countries in their efforts to mitigate climate change through capacity-building, financial aid and technology transfer.
Amendment 72 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 33
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
33. Measures will also be taken to further improve the environmental performance of goods and services on the EU market over their whole life cycle through measures to increase the supply of environmentally sustainable products and stimulate a significant shift in consumer demand for these products. This will be achieved using a balanced mix of incentives for consumers and businesses, including SMEs, market-based instruments and regulations to reduce the environmental impacts of their operations and products. Existing product legislation such as the Ecodesign and Energy Label Directives and the Ecolabel Regulation will be reviewed with a view to improving the environmental performance and resource efficiency of products throughout their lifecycle, thus ensuring a more coherent framework for sustainable production and consumption in the EUs.	33. There is a need for a legal framework that gives appropriate signals to producers and consumers to promote resource efficiency and the move towards a restorative and circular economy. The environmental performance of goods and services on the Union market over their whole life cycle will be improved through measures to increase the supply of environmentally sustainable products and stimulate a significant shift in consumer demand for these products. In order to address the fragmentation and scope limitations of the Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) acquis, the consolidation of existing product legislation such as the Ecodesign and Energy Label Directives and the Ecolabel Regulation will be needed with a view to improving the environmental performance and resource efficiency of products throughout their lifecycle. This more coherent legal framework for sustainable production and consumption will be supported by targets and lifecycle indicators in order to encourage both businesses and individuals to act in a more responsible manner. Packaging will be optimised, resource efficient business models will be supported and producer liability will be strengthened. In order to provide comparative and reliable information to consumers and end users, efforts will be made to establish a harmonised Union method for calculating the environmental footprint of products as well as a simplified and rationalised environmental labelling system.
	The improvement of the environmental performance of goods and services on the Union market will be achieved using a balanced mix of incentives for consumers and businesses, including SMEs, market-based instruments and regulations to reduce the environmental impact of their operations and products. In this connection, suitable frameworks need to be introduced at Union and national level to help SMEs, to improve their environmental performance¹, more particularly through awareness‑raising campaigns and technical/financial assistance programmes targeted specifically at SMEs.
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	¹In accordance with principle IX (Enable SMEs to turn environmental challenges into opportunities) of the Small Business Act for Europe, COM(2008)0394 of 25 June 2008.
Amendment 73 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 34
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
34. Since 80% of all product-related environmental impacts are locked in during their design phase, the EU policy framework should ensure that priority products placed on the EU market are ‘eco-designed’ with a view to optimising resource and material efficiency, by addressing inter alia recyclability, recycled content and durability. These requirements will have to be implementable and enforceable. Efforts will be stepped up at EU and national level to remove barriers to eco-innovation and to unlock the full potential of Europe's eco-industries, generating benefits for green jobs and growth.	34. Since 80% of all product-related environmental impacts are locked in during their design phase, the EU policy framework should ensure that priority products placed on the EU market are ‘eco-designed’ with a view to optimising resource and material efficiency, by addressing inter alia durability, reparability, reusability, recyclability, use of recycled content and disassembly. In the long term, products and their parts shall be sustainably sourced, and designed to be reusable or fully recyclable. These requirements will have to be implementable and enforceable. Efforts will be stepped up at EU and national level to remove barriers to eco-innovation, to increase consumer information as well as awareness and to unlock the full potential of Europe's eco-industries, generating benefits for green jobs and growth.
Amendment 74 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 35
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
35. To set a framework for action to improve resource efficiency aspects beyond GHG emissions and energy, targets for reducing the overall environmental impact of consumption will be set, in particular in the food, housing and mobility sectors. Taken together, these are responsible for almost 80 % of the environmental impacts of consumption. The Rio+20 outcome recognised the need to significantly reduce post-harvest and other food losses and waste throughout the food supply chain.	35. To set a framework for action to improve resource efficiency aspects beyond GHG emissions and energy, the measurements and targets for land footprint, water footprint, material footprint as well as carbon footprint need to be adopted by 2015. At least one of those indicators should be part of the European Semester by 2015. In addition, targets for reducing the overall environmental impact of consumption will be set, in particular in the food, housing and mobility sectors. Taken together, these are responsible for almost 80 % of the environmental impacts of consumption. The Rio+20 outcome recognised the need to significantly reduce post-harvest and other food losses and waste throughout the food supply chain. It is also essential to assess and limit the environmental impact of consumption within the Union of products and raw materials likely to contribute to deforestation and forest degradation outside the Union, with a view to meeting climate targets¹.
	The Commission should therefore present a comprehensive strategy to combat unnecessary food waste, and should provide active support to the Member States in the fight against excessive waste generation.
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	¹ This applies specifically to the consumption of imported food and non-food products, such as meat, soya beans, palm oil and metal ores, which have not been produced sustainably. See COM(2008)0645 of 17 October 2008, entitled ‘Addressing the challenges of deforestation and forest degradation to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss’.
Amendment 75 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 35 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	35a. Using cereals that are edible for humans to feed farm animals is resource-inefficient as much of such cereals' food value is lost during conversion from plant to animal matter. This is a wasteful use both of cereal crops and of the land, water and energy used to grow them.
Amendment 76 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 36
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
36. In addition to mandatory green public procurement requirements for certain product categories, most Member States have adopted voluntary action plans and many have set targets for specific product groups. There is, however, considerable scope for administrations at all levels to further reduce their environmental impact through their purchasing decisions. Member States and regions should take further steps to reach the target of applying green procurement criteria to at least 50% of public tenders. The Commission will assess the possibility of introducing further sector-specific legislation to set mandatory green public procurement rules for additional product categories.	36. In addition to mandatory green public procurement requirements for certain product categories, most Member States have adopted voluntary action plans and many have set targets for specific product groups. There is, however, considerable scope for administrations at all levels to further reduce their environmental impact through their purchasing decisions. Member States and regions should take further steps to reach the target of applying green procurement criteria to at least 50% of public tenders. The Commission will propose further sector-specific legislation to set mandatory green public procurement rules for additional product categories.
Amendment 77 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 37
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
37. There is also considerable potential for improving waste management in the EU to make better use of resources, open up new markets, create new jobs and reduce dependence on imports of raw materials, while having lower impacts on the environment. Each year in the EU, 2.7 billion tonnes of waste are produced, of which 98 million tonnes is hazardous. On average, only 40 % of solid waste is re-used or recycled. The rest goes to landfill or incineration. In some Member States, more than 70 % of waste is recycled, showing how waste could be used as one of the EU’s key resources. At the same time, many Member States landfill over 75 % of their municipal waste.	37. There is also considerable potential for improving waste management in the EU to make better use of resources and secondary raw materials, open up new markets, create new jobs and reduce dependence on imports of raw materials, while having lower impacts on the environment. Each year in the EU, 2.7 billion tonnes of waste are produced, of which 98 million tonnes is hazardous. On average, only 40 % of solid waste is re-used or recycled. The rest goes to landfill or incineration. According to the waste hierarchy, incineration and use of landfilling should represent the last resort in waste management. Priority must in all cases be given to the prevention, re-use and recycling of waste. In some Member States, more than 70 % of waste is recycled, showing how waste could be used as one of the EU’s key resources. At the same time, many Member States landfill over 75 % of their municipal waste.
Amendment 78 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 38
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
38. Turning waste into a resource, as called for in the Resource Efficiency Roadmap, requires the full implementation of EU waste legislation across the EU, based on strict application of the waste hierarchy and covering different types of waste⁵⁵. Additional efforts are needed to: reduce per capita waste generation in absolute terms, limit energy recovery to non-recyclable materials, phase out landfilling, ensure high quality recycling, and develop markets for secondary raw materials. Hazardous waste will need to be managed so as to minimise significant adverse effects on human health and the environment, as agreed at the Rio+20 Summit. To achieve this, market-based instruments that privilege prevention, recycling and re-use should be applied much more systematically across the EU. Barriers facing recycling activities in the EU internal market should be removed and existing prevention, re-use, recycling, recovery and landfill diversion targets reviewed so as to move towards a ‘circular’ economy, with a cascading use of resources and residual waste close to zero.	38. Turning waste into a resource, as called for in the Resource Efficiency Roadmap, requires the full implementation of EU waste legislation across the EU, based on strict application of the waste hierarchy taking into account life-cycle thinking on the overall impacts of the generation and management of waste and covering different types of waste. Additional efforts, including on the prevention front (e.g. to reduce food waste) are needed to: achieve a significant reduction of waste per capita in absolute terms, limit energy recovery to non-recyclable and non-compostable materials, phase out landfilling of recyclable, compostable and combustible materials, except for certain hazardous waste where landfilling would represent the safest disposal method, promote reuse, ensure high quality recycling and non-toxic material cycles, and develop markets for secondary raw materials. Hazardous waste will need to be managed so as to minimise significant adverse effects on human health and the environment, as agreed at the Rio+20 Summit. To achieve this, a suitable mix of policy and market-based instruments that correspond to the five-tier hierarchy of waste, as well as waste management infrastructure planning, should be applied much more systematically across the EU. Barriers facing recycling activities in the EU internal market should be removed and existing prevention, re-use, recycling, recovery and landfill diversion targets reviewed so as to move towards a 'circular' economy, with a cascading use of resources and residual waste close to zero.
Amendment 79 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 39
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
39. Resource efficiency in the water sector will also be tackled as a priority to help deliver good water status. Even though droughts and water scarcity are affecting more and more parts of Europe, an estimated 20-40 % of Europe’s available water is still being wasted, for instance, through leakages in the distribution system. According to available modelling, there is still considerable scope for improving water efficiency in the EU. Moreover, rising demand and the impacts of climate change are expected to increase the pressure on Europe’s water resources significantly. Against this background, the Union and Member States should take action to ensure water abstraction respects available renewable water resource limits by 2020, including by improving water efficiency through the use of market mechanisms such as water pricing that reflects the true value of water. Progress will be facilitated by accelerated demonstration and rolling out of innovative technologies, systems and business models building on the Strategic Implementation Plan of the European Innovation Partnership on Water.	39. Resource efficiency in the water sector will also be tackled as a priority to help deliver good water status. Even though droughts and water scarcity are affecting more and more parts of Europe, an estimated 20-40 % of Europe’s available water is still being wasted, for instance, through leakages in the distribution system. According to available modelling, there is still considerable scope for improving water efficiency in the EU. Moreover, rising demand and the impacts of climate change are expected to increase the pressure on Europe’s water resources significantly. Against this background, the Union and Member States should take action to ensure water abstraction respects available renewable water resource limits by 2020, including by improving water efficiency through the use of market mechanisms such as water pricing that reflects the true value of water, whilst ensuring that each citizen has access to this vital resource. The agriculture and energy production sectors in particular, as the biggest consumers, should be encouraged to use water reserves more efficiently. Progress will be facilitated by accelerated demonstration and rolling out of innovative technologies, systems and business models building on the Strategic Implementation Plan of the European Innovation Partnership on Water. Separating used fats at source, before they are discharged into wastewater networks, and subsequently collecting and recycling them, must become a water treatment policy priority.
Amendment 80 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 40
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
40. A long-term and predictable policy framework in all these areas will help to stimulate the level of investments and action needed to fully develop markets for greener technologies and promote sustainable business solutions. Resource efficiency indicators and targets are needed to provide the necessary guidance for public and private decision-makers in transforming the economy. They will become an integral part of this programme once agreed at Union level.	40. A long-term and predictable policy framework in all these areas will help to stimulate the level of investments and action needed to fully develop markets for greener technologies and promote sustainable business solutions. Resource efficiency indicators and targets for the water footprint, land footprint, material footprint and carbon footprint are needed by 2015 to provide the necessary guidance for public and private decision-makers in transforming the economy. They will become an integral part of this programme once agreed at Union level.
Amendment 81 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 41 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) The EU has met its 2020 climate and energy targets and is working towards reducing GHG emissions by 80-95% by 2050 compared to 1990, as part of a global effort to limit the average temperature increase below 2°C.	(a) The EU has met its 2020 climate and energy targets, and is working towards reducing GHG emissions by 80-95% by 2050 compared to 1990, as part of a global effort to limit the average temperature increase below 2°C. The climate and energy targets for 2030 have been agreed.
Amendment 82 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 41 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) The overall environmental impact of EU industry in all major industrial sectors is significantly reduced, and resource efficiency increased.	(b) The overall environmental impact of EU industry in all major industrial sectors is significantly reduced, resource efficiency has increased due to market and policy incentives that reward best practices by business. Resource efficiency throughout the production chain and lifecycle of a product can be measured and benchmarked.
Amendment 83 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 41 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) The overall environmental impact of production and consumption is reduced, in particular in the food, housing and mobility sectors.	(c) Structural changes in production, technology and innovation, as well as consumption patterns and lifestyles have reduced the overall environmental impact of production and consumption, in particular in the food, housing and mobility sectors.
Amendment 84 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 41 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ca) Forest degradation is prevented and commodities and products linked to deforestation are eliminated from the Union market.
Amendment 85 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 41 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d) Waste is safely managed as a resource, waste generated per capita is in absolute decline, energy recovery is limited to non-recyclable materials and landfilling of recyclable and compostable materials is effectively eradicated.	(d) Waste is safely prevented or managed as a resource in a manner that prevents any harm being caused to the environment and to health, waste generated per capita is in absolute decline, energy recovery is limited to non-recyclable and non-compostable materials and landfilling of recyclable, compostable and combustible materials is effectively eradicated, except for certain hazardous waste where landfilling would represent the safest disposal method.
Amendment 86 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 41 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) Fully implementing the Climate and Energy Package and agreeing on the EU's climate and energy policy framework for the period beyond 2020.	(a) Fully implementing the Climate and Energy Package and agreeing on the EU's climate and energy policy framework for the period beyond 2020 by establishing a framework for energy and climate policy for 2030 based on three legally binding targets on GHG emissions, renewable energy and energy efficiency in line with the milestones laid down in the Roadmap for moving to a competitive and low carbon economy in 2050.
Amendment 87 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 41 – subparagraph 2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) Generalising the application of ‘Best Available Techniques’ and enhancing efforts to promote the uptake of emerging innovative technologies, processes and services.	(b) Generalising the application of ‘Best Available Techniques’ in the context of the Industrial Emissions Directive and enhancing efforts to promote the uptake of emerging innovative technologies, processes and services.
Amendment 88 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 41 – subparagraph 2 – point b a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ba) Reducing the use of packaging and transport during the life cycle of products.
Amendment 89 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph41 – subparagraph 2 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) Giving impetus to the public and private research and innovation efforts required for rolling out innovative technologies, systems and business models which will speed up and lower the cost of transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy.	(c) Giving impetus to the public and private research and innovation efforts required for rolling out innovative technologies, systems and business models which will speed up and lower the cost of transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy and contribute to a substantial reduction in food waste throughout the food chain.
Amendment 90 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 41 – subparagraph 2 – point c a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ca) Setting indicators and targets for resource efficiency by 2015 on the basis of the Resource Efficiency Roadmap. Introducing a lead indicator and target in the European Semester which is complemented by a dashboard of indicators for the use of land, carbon, water and material.
Amendment 91 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 41 – subparagraph 2 – point d
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d) Establishing a more coherent framework for sustainable production and consumption. Reviewing product legislation with a view to improving the environmental performance and resource efficiency of products throughout their lifecycle. Setting targets for the reduction of the overall impact of consumption.	(d) Establishing a more coherent framework for sustainable production and consumption including where appropriate the consolidation of existing instruments into a coherent legal framework. Reviewing product legislation with a view to improving the environmental performance and resource efficiency of products throughout their lifecycle. Stimulating consumer demand for environmentally sustainable products and services by increasing their availability, affordability, functionality and attractiveness. Promoting the principle of cascading use of materials. Developing indicators and setting targets for the reduction of the overall impact of consumption. Combating food wastage. Rationalising and universalising environmental labelling of products.
Amendment 92 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 41 – subparagraph 2 – point d a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(da) Taking account of labour market changes and developing training programmes geared to green-economy jobs.
Amendment 93 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 41 – subparagraph 2 – point d b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(db) Increasing efforts to reach the target of applying green public procurement criteria to at least 50% of public tenders and establishing a voluntary green purchasers' network for Union companies.
Amendment 94 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 41 – subparagraph 2 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e) Fully implementing EU waste legislation. This will include applying the waste hierarchy and the effective use of market-based instruments and measures to ensure that landfilling is effectively phased out, energy recovery is limited to non-recyclable materials, recycled waste is used as a major, reliable source of raw material for the EU, hazardous waste is safely managed and its generation is reduced, illegal waste shipments are eradicated and internal market barriers for environmentally-sound recycling activities in the EU are removed.	(e) Fully implementing and strengthening EU waste legislation as well as achieving near zero waste. This will include applying the waste hierarchy in accordance with the Waste framework Directive and the effective use of market-based instruments and measures to reduce the generation of waste, to promote reuse, to ensure high quality recycling and non-toxic material cycles so that waste can be used as a major, reliable source of raw material for the EU.; and to ensure that there is a high-quality source segregation system in place, energy recovery is limited to non-recyclable, non-biodegradable and non-compostable materials; that landfilling of recyclable, compostable and combustible materials is effectively phased out, except for certain hazardous waste where landfilling would represent the safest disposal method and that hazardous waste is significantly reduced and otherwise safely managed. Illegal waste shipments are eradicated (including by the use of more stringent monitoring) and internal market barriers for environmentally-sound recycling activities in the EU are removed. This will require a systemic review of Union waste policies in line with the move towards a circular economy as well as setting ambitious recycling and prevention targets. Special public information efforts will have to make people aware of this issue and encourage them to act responsibly so as to reduce pollution and combat environmentally anti-social behaviour. Such public information efforts must also help people understand the rules on sorting and collecting household waste, which should be tailored more closely to consumer needs, and encourage people to sort their waste.
Amendment 95 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 41 – subparagraph 2 – point e a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ea) Developing a new legal instrument that drives a more efficient use of limited biomass resources, based on an assessment of overall availabilities, that establishes a cascading use principle and supporting measures, and that ensures that overall amounts of biomass used in any sector are limited to what can be sustainably supplied by ecosystems.
Amendment 96 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 41 – subparagraph 2 – point f
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(f) Improving water efficiency by setting targets at river basin level and using market mechanisms, such as water pricing.	(f) Improving water efficiency by setting and monitoring targets at river basin level, laying down rules governing the use of treated wastewater, using market mechanisms, such as water pricing, as provided for in Article 9 of the Water Framework Directive, and also improving knowledge, governance, investment capacities and integration of water issues with other policies.
Amendment 97 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 41 – subparagraph 2 – point f a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(fa) Drafting and implementing a Union action plan for assessing and limiting the environmental impact of consumption within the Union of products and raw materials likely to contribute to deforestation and forest degradation outside the Union.
Amendment 98 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 42
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
42. EU environment legislation has delivered significant benefits for the health and well-being of the public. However, water, air pollution and chemicals remain among the general public's top environmental concerns in the EU. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that environmental stressors are responsible for between 15 and 20 % of all deaths in 53 European countries. According to the OECD, urban air pollution is set to become the primary environmental cause of mortality worldwide by 2050.	42. EU environment legislation has delivered significant benefits for the health and well-being of the public. However, water, air pollution, chemicals and noise pollution remain among the general public's top environmental concerns in the EU. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that environmental stressors are responsible for between 15 and 20 % of all deaths in 53 European countries. According to the OECD, urban air pollution is set to become the primary environmental cause of mortality worldwide by 2050.
Amendment 99 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 44
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
44. Access to water of satisfactory quality remains problematic in a number of rural areas in the EU, while ensuring the good quality of Europe’s bathing waters benefits both human health and the EU’s tourism industry. Adverse consequences of floods for human health and economic activity are being experienced more frequently, partly due to changes to the hydrological cycle and land use.	44. Access to water of satisfactory quality remains problematic in a number of rural areas in the EU, while ensuring the good quality of Europe’s bathing waters benefits both human health and the EU’s tourism industry. Adverse consequences of floods for human health and economic activity are being experienced more frequently, partly due to changes to the hydrological cycle and land use. With a view to helping ensure compliance with Union water legislation, measures must be taken to restore natural river banks and reforest the surrounding areas.
Amendment 100 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 48
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
48. Horizontal chemicals legislation (REACH and the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulations) provides baseline protection for human health and the environment and promotes the uptake of evolving non-animal testing methods. However, there is still uncertainty about the impacts on human health and the environment from the combined effects of different chemicals (mixtures), nanomaterials, chemicals that interfere with the endocrine (hormone) system (endocrine disruptors) and chemicals in products. In recent years, more information has come to light on the need for action to deal with these challenges, especially if the EU is to attain the goal agreed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002, and reaffirmed at the Rio+20 Summit, to have ensured ‘the minimisation of significant adverse effects’ of chemicals on human health and the environment by 2020 and to respond to new and emerging issues and challenges in an effective, efficient, coherent and coordinated manner. The EU will further develop and implement approaches to address combination effects of chemicals and safety concerns related to endocrine disruptors and set out a comprehensive approach for minimising adverse effects of hazardous substances, including chemicals in products, supported by a comprehensive chemical exposure and toxicity knowledge base. The safety and sustainable management of nanomaterials will be ensured as part of a comprehensive approach involving risk assessment and management, information and monitoring. Together these approaches will increase the chemical knowledge base and provide a predictable framework driving the development of more sustainable solutions.	48. Horizontal chemicals legislation (REACH and the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulations) provides baseline protection for human health and the environment and promotes the uptake of evolving non-animal testing methods. However, there is still uncertainty about the full impacts on human health and the environment from the combined effects of different chemicals (mixtures), nanomaterials, chemicals that interfere with the endocrine (hormone) system (endocrine disruptors) and chemicals in products. In recent years, more information has come to light on the need for action to deal with these challenges, especially if the EU is to attain the goal agreed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002, and reaffirmed at the Rio+20 Summit, to have ensured the minimisation of exposure to chemicals on human health and the environment by 2020 and to respond to new and emerging issues and challenges in an effective, efficient, coherent and coordinated manner. The EU will further develop and implement approaches including provisions for industry to address combination effects of chemicals and safety concerns related to endocrine disruptors and set out a comprehensive approach for minimising adverse effects of hazardous substances across all relevant Union legislation, including chemicals in products, supported by a comprehensive chemical exposure and toxicity knowledge base taking into account the precautionary principle to protect in particular vulnerable groups from exposure. The safety and sustainable management of nanomaterials will be ensured as part of a comprehensive approach involving risk assessment and management, information and monitoring. Together these approaches will increase the chemical knowledge base and provide a predictable framework driving the development of more sustainable solutions.
Amendment 101 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 49
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
49. Meanwhile, the growing market for bio-based products, chemicals and materials may offer advantages such as lower GHG emissions and new market opportunities, but care needs to be taken to ensure that the full life-cycle of these products is sustainable and does not exacerbate competition over land or increase emission levels.	49. Meanwhile, the growing market for bio-based products, chemicals and materials may offer advantages such as lower GHG emissions and new market opportunities, but care needs to be taken to ensure that the full life-cycle of these products is sustainable and does not exacerbate competition over land and water or increase emission levels.
Amendment 102 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 51
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
51. In addition, the measures to enhance ecological and climate resilience, such as ecosystem restoration and green infrastructure, can have important socioeconomic benefits, including for public health. The synergies and potential trade-offs between climate and other environmental objectives, such as air quality, need to be adequately managed. For example, fuel switching in response to climate or security of supply considerations could lead to substantial increases in particulate matter and dangerous emissions.	51. In addition, the measures to enhance ecological and climate resilience, such as ecosystem restoration and green and blue infrastructure, can have important socioeconomic benefits, including for public health. The synergies and potential trade-offs between climate and other environmental objectives, such as air quality, need to be adequately managed. For example, fuel switching in response to climate or security of supply considerations could lead to substantial increases in particulate matter and dangerous emissions.
Justification
The term ‘green and blue infrastructure’ is used to describe an interconnected network of protected land and water areas. This concept is used in sustainable spatial planning and helps to ensure favourable conservation status for natural habitats and species and good ecological status for water bodies. This environmental network approach is also referred to in the Aichi Biodiversity Targets for the period 2011-2020 (Target 11).
Amendment 103 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 52 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) Air quality in the EU has significantly improved	(a) Indoor and outdoor air quality in the EU has significantly improved to WHO recommended levels and in accordance with WHO guidelines.
Amendment 104 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 52 – subparagraph 1 – point a a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(aa) Implementation of the initiatives in the transport White Paper, particularly by further internalisation of external costs.
Justification
This last wording is a direct quote from the resource efficiency roadmap COM(2011) 571 final, page 19
Amendment 105 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 52 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) Noise pollution in the EU has significantly decreased.	(b) Noise pollution in the EU has significantly decreased to WHO recommended levels.
Amendment 106 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 52 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d) The combination effects of chemicals and safety concerns related to endocrine disruptors are effectively addressed, and risks for the environment and health associated with the use of hazardous substances, including chemicals in products, is assessed and minimised.	(d) The combination effects of chemicals and safety concerns related to endocrine disruptors are effectively addressed in relevant Union legislation, and risks for the environment and health associated with the use of hazardous substances, including chemicals in products, are assessed and minimised. Long-term actions with a view to reaching the objective of a non-toxic environment are identified.
Amendment 107 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 52 – subparagraph 1 – point f
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(f) Decisive progress is made in adapting to climate change impacts.	(f) Decisive progress is made in preventing and adapting to climate change impacts.
Amendment 108 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 52 – subparagraph 2 – point -a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(-a) Implementing the initiatives in the transport White Paper, particularly by further internalising external costs.
Amendment 109 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 52 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) Implementing updated EU policy on air quality, aligned with the latest scientific knowledge, and measures to combat air pollution at source.	(a) Implementing an updated EU policy on air quality, aligned with the latest scientific knowledge, and developing a Union strategy for indoor air quality and measures to combat air pollution at source.
Amendment 110 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 52 – subparagraph 2 – point c a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ca) Continuing to implement REACH in such a way as to ensure stability and predictability and lighten the administrative and financial burden for SMEs, with a view to ensuring a high level of protection for human health and the environment and the free movement of chemicals within the internal market, and to making Union firms more innovative and more competitive¹.
	_____________
	¹ General report of 5 February 2013 on REACH, in accordance with Article 117(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH Regulation) and Article 46(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation), and review of certain elements of REACH in line with Articles 75(2), 138(2), 138(3) and 138(6) of the REACH Regulation.
Amendment 111 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 52 – subparagraph 2 – point d
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d) Developing an EU strategy for a non-toxic environment, supported by a comprehensive chemical exposure and toxicity knowledge base and conducive to innovation of sustainable substitutes.	(d) Developing by 2018 an EU strategy for a non-toxic environment building on horizontal measures to be undertaken to ensure: (1) the safety of nanomaterials and similar advanced materials; (2) the minimisation of exposure to endocrines disruptors; (3) appropriate regulatory approaches to address combination effects of chemicals and (4) the minimisation of exposure to chemicals in products, including, inter alia, imported products, with a view to promoting non-toxic material cycles and reducing indoor exposure to harmful substances. That strategy should be supported by a comprehensive chemical exposure and toxicity knowledge base, compiled from data produced using non-animal test methods wherever possible, which would accelerate efficient decision-making and promote innovation and the development of safe and sustainable substitutes.
Amendment 112 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 52 – subparagraph 2 – point d a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(da) Standardising, throughout the Union, research protocols and assessment criteria for environmental and human biomonitoring in order to optimise the use made of this tool in assessing overall environmental quality and public health in the Union.
Amendment 113 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 54
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
54. The benefits of ensuring that EU environment legislation is actually implemented are threefold: providing a level playing field for economic actors operating in the Single Market, stimulating innovation, and promoting first-mover advantages for European companies in many sectors. The costs associated with failure to implement legislation, by contrast, are high, broadly estimated at around €50 billion a year, including costs related to infringement cases. In 2009 alone there were 451 infringement cases related to EU environment legislation. The Commission also receives numerous complaints directly from EU citizens, many of which could be better addressed at Member State or local level.	54. The benefits of ensuring that EU environment legislation is actually implemented are threefold: providing a level playing field for economic actors operating in the Single Market, stimulating innovation, and promoting first-mover advantages for European companies in many sectors. The costs associated with failure to implement legislation, by contrast, are high, broadly estimated at around €50 billion a year, including costs related to infringement cases. In 2011, the highest number of infringements of Union law reported in the Union concerned the area of environmental law – 299, representing 17% of all infringements – and 114 new infringement proceedings were initiated. The Commission also receives numerous complaints directly from EU citizens, many of which could be better addressed at Member State or local level.
Justification
Figures taken from the 29th annual report on monitoring the application of EU law (2011) (COM(2012)0714).
Amendment 114 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 55
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
55. Improving the implementation of the EU environment acquis at Member State level will therefore be given top priority in the coming years. There are significant differences in implementation between and within Member States. There is a need to equip those involved in implementing environmental legislation at national, regional and local levels with the knowledge and capacity to improve the delivery of benefits from this legislation.	55. Improving the implementation of the EU environment acquis at Member State level will therefore be given top priority in the coming years. There are significant differences in implementation between and within Member States. There is a need to equip those involved in implementing environmental legislation at Union, national, regional and local levels with the knowledge, tools and capacity to improve the delivery of benefits from this legislation.
Amendment 115 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 57
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
57. First, the way knowledge about implementation is collected and disseminated will be improved to help the general public and environmental professionals fully understand how national and local administrations put Union commitments into effect. Implementation challenges specific to an individual Member State will be targeted for assistance, similar to the tailored approach followed in the European Semester process. For instance, partnership implementation agreements involving the Commission and individual Member States will be drawn up, addressing issues such as where to find financial support for implementation and better information systems to track progress.	57. First, the way knowledge about implementation is collected and disseminated will be improved to help the general public and environmental professionals fully understand how national and local administrations put Union commitments into effect. Implementation challenges specific to an individual Member State will be targeted for assistance, similar to the tailored approach followed in the European Semester process. For instance, partnership implementation agreements involving the Commission and individual Member States will be drawn up, addressing issues such as where to find financial support for implementation and better information systems to track progress. With a view to maximising the effectiveness of this approach, local and regional authorities will also be able to take part, for example under three-way partnership agreements, with due regard for the specific administrative system of each Member State. The Technical Platform for Cooperation on the Environment set up by the Committee of the Regions and the European Commission will facilitate dialogue and information pooling, with a view to improving the implementation of legislation at local level.
Amendment 116 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 59
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
59. Third, the way in which complaints about implementation of EU environment law are handled and remedied at national level will be improved.	59. Third, the way in which complaints about implementation of EU environment law are handled and remedied at national level will be improved and made more transparent as well as accessible.
Amendment 117 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 60
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
60. Fourth, EU citizens will gain better access to justice in environmental matters and effective legal protection, in line with international treaties and developments brought about by the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and recent case law of the European Court of Justice. Non-judicial conflict resolution will also be promoted as an alternative to litigation.	60. Fourth, EU citizens will gain access to justice in environmental matters and effective legal protection, in line with the Aarhus Convention and other international treaties and developments brought about by the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and recent case law of the European Court of Justice. Non-judicial conflict resolution will also be promoted as an alternative to litigation.
Justification
To ensure effective access to justice, all pillars of the Aarhus Convention must be part of the Union environment policy acquis. This is in line with the Council conclusions of June 11, 2012.
Amendment 118 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 63 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) EU citizens have access to clear information showing how EU environment law is being implemented.	(a) Full implementation of the Aarhus Convention to ensure that EU citizens have access to clear information showing how EU environment law is being implemented, access to justice, and that they can participate in certain environmentally relevant decisions.
Justification
In line with Council conclusions of June 11 2012, the Aarhus Convention should be fully implemented allowing citizens full access to justice in environmental matters.
Amendment 119 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 63 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ca) The requirement of the independence of regulatory authorities at national level for the enforcement of Union environmental law is implemented.
Justification
In various European directives on the internal market as well as in case law of the European Court of Justice it has been required that Member States guarantee the independence of the regulatory authority and shall ensure that it exercises its powers impartially and transparently. See for example Directive 2009/73/EC, Art. 39(4). The same requirements regarding the regulatory authority should be applied on the enforcement of EU environment legislation at national level.
Amendment 120 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 63 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d) Citizens’ trust and confidence in EU environment law is enhanced.	(d) Citizens’ trust and confidence in EU environment law and its enforcement is enhanced and they are more closely involved in action taken to address environmental problems.
Amendment 121 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 63 – subparagraph 2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) Drawing up partnership implementation agreements between Member States and the Commission.	(b) Drawing up voluntary and transparent partnership implementation agreements between Member States and the Commission and involving local and regional authorities, in order to assist Member States to prevent or remedy problems that have occurred.
Amendment 122 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 63 – subparagraph 2 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) Extending binding criteria for effective Member State inspections and surveillance to the wider body of EU environment law, and developing a complementary capacity at EU level to address situations where there is due reason for concern, backed up by support for networks of professionals.	(c) Encouraging Member States to rationalise existing inspection capacities and bolster the IMPEL network. Extending binding criteria for effective Member State inspections and surveillance to the wider body of EU environment law, and developing a complementary capacity at EU level to address situations where there is due reason for concern
Amendment 123 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 63 – subparagraph 2 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e) Ensuring that national provisions on access to justice reflect the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, and promoting non-judicial conflict resolution as a means of finding amicable solutions for conflicts in the environmental field.	(e) Ensuring that national provisions on access to justice reflect the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, and promoting non-judicial conflict resolution as a means of finding effective solutions for conflicts in the environmental field.
Amendment 124 Proposal for a decision Annex – Priority objective 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Priority objective 5: To improve the evidence base for environment policy	Priority objective 5: To improve the knowledge and evidence base for environment policy
Amendment 125 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 64
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
64. Evidence for EU environment policy is based on environmental monitoring, data, indicators and assessments linked to the implementation of EU legislation, as well as formal scientific research and ‘citizen science’ initiatives. There has been considerable progress on strengthening this evidence base, raising awareness and improving the confidence of policy-makers and the public in the evidence-based approach to policy, facilitating their understanding of complex environmental and societal challenges.	64. Evidence for EU environment policy is based on environmental monitoring, data, indicators and assessments linked to the implementation of EU legislation, as well as formal scientific research and ‘citizen science’ initiatives. There has been considerable progress on strengthening this knowledge and evidence base, raising awareness and improving the confidence of policy-makers and the public in the evidence-based approach to policy, facilitating their understanding of complex environmental and societal challenges.
Amendment 126 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 65
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
65. Steps should be taken at EU and international level to further strengthen and improve the science-policy interface for environment, such as through the appointment of Chief Scientific Advisors, as already done by the Commission and some Member States.	65. Steps should be taken at EU and international level to further strengthen and improve the science-policy interface for environment, such as through the optimisation of the work currently being carried out by national environment agencies and the European Environment Agency (EEA) and its partner organisation, the European Environment Information and Observation Network (EIONET) and the appointment of Chief Scientific Advisors, as already done by the Commission and some Member States. It is also important that, once it becomes a full member, the Union plays an active role in the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) , in order to link up the local, regional and international levels of biodiversity governance.
Amendment 127 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 66
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
66. However, the pace of current developments and uncertainties surrounding likely future trends requires further steps to maintain and strengthen this evidence base to ensure policy in the EU continues to draw on a sound understanding of the state of the environment, possible response options and their consequences.	66. However, the pace of current developments and uncertainties surrounding likely future trends requires further steps to maintain and strengthen this knowledge and evidence base to ensure policy in the EU continues to draw on a sound understanding of the state of the environment, possible response options and their consequences.
Amendment 128 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 68
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
68. Further implementation of the Shared Environmental Information System principle of ‘produce once, use often’ and the common approaches and standards on acquisition and collation of spatial information under the INSPIRE and GMES⁶⁵ systems will help avoid duplication of effort and eliminate unnecessary administrative burdens on public authorities, as will efforts to streamline reporting obligations under different pieces of legislation. Member States should make information gathered to assess environmental impacts of plans, programmes and projects (e.g. through Environmental or Strategic Impact Assessments) more accessible to the public.	68. Further implementation of the Shared Environmental Information System principle of ‘produce once, use often’ and the common approaches and standards on acquisition and collation of spatial information under the INSPIRE and Copernicus (previously known as GMES) systems, as well as other environmental information systems for Europe (such as BISE and WISE), will help avoid duplication of effort and eliminate unnecessary administrative burdens on public authorities, as will efforts to streamline reporting obligations under different pieces of legislation. Member States should make information gathered to assess environmental impacts of plans, programmes and projects (e.g. through Environmental or Strategic Impact Assessments) more accessible to the public.
Amendment 129 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 69 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
69. There are still significant gaps in knowledge, some of them relevant to this programme's priority objectives. Investing in further research to fill these gaps is therefore essential to ensure that public authorities and businesses have a sound basis for taking decisions which fully reflect true social, economic and environmental benefits and costs. Four gaps stand out:	69. There are still significant gaps in knowledge, some of them relevant to this programme's priority objectives. Investing in further research to fill these gaps is therefore essential to ensure that public authorities and businesses have a sound knowledge of the latest science which fully reflects true social, economic and environmental benefits and costs. Four gaps stand out:
Amendment 130 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 69 – indent 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
– The transition to an inclusive green economy requires proper consideration of the interplay between socio-economic and environmental factors. Improving our understanding of sustainable consumption and production patterns, how costs of action or inaction can be considered more accurately, how changes in individual and societal behaviour contribute to environmental outcomes and how Europe's environment is affected by global megatrends can help better target policy initiatives towards improving resource efficiency and relieving pressures on the environment.	– The transition to an inclusive green economy requires proper consideration of the interplay between socio-economic and environmental factors. Improving our understanding of sustainable consumption and production patterns, how costs and benefits of action or inaction can be considered more accurately, how changes in individual and societal behaviour contribute to environmental outcomes and how Europe's environment is affected by global megatrends can help better target policy initiatives towards improving resource efficiency and relieving pressures on the environment.
Justification
Both the costs and benefits of action and inaction should be considered when improving our understanding of sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Amendment 131 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 69 – indent 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
– There are still uncertainties surrounding the human health and environmental implications of endocrine disruptors, mixtures, chemicals in products and nanomaterials. Filling these gaps can accelerate decision-making and enable the further development of the chemicals acquis to better target areas of concern, while stimulating more sustainable use of chemicals. An improved understanding of the environmental factors affecting human health would allow preventive policy actions to be taken.	– While there are still uncertainties surrounding the full implications for human health and the environment of endocrine disruptors, mixtures, chemicals in products and nanomaterials, the latest research indicates that endocrine disruptors cause adverse health effects, especially regarding the development of children. In addition, concerns exist regarding the potential implications of the combined effects of chemicals in products, nanomaterials and similar advanced materials. Implementing existing knowledge, supplemented with a continued effort to fill the remaining knowledge gaps including, inter alia, via the use of biomonitoring and environmental monitoring, the sharing of experience between Member States and harmonised knowledge devices can accelerate decision-making and enable the further development of the chemicals acquis to better target areas of concern, and also help to stimulate a more sustainable approach to the use of chemicals. An improved understanding of the environmental factors and the levels of exposure affecting human health and the environment would allow preventive policy actions to be taken. This should be done wherever possible through the use of alternative methods of testing with the aim of reducing the number of animals used.
Amendment 132 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 70
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
70. New and emerging issues arising from rapid technological developments that outpace policy, such as nanomaterials, unconventional energy sources, carbon capture and storage and electromagnetic waves, pose risk management challenges and can give rise to conflicting interests, needs and expectations. This in turn can lead to increasing public concern and potential hostility towards new technologies. There is therefore a need to ensure a broader, explicit societal debate about the environmental risks and possible trade-offs that we are willing to accept in the light of sometimes incomplete or uncertain information about emerging risks and how they should be handled. A systematic approach to environmental risk management will improve the EU's capacity to identify and act upon technological developments in a timely manner, while providing reassurance to the public.	70. New and emerging issues arising from rapid technological developments that outpace policy, such as nanomaterials and similar advanced materials, unconventional energy sources, carbon capture and storage and electromagnetic waves, pose risk management challenges and can give rise to conflicting interests, needs and expectations. This in turn can lead to increasing public concern and potential hostility towards new technologies. There is therefore a need to ensure a broader, explicit societal debate about the environmental risks and possible trade-offs that we are willing to accept in the light of sometimes incomplete or uncertain information about emerging risks and how they should be handled. A systematic approach to environmental risk management will improve the EU's capacity to identify and act upon technological developments in a timely manner, while providing reassurance to the public.
Justification
Unknown substances and materials are likely to be introduced in the future why it is important to ensure that such materials and substances can be addressed in a similar fashion as among others nanomaterials.
Amendment 133 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 71 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
71. In order to improve the evidence base for environment policy, the programme shall ensure that by 2020:	71. In order to improve the knowledge and evidence base for environment policy, the programme shall ensure that by 2020:
Amendment 134 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 71 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) Policy-makers and businesses have a better basis for developing and implementing environment and climate policies, including measuring costs and benefits.	(a) Policy-makers and businesses have a better basis for developing and implementing environment and climate policies, including measuring costs and benefits of action or inaction.
Amendment 135 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 71 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ca) Increasing the share of Union Research funds spent on assessing the hazards of new products, processes and technologies.
Amendment 136 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 71 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) Coordinating and focusing research efforts at EU and Member State levels on addressing key environmental knowledge gaps, including the risks of environmental tipping-points.	(a) Avoiding budget cuts to research, while coordinating, promoting and focusing research efforts at EU and Member State levels on addressing key environmental knowledge gaps, including the risks of environmental tipping-points as highlighted in the planetary boundaries concept.
Amendment 137 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 71 – subparagraph 2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) Adopting a systematic approach to risk management.	(b) Adopting a systematic and integrated approach to risk management, based on preventive action, the precautionary principle , the polluter-pays principle, and the principles of rectification of pollution at source as well as of proportionality.
Amendment 138 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 71 – subparagraph 2 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) Simplifying, streamlining and modernising environmental and climate change data and information collection, management and sharing.	(c) Simplifying, streamlining and modernising environmental and climate change data and information collection, management and sharing – including the development and implementation of a European Shared Environmental Information System.
Amendment 139 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 71 – subparagraph 2 – point c a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ca) Completing a comprehensive assessment of the availability of sustainable biomass supply and the competing uses and needs.
Amendment 140 Proposal for a decision Annex 1 – point 71 – subparagraph 2 – point c b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(cb) Establishing a comprehensive chemical exposure and toxicity knowledge base to support the strategy for a non-toxic environment.
(Linked to the amendment to paragraph 52, subparagraph 2, point d by the same authors.)
Justification
The need to establish a comprehensive chemical exposure and toxicity knowledge base to support the strategy for a non-toxic environment should be added to the requirements to improve the evidence base for environment policy.
Amendment 141 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 74
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
74. The Union and Member States will need to put in place the right conditions to ensure that environmental externalities are adequately addressed and that the right market signals are sent to the private sector, with due regard to any adverse social impacts. This will involve applying the polluter-pays principle more systematically, through phasing out environmentally harmful subsidies and shifting taxation away from labour towards pollution. As natural resources become increasingly scarce, the economic rent and profits associated with their ownership or exclusive use may increase. Public intervention to ensure that such rents are not excessive and that externalities are taken into account will lead to more efficient use of these resources and will help to avoid market distortions, as well as generate public revenue. Environment and climate priorities will be pursued in the framework of the European Semester where these are relevant to the sustainable growth prospects of individual Member States to which country-specific recommendations are addressed. Other market-based instruments, such as payments for ecosystem services, should be used more extensively at EU and national level to incentivise private sector involvement and sustainable management of natural capital.	74. The Union and Member States will need to put in place the right conditions to ensure that environmental externalities are adequately addressed and that the right market signals are sent to the private sector, with due regard to any adverse social impacts. This will involve applying the polluter-pays principle more systematically, through phasing out environmentally harmful subsidies and shifting taxation away from labour towards pollution and resource consumption. As natural resources become increasingly scarce, the economic rent and profits associated with their ownership or exclusive use may increase. Public intervention to ensure that such rents are not excessive and that externalities are taken into account will lead to more efficient use of these resources and will help to avoid market distortions, as well as generate public revenue. Environment and climate priorities will be pursued in the framework of the European Semester through the introduction of lead indicators where those priorities are relevant to the sustainable growth prospects of individual Member States to which country-specific recommendations are addressed. Other market-based instruments, such as payments for ecosystem services, should be used more extensively at EU and national level to incentivise private sector involvement and sustainable management of natural capital.
Amendment 142 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 77 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	77a. By 2020, Union cohesion and structural funding should be restricted to projects that cause no harm to the environment.
Justification
In line with the objective of preserving, protecting and enhancing the environment of the Union, no EU funds should financially support projects that are contrary to this objective. If the assessment of a given EU funded project indicates a degradation of the environment, funds must be repaid to the Union.
Amendment 143 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 78
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
78. The increased capital provided to the European Investment Bank (EIB) as part of the 2012 Compact for Growth and Jobs provides an additional source of investment.	78. The increased capital provided to the European Investment Bank (EIB) as part of the 2012 Compact for Growth and Jobs provides an additional source of investment^,which shall be spent in line with the Union environment and climate objectives.
Amendment 144 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 79
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
79. Experience gained in the 2007-2013 programming period shows that although significant funds are available for the environment, the uptake at national and regional level in the early years has been very uneven, potentially jeopardising the achievement of agreed objectives and targets. To avoid repeating this experience, Member States should integrate environment and climate objectives in their funding strategies and programmes for economic, social and territorial cohesion, rural development and maritime policy, prioritise the early uptake of funding for the environment and climate change and reinforce the capacity of implementing bodies to deliver cost-effective and sustainable investments in order to secure the adequate and needed financial support for investments in these areas.	79. Experience gained in the 2007-2013 programming period shows that although significant funds are available for the environment, the uptake at national and regional level in the early years has been very uneven, potentially jeopardising the achievement of agreed objectives and targets. To avoid repeating this experience, Member States should integrate environment and climate objectives in their funding strategies and programmes for economic, social and territorial cohesion, rural development and maritime policy, prioritise the early uptake of funding for the environment and climate change and reinforce the capacity of implementing bodies to deliver cost-effective and sustainable investments in order to secure the adequate and needed financial support for investments in these areas. For example, it is recommended that systematic use should be made of the prioritised action frameworks provided for in the Habitats Directive in order to coordinate Natura 2000 funding requirements.
Amendment 145 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 79 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	79a. In general, ways of ensuring that Union funding for structural actions, in areas such as those related to water, transport, energy efficiency and waste, is used efficiently need to be proposed. For example, the provision of Union funding for municipal waste infrastructure is not dependent on the implementation of flanking measures or on meeting Union waste policy objectives, which undermines the effectiveness of Union funding¹.
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	See in this connection the recommendations made by the Court of Auditors in its Special Report No 20/2012, entitled ‘Is structural measures funding for municipal waste management infrastructure projects effective in helping Member States achieve EU waste policy objectives?’ (OJ C 28, 30.1.2013, p. 2).
Justification
Too much of the funding that the EU provides for environmental measures is under-used or not used as effectively as it could be.
Amendment 146 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 82 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) Progressively phasing out environmentally harmful subsidies, increasing the use of market-based instruments, including taxation, pricing and charging, and expanding markets for environmental goods and services, with due regard to any adverse social impacts.	(a) The Commission and the Member States adopting, without delay and by 2014, concrete plans based on the definition in point (ab) of this subparagraph. This requires, in particular: progressively phasing out all environmentally harmful subsidies by 2020 and reporting on progress through the National Reform Programmes; increasing the use of market-based instruments, including a shift from labour to environmental taxation, pricing and charging, and expanding markets for environmental goods and services, with due regard to any adverse social impacts.
Amendment 147 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 82 – subparagraph 2 – point a a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(aa) Phasing out before 2020 cohesion and structural funding of projects that cause damage to the environment.
Justification
In line with the objective of preserving, protecting and enhancing the environment of the Union, no EU funds should financially support projects that are contrary to this objective. If the assessment of a given EU funded project indicates a degradation of the environment, funds must be repaid to the Union.
Amendment 148 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 82 – subparagraph 2 – point a b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ab) The Commission needs to define environmentally harmful subsidies as 'a result of a government action that confers an advantage on consumers or producers, in order to supplement their income or lower their costs, but in doing so, discriminates against sound environmental practices.'¹
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	¹ Adapted from OECD (1998 and 2005) in IEEP et al. 2007, see http://ec.europa.eu/environment/enveco/taxation/index.htm
Amendment 149 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 82 – subparagraph 2 – point b a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ba) Providing more national and Union aid to efforts to ensure energy efficiency, including in the home (thermal insulation, energy efficient appliances, installation of small-scale renewable energy generators, etc.)
Amendment 150 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 82 – subparagraph 2 – point g a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ga) Developing arrangements through which compensation is provided for environmental services rendered, where this gives rise to constraints or extra costs in connection with investment and management. Encouraging, in particular, the design and introduction of schemes through which payment will be made for environmental services, with a view to striking a balance between economic‑development and conservation needs.
Justification
Les PSE sont des outils économiques incitatifs dont les expériences pilotes se multiplient. Les propriétaires ou gestionnaires sont payés par les usagers ou les bénéficaires pour la fourniture du service ou pour l'application d'une méthode de gestion spécifique assurant la réalisation du service environnemental désiré. Ils peuvent notamment financer le maintien et le rétablissement des services écosystémiques fournis par les forêts multifonctionnelles, qui entraînent pour les propriétaires privés et les communes des contraintes ainsi que des surcoûts d'investissement et de gestion.
Amendment 151 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 86 – subparagraph 2 – point b a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ba) Fully implementing the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive¹ and the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive².
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	¹ Directive 2001/42/EC.
	² Directive 85/337/EC.
Amendment 152 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 88
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
88. Most cities face a common core set of environmental problems, including poor air quality, high levels of noise, GHG emissions, water scarcity, floods and storms, contaminated sites, brownfields and waste. At the same time, EU cities are standard-setters in urban sustainability and often pioneer innovative solutions to environmental challenges. An ever-growing number of European cities are putting environmental sustainability at the core of their urban development strategies.	88. Most cities face a common core set of environmental problems, including poor air quality, high levels of noise, GHG emissions, biodiversity developments in urban and suburban areas, water scarcity, floods and storms, contaminated sites, brownfields and waste and energy management. At the same time, EU cities are standard-setters in urban sustainability and often pioneer innovative solutions to environmental challenges. An ever-growing number of European cities are putting environmental sustainability at the core of their urban development strategies.
Justification
In urban areas, some wildlife species may disappear while the population of others grows out of control. It is therefore important for urban biodiversity to be properly managed.
Amendment 153 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 88 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	88a. The growing urbanisation of the Union has made city dwellers more aware of environmental issues and awakened in them a desire to reconnect with the natural environment in urban areas. Biodiversity conservation has thus become an important issue in cities. The reintroduction of nature into the urban environment, in particular through new urban landscaping, the creation of green walls and roofs and the development of green and blue infrastructure, is in keeping with this trend. European cities’ biodiversity performance needs to be assessed and improved on the basis of a specific urban biodiversity index, such as the Singapore index presented at the UN Conference on Biodiversity held in Nagoya in 2010.
Justification
The shortage of scientific data on biodiversity in urban areas is hampering the design of projects for its protection.
Amendment 154 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 88 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	88b. In the long term, the Union needs to develop a comprehensive strategy on how a green and inclusive economy can contribute to better urban environments by focusing on integration of urban planning with objectives related to resource efficiency, a low-carbon economy, adaptation to climate change, sustainable urban land-use, waste management, ecosystem resilience, water management, human health, public participation in decision-making and environmental education and awareness.
Amendment 155 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 91 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) A majority of cities in the EU are implementing policies for sustainable urban planning and design.	(a) A majority of cities in the EU are implementing policies for sustainable urban planning and design and mobility in line with a comprehensive long-term strategy on sustainable cities.
Amendment 156 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 91 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) Defining and agreeing a set of criteria to assess the environmental performance of cities, taking into account economic and social impacts.	(a) Defining and agreeing a set of common criteria and indicators to assess the environmental performance of cities, taking into account economic and social impacts and the historical and geographical specificities of urban models.
Amendment 157 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 91 – subparagraph 2 – point a a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(aa) Enhancing biodiversity management in urban areas and raising public awareness of the importance of wildlife in cities.
Amendment 158 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 91 – subparagraph 2 – point a b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ab) Saving more energy by constructing smart buildings and using ICTs. Promoting sustainable renovation and construction. Developing and networking European scientific and technical expertise in the construction sector on the basis of integrated construction approaches covering environmental and energy performance, safety, health, user requirements, innovation and economic competitiveness.
Amendment 159 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 91 – subparagraph 2 – point b a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ba) Supporting healthy and sustainable urban mobility and reducing air and noise pollution. Developing and modernising urban public transport networks. Making provision for the electrification of local transport systems and introducing schemes for the use of electric vehicles in cities within the Union. Develop safe infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists to ensure the doubling in number of users of active transport modes such as walking and cycling.
Justification
Parliament has called on efforts to double the use of active transport modes such as biking and cycling in its resolution on the Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area – Towards a competitive and resource efficient transport system (2011/2096(INI)) of December 2011.
Amendment 160 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 91 – subparagraph 2 – point b b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(bb) Progressing on the development of a comprehensive strategy on how a green and inclusive economy can contribute to better urban environments.
Amendment 161 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 91 – subparagraph 2 – point b c (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(bc) Sharing of best practice between cities at Union and international levels on innovative developments and sustainable urban living.
Amendment 162 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 92
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
92. Environmental sustainability is key to reducing poverty and ensuring quality of life and economic growth. At Rio+20, world leaders renewed their commitment to sustainable development and recognised the inclusive green economy as an important tool for achieving sustainable development, and the crucial role of a healthy environment in ensuring food security and reducing poverty. In the light of a growing population in an increasingly urbanised world, these challenges will include the need for action on water, oceans, sustainable land and ecosystems, resource efficiency (in particular waste), sustainable energy and climate change, including through the phase out of fossil fuel subsidies. They will need to be addressed through tailor-made approaches at local, national or Union level, as well as committed engagement in international efforts to develop the solutions needed to ensure sustainable development globally.	92. Ensuring sustainability is one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today and is key to ending poverty and ensuring prosperity and wellbeing for all. At Rio+20, world leaders renewed their commitment to sustainable development and to ensuring the promotion of an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable future for the planet, for present and future generations. They also recognised that an inclusive green economy is an important tool for achieving sustainable development, and that a healthy environment plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and reducing poverty. In the light of a growing population in an increasingly urbanised world, these challenges will include the need for international action in a number of areas such as water, oceans, sustainable land and ecosystems, resource efficiency (in particular waste), sustainable energy and climate change, including through the phase out of environmentally harmful subsidies, including fossil fuel subsidies. In addition to translating these commitments into action at local, national and Union level, the Union will actively engage in international efforts to develop the solutions needed to ensure sustainable development globally.
Amendment 163 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 93
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
93. The Rio+20 outcomes will need to be reflected in the internal and external policy priorities of the Union and its Member States. The Union should also support the creation of a High Level Political Forum to gradually replace the Commission for Sustainable Development and monitor the implementation of Rio+20 outcomes.	93. The Rio+20 outcomes need to be reflected in the internal and external policy priorities of the Union and its Member States. The Union should also support the workings of the High Level Political Forum that will replace the Commission for Sustainable Development and monitor the implementation of Rio+20 outcomes.
Amendment 164 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 94
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
94. Many of the priority objectives set out in this programme can only be fully achieved as part of a global approach and in cooperation with partner countries. That is why the Union and its Member States should engage in relevant international, regional and bilateral processes in a strong, focused, united and coherent manner. They should continue to promote an effective, rules-based framework for global environment policy, complemented by a more effective, strategic approach in which bilateral and regional political dialogues and cooperation are tailored towards the Union's strategic partners, candidate and neighbourhood countries, and developing countries, respectively, supported by adequate finance.	94. Many of the priority objectives set out in this programme can only be fully achieved as part of a global approach and in cooperation with the Union’s partner countries and associated countries and territories. That is why the Union and its Member States should engage in relevant international, regional and bilateral processes, such as bilateral trade agreements in a strong, focused, united and coherent manner. They should continue to promote an effective, rules-based framework for global environment policy, complemented by a more effective, strategic approach in which bilateral and regional political dialogues and cooperation are tailored towards the Union's strategic partners, candidate and neighbourhood countries, and developing countries, respectively, supported by adequate finance. The Union’s communication policy relating to its global-level actions in the environmental field should be stepped up.
Justification
Efforts to combat regional and global environmental problems must cover the whole of the EU’s territory, particularly its outermost regions, but also the Union’s associated Overseas Countries and Territories, given that these territories contain more than 70% of Europe’s biodiversity. These territories can serve as examples and liaison points in their regions for delivering the priority objectives set out in this programme. The OCTs will participate in this programme in accordance with the conditions set out in the Overseas Association Decision.
Amendment 165 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 95
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
95. The time span covered by this programme corresponds to key phases in international climate, biodiversity and chemical policy. To remain within the 2 °C ceiling, global GHG emissions need to be cut by at least 50 % of their 1990 levels by 2050. However, only half the emission reductions required by 2020 have been pledged by Parties under the UNFCCC. Without more resolute global action, climate change is unlikely to be curtailed. Even in a best-case scenario, countries will increasingly face inevitable impacts of climate change because of historical GHG emissions and will need to develop climate adaptation strategies. Under the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action, a comprehensive and robust agreement applicable to all is to be agreed by 2015 and implemented as of 2020. The EU will remain engaged proactively in this process, including in discussions on how to close the gap between current emission reduction pledges by developed and developing countries, and on action needed to stay on an emission pathway compatible with the 2^oC objective. The follow-up to Rio+ 20 should also help reduce GHG emissions, thus supporting the fight against climate change. In parallel, the EU should pursue and further intensify climate change partnerships with strategic partners and should take further action to mainstream environment and climate considerations in its development policy.	95. The time span covered by this programme corresponds to key phases in international climate, biodiversity and chemical policy. To remain within the 2 °C ceiling, global GHG emissions need to be cut by at least 50 % of their 1990 levels by 2050. However, only half the emission reductions required by 2020 have been pledged by Parties under the UNFCCC. Without more resolute global action, climate change is unlikely to be curtailed. Even in a best-case scenario, countries will increasingly face inevitable impacts of climate change because of historical GHG emissions and will need to develop climate adaptation strategies. Under the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action, a comprehensive and robust agreement applicable to all is to be agreed by 2015 and implemented as of 2020. The EU will remain engaged proactively in this process, including in discussions on how to close the gap between current emission reduction pledges by developed and developing countries, and on action needed to stay on an emission pathway compatible with the 2^oC objective while keeping in mind the scientific evidence for the need of a 1,5°C objective to reduce severe impacts on the most vulnerable countries. The follow-up to Rio+ 20 should also help reduce GHG emissions, thus supporting the fight against climate change. In parallel, the EU should pursue and further intensify climate change partnerships with strategic partners by delivering on the pledges made in terms of capacity-building, climate financing and technological support and should take further action to mainstream environment and climate considerations in its external policy, including its trade and development policies, in a spirit of reciprocity and bearing in mind the mutual benefits. The Union should also define its sources and fair share to contribute to the Green Climate Fund in the context of the UNFCCC commitment.
Amendment 166 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 96
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
96. The global biodiversity targets under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) need to be met by 2020 as the basis for halting and eventually reversing the loss of biodiversity worldwide. The EU will contribute its fair share to these efforts, including by reaching the target to double biodiversity-related funding to developing countries by 2015 and maintain this level until 2020. There is already a global 2020 target for the management of risks posed by chemicals. The EU will continue to play an active and constructive role in helping these processes achieve their objectives.	96. The global biodiversity targets under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) need to be met by 2020 as the basis for halting and eventually reversing the loss of biodiversity worldwide. The EU will contribute its fair share to these efforts, including by reaching the target to double biodiversity-related funding to developing countries by 2015 and maintain this level until 2020. The Union will continue to support the implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), in particular by taking action to achieve a land degradation neutral world as agreed at Rio+20. It will also step up efforts to reach the global 2020 target for the sound management of chemicals throughout their life-cycle and of hazardous waste, as reinforced at Rio+20, and to support related conventions. The EU will continue to play an active and constructive role in helping these processes achieve their objectives.
Amendment 167 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 96 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	96a. The Union should proactively engage in international negotiations on new and emerging issues, in particular of new Conventions, agreements and assessments, such as the negotiation of an implementing agreement under UNCLOS on Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction and the 'World Ocean Assessment'.
Amendment 168 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 97 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	97a. The Union should further intensify its contribution to initiatives that facilitate the transition towards an inclusive green economy at international level, such as promotion of appropriate enabling conditions, the development of market-based instruments and indicators beyond GDP, consistent with its internal policies.
Amendment 169 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 98
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
98. The EU should also leverage its position as one of the largest markets in the world to promote policies and approaches that decrease pressure on the global natural resource base. This can be done by changing patterns of consumption and production, as well as ensuring that trade and internal market policies support the achievement of environmental and climate goals and provide incentives to other countries to upgrade and enforce their environmental regulatory frameworks and standards. The EU will continue to promote sustainable development through the negotiation and implementation of dedicated provisions in its international trade agreements and should consider other policy options to reduce the impacts of EU consumption on the environment in non-EU countries. An example of such a policy option are the bilateral Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) partnerships, which establish a framework to ensure only legally-harvested timber enters the EU market from partner countries.	98. The EU should also leverage its position as one of the largest markets in the world to promote policies and approaches that decrease pressure on the global natural resource base. This can be done by changing patterns of consumption and production, as well as ensuring that trade and internal market policies support the achievement of environmental and climate goals and provide incentives to other countries to upgrade and enforce their environmental regulatory frameworks and standards, and to combat environmental dumping. In order to guarantee the environmental integrity of European measures, to ensure fair competition, and to avoid carbon leakage and the relocation of European businesses, the debate on establishing a carbon inclusion mechanism, while also complying with WTO rules, should continue. The EU will continue to promote sustainable development through the negotiation and implementation of dedicated provisions in its international trade agreements and should consider other policy options to reduce the impacts of EU consumption on the environment and the exploitation of resources in non-EU countries. An example of such a policy option are the bilateral Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) partnerships, which establish a framework to ensure only legally-harvested timber enters the EU market from partner countries. Other policy options to reduce the impacts of Union consumption on the global environment will also be explored. In a general way, the Union will seek improvements in areas related to the duty of diligence throughout all supply chains.
Justification
Distortions of competition and risks of environmental dumping are becoming more and more prevalent, at the expense of businesses and workers sited in the European Union who are subject to higher standards. The carbon inclusion mechanism would make it possible to counteract the risks of transferring CO2 emissions to third countries.
Amendment 170 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 100 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) The outcomes of Rio+20 are fully integrated into the EU's external policies and the EU is contributing effectively to global efforts to implement agreed commitments, including those under the Rio conventions.	(a) The outcomes of Rio+20 are fully integrated into the EU's internal and external policies and the EU is contributing effectively to global efforts to implement agreed commitments, including those under the Rio conventions.
Amendment 171 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 100 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ca) The Union is further intensifying its initiatives to facilitate the global transition towards an inclusive green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication and plays a major role in driving international ambitions towards achieving this objective.
Amendment 172 Proposal for a decision Annex – point 100 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) Working towards the adoption of Sustainable Development Goals that: a) address priority areas of an inclusive green economy and wider sustainable development objectives, such as energy, water, food security, oceans and sustainable consumption and production, as well as cross-cutting issues such as equity, social inclusion, decent work, rule of law and good governance; b) are universally applicable, covering all three areas of sustainable development; c) are assessed and accompanied by targets and indicators, and d) are coherent and integrated with the post-2015 development framework, and supportive of climate actions.	(a) Working towards the adoption of Sustainable Development Goals that: a) address priority areas of an inclusive green economy and wider sustainable development objectives, such as energy, water, food security, oceans and sustainable consumption and production, including animal welfare, as well as cross-cutting issues such as equity, social inclusion, decent work, rule of law and good governance; b) are universally applicable, covering all three areas of sustainable development; c) are assessed and accompanied by targets and indicators, and d) are coherent and integrated with the post-2015 development framework, and consistent with other international commitments such as those relating to climate change and biodiversity.
Amendment 173 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 100 – subparagraph 2 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) Working towards a more effective UN structure for sustainable development through strengthening UNEP in line with the outcome of Rio+20, while continuing to strive for an upgrade of UNEP's status to that of UN Agency, and supporting ongoing efforts to enhance synergies between Multilateral Environmental Agreements;	(b) Working towards a more effective UN structure for sustainable development, in particular its environmental dimension through: (a) further strengthening the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in line with the outcome of Rio+20, and building on the decision by the UNEP Governing Council to establish a UN Environment Assembly, while continuing to strive for an upgrade of UNEP's status to that of a specialised Agency; (b) supporting efforts to enhance synergies between Multilateral Environmental Agreements, in particular in the chemicals, waste and the biodiversity clusters; and (c) contributing to ensuring a strong and authoritative voice for the environment in the work of the High Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development.
Amendment 174 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 100 – subparagraph 2 – point d
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d) Engaging with partner countries in a more strategic way. This should involve focusing cooperation: with strategic partners on the promotion of best practice in domestic environment policy and legislation and convergence in multilateral environmental negotiations; with countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy on gradual approximation with key EU environment and climate policy and legislation and on strengthening cooperation to address regional environmental and climate challenges; with developing countries to support their efforts to protect the environment, fight climate change and reduce natural disasters, and implement international environmental commitments as a contribution to poverty reduction and sustainable development.	(d) Engaging with partner countries in a more strategic way which includes a timely communication of the Union's position and goals ahead of international conferences. This should involve focusing cooperation: (i) with strategic partners on the promotion of best practice in domestic environment policy and legislation and convergence in multilateral environmental negotiations; (ii) with countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy on gradual approximation with key EU environment and climate policy and legislation and on strengthening cooperation and sharing information and capabilities to address regional environmental and climate challenges; (iii) with developing countries to support their efforts to protect the environment, fight climate change and reduce natural disasters, and implement international environmental commitments as a contribution to poverty reduction and sustainable development; (iv) on the implementation of the Ten Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production adopted at the Rio+20 Conference;
Amendment 175 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 100 – subparagraph 2 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e) Engaging in multilateral environmental processes, including the UNFCCC, CBD and the chemicals-related conventions, as well as other relevant fora, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization, in a more consistent, proactive and effective way with a view to ensuring that commitments for 2020 are met at EU and global level, and to agree on international action to be taken beyond 2020.	(e) Engaging in multilateral environmental processes, including the UNFCCC, CBD, CITES, ICRW, the various intergovernmental conventions on the global conservation of wildlife and its habitats and the chemicals-related conventions, as well as other relevant fora, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization, in a more consistent, proactive and effective way with a view to ensuring that commitments for 2020 are met at EU and global level, and to agree on international action to be taken beyond 2020, and boosting efforts to implement all key multilateral environmental agreements well before 2020.
Amendment 176 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 100 – subparagraph 2 – point g
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(g) Assessing the environmental impact, in a global context, of EU consumption of food and non-food commodities and possible related responses.	(g) Assessing the environmental impact, in a global context, of EU consumption of food and non-food commodities and possible related responses and taking the necessary policy measures to address the findings of such assessments.
Amendment 177 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 100 – subparagraph 2 – point g a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ga) Ensuring the active participation of citizens and civil society organisations working for global sustainable development in accordance with the Rio +20 declaration¹, and improving environmental governance by promoting the development of regional and national initiatives;
	_______________
	¹ Paragraph 88 (h) of the Rio+20 Declaration.
Amendment 178 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 100 – subparagraph 2 – point g b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(gb) Supporting the roll-out and further development of emissions trading schemes around the world and allowing for their inter-regional link-up.
Justification
Developing and linking-up regional Emissions Trading Schemes systems will help drive mitigate climate change and drive green innovation while making the carbon price more stable, levelling the international playing field and supporting global cooperation on climate change.
Amendment 179 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 101
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
101. The Commission will ensure that implementation of the programme is monitored in the context of the Europe 2020 Strategy's regular monitoring process. An evaluation of the programme will be carried out before 2020, in particular on the basis of the EEA's State of the Environment report.	101. An overall monitoring method should be set up in order to monitor progress towards meeting the nine priority objectives, including milestones and continuous monitoring throughout the implementation of the program. In addition the Commission will ensure that implementation of the programme is also monitored in the context of the Europe 2020 Strategy's regular monitoring process. An evaluation of the programme will be carried out before 2020, in particular on the basis of the EEA's State of the Environment report. The Commission will, on a biannual basis, report to the European Parliament on the progress of this Environment Action Programme.
Amendment 180 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 102
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
102. The indicators used to monitor progress towards meeting priority objectives include those used by the EEA to monitor the state of the environment and those to monitor the implementation of existing environment and climate-related targets and legislation, including the climate and energy targets, biodiversity targets, and resource efficiency milestones. Additional indicators to measure overall progress towards a resource-efficient European economy and society and its contribution to prosperity and well-being will be developed in coordination with stakeholders in the context of the Roadmap to a Resource-efficient Europe.	102. The indicators used to monitor progress towards meeting priority objectives include those used by the EEA to monitor the state of the environment and those to monitor the implementation of existing environment and climate-related targets and legislation, including the climate and energy targets, biodiversity targets, and resource efficiency milestones. Progress should also be made on the availability and harmonisation of data on the production and treatment of waste, in the context of existing European statistical regulations. Additional indicators to measure overall progress towards a resource-efficient European economy and society and its contribution to prosperity and well-being will be developed in coordination with stakeholders in the context of the Roadmap to a Resource-efficient Europe and in the common implementation framework of the 2020 biodiversity strategy.

[1] Not yet published in the Official Journal.
[2] (to be adopted by the Committee of the Regions at its plenary session of 30 May 2013).

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

The last European Union Environment Action Programme ended on 31 July 2012. It is therefore high time to agree on the new general framework for the period up to 2020 and propose an ambitious and realistic vision for 2050, as part of the process launched at the Rio+20 Conference.

The very title of the programme ‘Living well, within the limits of our planet’ suggests a philosophical reflection on humanity’s relationship with nature and on the need to reconcile economic activity with the environment in line with the notion of sustainable development. In other words we should transcend the blind will to survive, and seek instead to live according to an ethic of responsibility summed up in the proverb: ‘We haven’t inherited the earth from our ancestors, we have borrowed it from our children’.

All of this was already present in the 1982 World Charter for Nature, but it is clear that, 30 years on, there are still major challenges in terms of pressure on natural resources, damage to ecosystems, energy consumption, pollution, waste, health risks and indeed climate change. However, at the same time there is the major challenge of maintaining or improving the conditions of life for individuals in Europe and in the world. So how can we be both guardians of the planet and creators of wealth?

In these times of economic crisis and austerity, stressing environmental policy could seem to be a gamble, as this would appear to be a secondary priority, or even a constraint and a handicap to economic growth and employment. However, this is a divisive, short-term vision, and it would surely be more sensible to seek instead for an effective way of combining the environmental message with our economic and industrial concerns, bringing together all stakeholders in an innovative, progressive approach.

Environmental action has major costs – as does environmental inaction, of course – but it also brings benefits which neither public finance nor private investors can afford to ignore at this time. This is why environmental concerns must no longer be an adjustment variable, but must be mainstreamed at a very early stage in the various sector-specific policies.

By setting out an overarching framework, the 7^th Environment Action Programme can serve both as a grand environmental manifesto for the European Union vis-à-vis its citizens and the rest of the world, and as the founding document of a European environmental New Deal in the run-up to 2020, bringing greener growth and creating jobs.

The idea of green growth, as set out in the 2009 OECD Declaration, is not the property of a particular political movement and can attract a broad consensus. It is founded on an economy that uses less energy and raw materials, or uses them better, that produces and consumes intelligently, avoiding waste, and that monitors discards and waste, easing the pressure on the environment. It is not synonymous with negative growth; on the contrary, it aims for effective use of resources, innovation and competitiveness of businesses.

To achieve this green growth, the 7^th Environment Action Programme requires many efforts to be made. It is important that people should understand these efforts. However, the permanent evolution and ever-increasing complexity of European environmental legislation, the overlapping and indeed duplication of rules, results in legal instability, difficulties with comprehensibility and anxiety among businesses, administrations at all levels, and individuals. This also leads to major disparities in implementation between and within Member States, to red tape and conflicts of interpretation and case law. On top of this there is also sometimes a lack of political will once commitments have been made at European and international level.

As a result, in 2011 the environment was the area in which the most infringements of Community law were reported in the EU (299), representing 17% of all infringements, and 114 new infringement proceedings were initiated; these infringements are costly in both financial and human terms.

So in order to gain wider acceptance and be more effectively applied, environmental legislation needs to have a solid foundation of scientific knowledge, to become simpler and more consistent, but also to respect the principles of smart environmental regulation based on impact assessments, evaluations of existing policies (‘fitness checks’) and analyses of impacts on competitiveness.

In addition, checks on its implementation must be vigorously stepped up throughout the EU, consolidating national environmental inspection systems, boosting the involvement of local and regional authorities and providing for Community support where needed. Similarly, it is important to enhance the use and effectiveness of European funding in the environmental field in order to guarantee tangible results on the ground.

Another point which deserves greater attention is communication on the Union’s environmental policy. More awareness-raising is necessary to ensure that the EU’s environmental choices are understandable and predictable, something that is essential for administrations at all levels, for businesses and investors, and for individual citizens. This can only improve the implementation of European legislation. It will also enhance the sense of ownership, making Europeans proud to protect their natural capital and to improve the environment in Europe and in the world.

The 7^th Environment Action Programme should also send a strong political signal to the rest of the world and contribute to the creation of an international environmental governance which goes beyond financial solidarity. The EU must obtain assurances from third countries that they will commit themselves just as strongly to environmental and climate goals as it does itself.

It must not remain isolated in the efforts it makes at international level and must be able to count on reliable partners. Its environmental diplomacy must therefore avoid the trap of commercial naivety, while respecting the principles of the WTO. So the EU must define more clearly the conditions for access to its market and must only open it up if third countries are environmentally responsible and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and if European businesses are not hampered by unfair competition. The EU must therefore redouble its efforts to combat environmental dumping and carbon leaks. If Europe was content with unilateral commitments, this would not be seen as fair by European undertakings and would discourage their business activities within the Union.

Finally, environmental concerns are a responsibility for the EU, for third countries, but also and in particular for the individual. The 7^th Environment Action Programme must put European citizens back at the heart of the matter. The new European programme must also have as its objectives to educate and inform European citizens, to get them more involved at an everyday level, and to encourage their civic activities as well as promoting their access to environmental justice. What better opportunity could there be than 2013, the European Year of Citizens, for enhancing environmental public-spiritedness in the Union?

OPINION of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (26.3.2013)

for the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on a General Union Environment Action Programme to 2020 "Living well, within the limits of our planet"
(COM(2012)0710 – C7‑0392/2012 – 2012/0337(COD))

Rapporteur: Daciana Octavia Sârbu

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

Living well, within the limits of our planet

With the present legislative proposal the European Commission intends to establish for the period from 2013 to 2020 the 7th Environment Action Programme (EAP) for a since the first one in 1973. As the 6th EAP was about to expire in July 2012, the European Parliament urged the European Commission in its resolution[1] on 20 April 2012 to present as soon as possible a follow-up programme in order to enable a transition towards a sustainable future, to ensure continuity and avoid any gaps. With its resolution the Parliament invited the Commission to base its future proposal on the following three priorities: implementation and strengthening of environmental legislation, integration of environmental objectives into all sectoral policies and the international dimension of environment protection.

In November 2012 the Commission submitted its draft for a Decision on a General Union Environment Action Programme entitled "Living well, within the limits of our planet". Like with previous programmes, the proposed 7th EAP aims at forming an overarching framework for the different environmental measures, roadmaps and legislation that have been recently published by the Commission. It is intended that all existing environment-related 2020 targets for the different policy areas are included and examined in conjunction with each other. Furthermore the EAP proposal at hand presents a long-term perspective by providing a vision for 2050. The new EAP aims to step up the contribution of environment policy to the transition towards a resource-efficient, low-carbon economy in which natural capital is protected and enhanced, and the health and well-being of citizens is safeguarded.

The European Commission outlines in the Annex of the draft an array of nine priority objectives for the EU and its Member States to attain:

1. to protect, conserve and enhance the Unions natural capital;

2. to turn the Union into a resource-efficient, green and competitive low-carbon economy;

3. to safeguard the Union's citizens from environment-related pressures and risks to health and wellbeing;

4. to maximise the benefits of the Union's environment legislation;

5. to improve the evidence base for environment policy;

6. to secure investment for environment and climate policy and get the prices right;

7. to improve environmental integration and policy coherence;

8. to enhance the sustainability of the Union's cities;

9. to increase the Unions effectiveness in confronting regional and global environmental challenges.

Environmental challenges for the agriculture sector

The agricultural sector faces significant pressures in the context of increasing global demand for food, limited resources, the need for environmental protection measures and the challenges to food production posed by climate change.

Agriculture contributes significantly to GHG emissions but together with forests has also a significant potential for climate change mitigation through carbon absorption and storage. Research and innovation can also play a key role in climate change mitigation and adaptation, for example by reducing emissions from agriculture and improving the resilience of crops to the effects of climate change.

Resource efficiency in food production will be key to meeting current and future challenges in view of limited natural resources. According to the FAO, the global population will grow by one third by 2050. In conjunction with modified consumption patterns, this will increase demand for food by 70 %. It is therefore crucial that European agriculture achieves the best possible levels of sustainability and resource-efficiency.

It is also important to recall that food waste at the global level has risen by 50 % since 1974 and urgent action is needed to address food wastage within the food chain.

The legislative proposals for the CAP reform seek to link direct payments to public goods provision and to earmark funding from the EAFRD to agri-environmental measures. The intended effect of this is to promote environmentally beneficial practices such as crop diversification, the protection of permanent grasslands and the establishment and maintenance of ecologically valuable farmland and forest areas.

The Union needs to develop a comprehensive response to climate change in order to maintain the resilience and competitiveness of European agriculture so that it can continue to play its role as supplier of high quality food and environmental services, as well as contributing to the sustainable development of EU rural areas.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development calls on the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following amendments in its report:

Amendment 1 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. Emissions of pollutants to air, water and soil have been reduced significantly over the past decades, as have greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in recent years. EU chemicals legislation has been modernised and the use of many toxic or hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium and mercury has been restricted in products found in most households. EU citizens enjoy some of the best water quality in the world, and over 18% of the EU’s territory and 4% of its seas have been designated as protected areas for nature.	2. Emissions of pollutants to air, water and soil have been reduced over the past decades, as have greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in recent years. EU chemicals legislation has been modernised and the use of many toxic or hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium and mercury has been restricted in products found in most households. EU citizens enjoy some of the best water quality in the world, and over 18% of the EU’s territory and 4% of its seas have been designated as protected areas for nature.
Amendment 2 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
5. However, many environmental trends in the EU remain worrying, not least due to insufficient implementation of existing EU environment legislation. Only 17% of species and habitats assessed under the Habitats Directive are in good status, and the degradation and loss of natural capital is jeopardising efforts to attain the EU’s biodiversity and climate change objectives. This has high associated costs which have not yet been properly valued in our economic or social system. Thirty per cent of the EU’s territory is highly fragmented, affecting the connectivity and health of ecosystems and their ability to provide services as well as viable habitats for species. While progress has been made in the EU to decouple growth from GHG emissions, resource use and environmental impacts, resource use is still largely unsustainable and inefficient, and waste is not yet properly managed. As a result, EU businesses are foregoing the significant opportunities that resource efficiency offers in terms of competitiveness, cost reductions, improved productivity and security of supply. Water quality and air pollution levels are still problematic in many parts of Europe, and EU citizens continue to be exposed to hazardous substances, potentially compromising their health and wellbeing. Unsustainable land use is consuming fertile soils, with impacts on food security and the achievement of biodiversity targets. Soil degradation continues largely unchecked.	5. However, many environmental trends in the EU remain worrying, not least due to insufficient implementation of existing EU environment legislation. Only 17% of species and habitats assessed under the Habitats Directive are in good status. Thirty per cent of the EU’s territory is highly fragmented, affecting the connectivity and health of ecosystems and their ability to provide services as well as viable habitats for species. While progress has been made in the EU to decouple growth from GHG emissions, resource use and environmental impacts, resource use is still largely unsustainable and inefficient, and waste is not yet properly managed. As a result, EU businesses are foregoing the significant opportunities that resource efficiency offers in terms of competitiveness, cost reductions, improved productivity and security of supply. Water quality and air pollution levels are still problematic in many parts of Europe, and EU citizens continue to be exposed to hazardous substances, potentially compromising their health and wellbeing. Unsustainable land use is consuming fertile soils, with impacts on food security and the achievement of biodiversity targets. Soil degradation continues largely unchecked.
Amendment 3 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 9
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
9. To live well in the future, urgent, concerted action should be taken now to improve ecological resilience and maximise the benefits environment policy can deliver for the economy and society, while respecting the planet’s ecological limits. This programme reflects the EU’s commitment to transforming itself into an inclusive green economy that secures growth and development, safeguards human health and well-being, provides decent jobs, reduces inequalities and invests in and preserves natural capital.	9. To live well in the future, urgent, concerted action should be taken now to improve ecological resilience and maximise the benefits environment policy can deliver for the economy and society, while respecting the planet’s ecological limits. This programme reflects the EU’s commitment, as a bloc whose actions have a global impact, to working internationally to promote a transition to an inclusive green economy that secures growth and development, safeguards human health and well-being and food quality (in terms of hygiene, nutritional value and organoleptic properties), provides decent jobs, reduces inequalities and invests in and preserves natural capital.
Amendment 4 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 11
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
11. This transformation requires the full integration of environment issues into other policies, such as energy, transport, agriculture, fisheries, economy and industry, research and innovation, employment and social policy so as to create a coherent, joined-up approach. Action within the EU should also be complemented by enhanced global action and cooperation with neighbouring countries to tackle common challenges.	11. This transformation requires the full integration of environment issues into other policies, such as energy, transport, agriculture, fisheries, international trade, economy and industry, research and innovation, employment and social policy and tax policy (environmental revenue), so as to create a coherent, joined-up approach. Action within the EU should also be complemented by enhanced global action and cooperation with neighbouring countries to tackle common challenges.
Amendment 5 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 16
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
16. The EU’s economic prosperity and well-being is underpinned by its natural capital, which includes ecosystems that provide essential goods and services, from fertile soil and multi-functional forests to productive land and seas, from fresh water and clean air to pollination, flood control and climate regulation and protection against natural disasters. A substantial body of EU legislation seeks to protect, conserve and enhance natural capital, including the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the Air Quality and related directives and the Habitats and Birds Directives. Legislation to tackle climate change, chemicals, industrial emissions and waste also contribute to easing the pressures on biodiversity, including ecosystems, species and habitats.	16. The EU’s economic prosperity and well-being is underpinned by its natural capital, which includes natural and farmed ecosystems that provide essential goods and services, from fertile soil and multi-functional forests to multifunctional, productive land in all regions and seas, from fresh water and clean air to pollination, flood control and climate regulation and protection against natural disasters. A substantial body of EU legislation seeks to protect, conserve and enhance natural capital, including the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the Air Quality and related directives and the Habitats and Birds Directives. Legislation to tackle climate change, chemicals, industrial emissions and waste also contribute to easing the pressures on biodiversity, including ecosystems, species and habitats.
Amendment 6 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 18
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
18. Despite considerable efforts to date, the requirement under the WFD to achieve ‘good ecological status’ by 2015 is likely to be met only for some 53 % of surface water bodies in the EU. There is also a risk that the Marine Strategy Framework Directive target to achieve ‘good environmental status’ by 2020 may be missed, inter alia due to continued overfishing and the presence of marine litter in Europe’s seas. And while EU air and industrial emissions policies have helped to reduce many forms of pollution, ecosystems continue to suffer from excess nitrogen deposition and ozone pollution associated with emissions from transport, intensive agriculture and power generation.	18. Despite considerable efforts to date, the requirement under the WFD to achieve ‘good ecological status’ by 2015 is likely to be met only for some 53 % of surface water bodies in the EU. There is also a risk that the Marine Strategy Framework Directive target to achieve ‘good environmental status’ by 2020 may be missed, inter alia due to continued overfishing and the presence of marine litter in Europe’s seas. And while EU air and industrial emissions policies have helped to reduce many forms of pollution, ecosystems continue to suffer from excess nitrogen deposition and ozone pollution associated with emissions from transport, unsustainable agriculture practices and power generation.
Amendment 7 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 19
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
19. Protecting, conserving and enhancing the EU’s natural capital therefore also requires tackling problems at source through, inter alia, better integration of natural capital objectives into other policies, ensuring that policies are coherent and deliver co-benefits. The greening elements set out in the Commission’s reform proposals, notably for EU agriculture, fisheries and cohesion policy, backed by the proposals for greening the EU budget under the Multi-Annual Financial Framework 2014-2020 (MFF) are designed to support these objectives. For instance, aquatic ecosystems in rural areas should benefit from the linking of farm payments to compliance with relevant requirements of the WFD as set out in the Commission's proposals for the reform of the CAP. Greening of the CAP will also promote the environmentally beneficial agricultural practices of crop diversification, the protection of permanent grassland, and the establishment and maintenance of ecologically valuable farmland and forest areas.	19. Protecting, conserving and enhancing the EU’s natural capital therefore also requires tackling problems at source through, inter alia, better integration of natural capital objectives into other policies, ensuring that policies are coherent and deliver co-benefits. The greening elements set out in the reform proposals, notably for EU agriculture, fisheries and cohesion policy, are backed by the proposals for greening the EU budget under the Multi-Annual Financial Framework 2014-2020 (MFF), which will therefore have to make provision for a budget that is sufficient to support them. Aquatic ecosystems in rural areas should benefit from the final transposition of the WFD, once that directive has been implemented in an equivalent manner in all Member States, as set out in the Commission's proposals for the reform of the CAP. Further greening of the CAP will also promote environmentally beneficial agricultural practices in connection with direct payments and with rural development programmes. An essential element in this sustainable agriculture is farming in a spirit of responsibility for future generations which at the same time makes sparing use of resources and is productive.
Amendment 8 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 19 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	19a. Farming in the Union has for decades contributed to the conservation of habitats and to diverse cultural landscapes. In recent decades, European agriculture and forestry have achieved considerable improvements in the case of all elements of the environment and all agriculturally relevant emissions of substances, in some cases by organising production efficiently.
Amendment 9 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 22
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
22. The degradation, fragmentation and unsustainable use of land in the EU is jeopardising the provision of several key ecosystem services, threatening biodiversity and increasing Europe’s vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters. It is also driving soil degradation. More than 25% of the EU's territory is affected by soil erosion by water, which compromises soil functions and affects the quality of freshwater. Soil contamination and sealing are also persistent problems. More than half a million sites across the EU are thought to be contaminated and until they are identified and assessed, they continue to pose potentially serious environmental and health risks. Every year more than 1 000 km² of land are taken for housing, industry, transport or recreational purposes. These long-term changes are difficult or costly to reverse, and nearly always involve trade-offs between various social, economic and environmental needs. Member States' planning decisions relating to land use should be made more sustainable.	22. The degradation, fragmentation and unsustainable use of land in the EU is jeopardising the provision of several key ecosystem services, threatening biodiversity and increasing Europe’s vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters. It is also driving soil degradation. More than 25% of the EU's territory is affected by soil erosion by water, which compromises soil functions and affects the quality of freshwater. Soil contamination and sealing are also persistent problems. More than half a million sites across the EU are thought to be contaminated and until they are identified and assessed, they continue to pose potentially serious environmental and health risks. Every year more than 1 000 km² of land are taken for housing, industry, transport or recreational purposes. These long-term changes are difficult or costly to reverse, and nearly always involve trade-offs between various social, economic and environmental needs. Member States' planning decisions relating to land use should be made more sustainable. In order to tackle the serious problem of soil sealing, Member States should be required to take steps to reduce the area of land used and to preserve agricultural land areas for the production of food, feed and renewable raw materials.
Amendment 10 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 22 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	22 a. Agriculture and forestry represent together 78% of land cover in the Union. Agriculture and forestry therefore continue to play a major role in maintaining natural resources and cultural landscapes as a precondition for other human activities in rural areas. Afforestation plays a key role in soil fixation and in climate change adaptation and mitigation, whilst sustainable agriculture can contribute to better soil preservation. At the same time, emphasis should be put on integrated and innovative agriculture practices like precision technologies and ecological approaches and special attention should be given to increasing soil fertility with non chemical fertilizers and sustainable yields increase.
Amendment 11 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 23
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
23. To reduce the most significant man-made pressures on land, soil and other ecosystems in Europe, action will be taken to ensure that decisions relating to land use at all relevant levels give proper consideration to environmental as well as social and economic impacts. The Rio+20 Summit outcome called for a 'land degradation neutral world'. The EU and Member States should reflect on how best to make such a commitment operational within their respective competencies as well as to address soil quality issues within a binding legal framework. Targets will also be set for sustainable land use and soil.	23. To reduce the most significant man-made pressures on land, soil and other ecosystems in Europe, action will be taken at national level to ensure that decisions relating to land use at all relevant levels give proper consideration to environmental as well as social and economic impacts. The Rio+20 Summit outcome called for a 'land degradation neutral world'. Such a commitment could best be honoured within the Member States.
	In view of the subsidiarity principle, soil quality issues can best be addressed within binding legal frameworks at the level of the Member States. Targets will also be set for sustainable land use and soil.
Amendment 12 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 24
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
24. Although nitrogen and phosphorus inputs to the EU environment have decreased considerably over the past 20 years, excessive nutrient releases continue to affect air and water quality and to have a negative impact on ecosystems, causing significant problems for human health. In particular, ammonia release from inefficient fertiliser management and inadequate waste water treatment urgently need to be tackled to achieve further significant reductions in nutrient releases. Further efforts to manage the nutrient cycle in a more cost-effective and resource-efficient way, and to improve efficiency in use of fertilisers are also required. This calls for improving the implementation of EU environmental legislation to address these challenges, tightening standards where necessary and addressing the nutrient cycle as part of a more holistic approach which interlinks and integrates existing EU policies that play a role in tackling excessive nutrient releases and eutrophication.	24. Although nitrogen and phosphorus inputs to the EU environment have decreased considerably over the past 20 years, substantial nutrient releases continue to affect air and water quality and to have a negative impact on ecosystems, causing significant problems for human health. In particular, ammonia release from natural processes (fertiliser management and waste water treatment) needs to be tackled to achieve further significant reductions in nutrient releases. Further efforts to manage the nutrient cycle in a more cost-effective and resource-efficient way, and to improve efficiency in use of fertilisers are also required, as well as creating a sustainable nutrient cycle between urban and rural areas. This calls for investments in research, improving the implementation of EU environmental legislation to address these challenges, adjusting standards where necessary and addressing the nutrient cycle as part of a more holistic approach which interlinks and integrates existing EU policies, for example Horizon 2020, that play a role in tackling excessive nutrient releases and eutrophication.
Annex –Amendment 13 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 26 – subparagraph 1 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e) Land is managed sustainably in the EU, soil is adequately protected and the remediation of contaminated sites is well underway.	(e) Land is managed sustainably in the EU, soil is adequately protected in Member States and the remediation of contaminated sites by the Member States is well underway.
Amendment 14 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 26 – subparagraph 1 – point g
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(g) Forests and the services they provide are protected and their resilience to climate change and fires is improved.	(g) Forests and the multitude of services they provide are protected and sustainably managed and their resilience to climate change and fires is improved, since forests are an important renewable source of raw materials.
Amendment 15 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 26 – subparagraph 1 – point g a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ga) Pollination is maintained at a high level, measures are taken to support and foster bee health and, where necessary, measures are taken to ensure that the use of plant protection products which have been shown by a scientific risk assessment to have an adverse impact on bee populations is accompanied by the implementation of risk reduction measures.
Amendment 16 Proposal for a decision Annex – point 26 – subparagraph 2 – point a а (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(aa) Taking further steps to safeguard, boost and support agricultural sectors that make a proven contribution to biodiversity, and in particular the bee keeping sector.
Amendment 17 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 26 – subparagraph 2 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e) Increasing efforts to reduce soil erosion and increase soil organic matter, to remediate contaminated sites and to enhance the integration of land use aspects into coordinated decision-making involving all relevant levels of government, supported by the adoption of targets on soil and on land as a resource, and land planning objectives.	(e) Increasing efforts at national level to reduce soil erosion and increase soil organic matter – inter alia by preserving and expanding tried and tested agrienvironmental programmes in the rural development of the CAP –, to remediate contaminated sites and to enhance the integration of land use aspects into coordinated decision-making involving all relevant levels of government, supported by the adoption of targets on soil and on land as a resource, and land planning objectives; increasing efforts at national level to reduce the area of land used and to preserve agricultural land areas for the production of food, feed and renewable raw materials.
Amendment 18 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 26 – subparagraph 2 – point g
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(g) Developing and implementing a new EU Forest Strategy that addresses the multiple demands on and benefits of forests and contributes to a more strategic approach to protecting and enhancing forests.	deleted
Amendment 19 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 28
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
28. Innovation to improve resource efficiency is required across the economy to improve competitiveness in the context of rising resource prices, scarcity and supply constraints. The business sector is the prime driver of innovation, including eco-innovation. However, markets will not deliver on their own. Government action, at Union and Member State level, is essential to provide the right framework conditions for eco-innovation, stimulating the development of sustainable business or technological solutions to environmental challenges.	28. Research and innovation to improve resource efficiency is required across the economy to improve competitiveness in the context of rising resource prices, scarcity and supply constraints. There is a need for innovation in the energy consumption of agricultural machinery in order to increase energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions, as well as a need to incentivise the modernisation of farms in order to adopt innovative methods and technology. The business sector is the prime driver of innovation, including eco-innovation. However, markets will not deliver on their own. Government action, at Union and Member State level, is essential to provide the right framework conditions for eco-innovation, stimulating the development of sustainable business or technological solutions to environmental challenges.
Amendment 20 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 30
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
30. Fully implementing the EU Climate and Energy Package is essential to reach the milestones identified for 2020 and for building a competitive, low-carbon economy by 2050. Whereas the EU is currently on track to reduce domestic GHG emissions 20% below 1990 levels by 2020, meeting the 20% energy efficiency target will require far more rapid efficiency improvements. This is also important in the light of still-growing demand for energy and the on-going debate on conflicts between land use for food and for bio-energy. The new Energy Efficiency Directive is expected to make a significant contribution in this regard.	30. Fully implementing the EU Climate and Energy Package is essential to reach the milestones identified for 2020 and for building a competitive, low-carbon economy by 2050. Whereas the EU is currently on track to reduce domestic GHG emissions 20% below 1990 levels by 2020, meeting the 20% energy efficiency target will require far more rapid efficiency improvements. This is also important in the light of still-growing demand for energy. The new Energy Efficiency Directive is expected to make a significant contribution in this regard.
Amendment 21 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 32
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
32. Industry's uptake of the best available techniques under the Industrial Emissions Directive will deliver improved resource use patterns and reduced emissions for over 50 000 major industrial installations in the EU, thus making a significant contribution to stimulating the development of innovative techniques, greening the economy and reducing costs for industry in the longer term.	32. Industry's uptake of the best available techniques under the Industrial Emissions Directive will deliver improved resource use patterns and reduced emissions for over 50 000 major industrial installations in the EU, thus making a significant contribution to stimulating the development of innovative techniques, greening the economy and reducing costs for industry in the longer term. At the same time, advances in the research field and the creation of short supply chains and local markets for agricultural products can significantly reduce CO₂ emissions from the transport of food. Short supply routes provide more fresh and healthy food.
Amendment 22 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 35
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
35. To set a framework for action to improve resource efficiency aspects beyond GHG emissions and energy, targets for reducing the overall environmental impact of consumption will be set, in particular in the food, housing and mobility sectors. Taken together, these are responsible for almost 80% of the environmental impacts of consumption. The Rio+20 outcome recognised the need to significantly reduce post-harvest and other food losses and waste throughout the food supply chain.	35. To set a framework for action to improve resource efficiency aspects beyond GHG emissions and energy, targets for reducing the overall environmental impact of consumption will be set, in particular in the food sector, through a reduction in waste, and the housing and mobility sectors. Taken together, these are responsible for almost 80% of the environmental impacts of consumption. The Rio+20 outcome recognised the need to significantly reduce post-harvest and other food losses and waste throughout the food supply chain. This may be achieved by improving the value attached to food and by means of regional marketing and improving logistics, transport, stocking and packaging. All parties throughout the food chain, particularly traders and consumers, have a role to play. This also includes targeted consumer education and information.
Amendment 23 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 39
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
39. Resource efficiency in the water sector will also be tackled as a priority to help deliver good water status. Even though droughts and water scarcity are affecting more and more parts of Europe, an estimated 20-40% of Europe’s available water is still being wasted, for instance, through leakages in the distribution system. According to available modelling, there is still considerable scope for improving water efficiency in the EU. Moreover, rising demand and the impacts of climate change are expected to increase the pressure on Europe’s water resources significantly. Against this background, the Union and Member States should take action to ensure water abstraction respects available renewable water resource limits by 2020, including by improving water efficiency through the use of market mechanisms such as water pricing that reflects the true value of water. Progress will be facilitated by accelerated demonstration and rolling out of innovative technologies, systems and business models building on the Strategic Implementation Plan of the European Innovation Partnership on Water.	39. Resource efficiency in the water sector will also be tackled as a priority to help deliver good water status. Even though droughts and water scarcity are affecting more and more parts of Europe, an estimated 20-40% of Europe’s available water is still being wasted, for instance, through leakages in the distribution system. According to available modelling, there is still considerable scope for improving water efficiency in the EU. Moreover, rising demand and the impacts of climate change are expected to increase the pressure on Europe’s water resources significantly. Against this background, the Union and Member States should take action to ensure water abstraction respects available renewable water resource limits by 2020, including by improving water efficiency through the use of market mechanisms such as water pricing that reflects the true value of water. Progress will be facilitated by accelerated demonstration and rolling out of innovative technologies, systems and business models building on the Strategic Implementation Plan of the European Innovation Partnership on Water and the European Innovation Partnership on Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability provided for under the proposals for reform of the second pillar of the CAP.
Amendment 24 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 41 – subparagraph 2 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) Giving impetus to the public and private research and innovation efforts required for rolling out innovative technologies, systems and business models which will speed up and lower the cost of transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy.	(c) Giving impetus to the public and private research and innovation efforts required for rolling out innovative technologies, systems and business models which will speed up and lower the cost of transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy and which will help the reduction of food waste within the food chain by 50 % by 2025.
Amendment 25 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 50
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
50. Climate change will further aggravate environment problems by causing prolonged droughts and heat waves, floods, storms and forest fires, and new or more virulent forms of human, animal or plant disease. Dedicated action should be taken to ensure that the EU is adequately prepared to face the pressures and changes resulting from climate change, strengthening its environmental, economic and societal resilience. Since many sectors are and will be increasingly subject to climate change impacts, adaptation and disaster risk management considerations need to be further integrated into EU policies.	50. Climate change will further aggravate environment problems by causing prolonged droughts and heat waves, floods, storms and forest fires, and new or more virulent forms of human, animal or plant disease. Dedicated action should be taken to ensure that the EU is adequately prepared to face the pressures and changes resulting from climate change, strengthening its environmental, economic and societal resilience. Since many sectors are and will be increasingly subject to climate change impacts, adaptation and disaster risk management considerations need to be further integrated into EU policies. At the same time it is important to provide businesses in the most affected sectors, such as farmers, with more accurate information on the climate risks resulting from bad practices, in addition to workable adaptation solutions.
Amendment 26 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 62
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
62. In addition to helping Member States improve compliance, the Commission will continue to do its part to ensure that legislation is fit for purpose and reflects the latest science. As a general rule, legal obligations which are sufficiently clear and precise will be enshrined in Regulations, which have direct and measurable effects and lead to fewer inconsistencies in implementation. The Commission will step up its use of scoreboards and other means of publicly tracking Member States' progress in implementing specific pieces of legislation.	62. In addition to helping Member States improve compliance, the Commission will continue to do its part to ensure that legislation is proportionate, fit for purpose and reflects the latest science. As a general rule, legal obligations which are sufficiently clear and precise will be enshrined in Regulations, which have direct and measurable effects and lead to fewer inconsistencies in implementation. The Commission will step up its use of communication, scoreboards and other means of publicly tracking Member States' progress in implementing specific pieces of legislation and of ensuring that the public is informed about positive trends in environmental protection.
Amendment 27 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 63 – subparagraph 2 – point e a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ea) Cooperative strategies are developed among the various protagonists in environmental protection and nature conservation and more ample communication concerning tried and tested practices is developed.
Amendment 28 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 63 – subparagraph 2 – point e b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(eb) Regular assessments of existing law are performed, to ensure that environmental legislation measures are proportionate, feasible and well targeted.
Amendment 29 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 71 – subparagraph 2 – point c a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ca) Communication and dissemination of positive developments and trends in environmental protection take place.
Amendment 30 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 75
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
75. The private sector should also be encouraged to take up opportunities offered under the new EU financial framework to step up their involvement in efforts to achieve environmental and climate objectives, especially in relation to eco-innovation activities and the uptake of new technologies, with a particular focus on SMEs. Public-private initiatives for eco-innovation should be promoted under European Innovation Partnerships, such as the Innovation Partnership on Water. Through the new framework for Innovative Financial Instruments, private sector access to finance for investments in environment – notably biodiversity and climate change – should be facilitated. European enterprises should be further encouraged to disclose environmental information as part of their financial reporting, beyond the extent required under existing EU legislation.	75. The private sector should also be encouraged to take up opportunities offered under the new EU financial framework to step up their involvement in efforts to achieve environmental and climate objectives, especially in relation to eco-innovation activities and the uptake of new technologies, with a particular focus on SMEs. Public-private initiatives for eco-innovation should be promoted under European Innovation Partnerships, such as the Innovation Partnership on Water and the European Innovation Partnership on Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability provided for under the CAP reform proposals. Through the new framework for Innovative Financial Instruments, private sector access to finance for investments in environment – notably biodiversity, climate change and soil protection – should be facilitated. European enterprises should be further encouraged to disclose environmental information as part of their financial reporting, beyond the extent required under existing EU legislation.
Amendment 31 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 82 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) Progressively phasing out environmentally harmful subsidies, increasing the use of market-based instruments, including taxation, pricing and charging, and expanding markets for environmental goods and services, with due regard to any adverse social impacts.	(a) A better link between the agricultural subsidies and public goods delivery, increasing the use of market-based instruments, including taxation, pricing and charging, and expanding markets for environmental goods and services, with due regard to any adverse social impacts.
Amendment 32 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 82 – subparagraph 2 – point e
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e) Developing and applying a system for reporting and tracking environment-related expenditure in the EU budget, notably on climate change and biodiversity, by 2014.	(e) Developing and applying a system for assessing, reporting and tracking environment-related expenditure in the EU budget, notably on climate change and biodiversity, by 2014.
Amendment 33 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 83
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
83. Although integrating environmental protection concerns into other EU policies and activities has been a Treaty requirement since 1997, the overall state of Europe’s environment indicates that progress to date, while commendable in some areas, has not been sufficient to reverse all negative trends. Achieving many of the priority objectives of this programme will demand even more effective integration of environmental and climate considerations into other policies, as well as more coherent, joined-up policy approaches that deliver multiple benefits. This should help ensure that difficult trade-offs are managed early on, rather than in the implementation phase, and that unavoidable impacts can be mitigated more effectively. The Strategic Environmental Assessment directive and Environmental Impact Assessment directive, when correctly applied, are effective tools for ensuring environmental protection requirements are integrated in plans and programmes as well as in projects. Local and regional authorities, which are generally responsible for decisions on use of land and marine areas, have a particularly important role to play in assessing environmental impacts and protecting, conserving and enhancing natural capital, also to achieve greater resilience to climate change impacts and natural disasters.	83. Although integrating environmental protection concerns into other EU policies and activities has been a Treaty requirement since 1997, the overall state of Europe’s environment indicates that progress to date, while commendable in some areas, has not been sufficient to reverse all negative trends. Achieving many of the priority objectives of this programme will demand even more effective integration of environmental and climate considerations into other policies, as well as more coherent, joined-up systemic policy approaches that deliver multiple benefits. This should help ensure that difficult trade-offs are managed early on, rather than in the implementation phase, and that unavoidable impacts can be mitigated more effectively. The Strategic Environmental Assessment directive and Environmental Impact Assessment directive, when correctly applied, are effective tools for ensuring environmental protection requirements are integrated in plans and programmes as well as in projects. Local and regional authorities, which are generally responsible for decisions on use of land and marine areas, have a particularly important role to play in assessing environmental impacts and protecting, conserving and enhancing natural capital, also to achieve greater resilience to climate change impacts and natural disasters.
Amendment 34 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 85
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
85. This programme includes a number of priority objectives designed to enhance integration. In its proposals for the CAP, CFP, Trans-European Networks (TENs) and Cohesion policy reforms, the Commission has included measures to further support environmental integration and sustainability. For this programme to succeed, these policies should further contribute towards meeting environment-related targets and objectives. Similarly, efforts primarily intended to achieve environmental improvements should be designed to deliver co-benefits for other policies wherever possible. For instance, efforts to restore ecosystems can be targeted to benefit habitats and species and to sequester carbon dioxide, while improving the delivery of ecosystem services vital for many economic sectors, such as pollination or water purification for agriculture, and creating green jobs.	85. This programme includes a number of priority objectives designed to further enhance integration. In its proposals for the CAP, CFP, Trans-European Networks (TENs) and Cohesion policy reforms, the Commission has included measures to further support environmental integration and sustainability. For this programme to succeed, these policies should even further contribute towards meeting environment-related targets and objectives. Similarly, efforts primarily intended to achieve environmental improvements should be designed to deliver co-benefits for other policies wherever possible. For instance, efforts to restore ecosystems can be targeted to benefit habitats and species and to sequester carbon dioxide, while improving the delivery of ecosystem services vital for many economic sectors, such as pollination or water purification for agriculture, and creating green jobs.
Amendment 35 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 86 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) integrating environmental and climate-related conditionalities and incentives in policy initiatives, including reviews and reforms of existing policy, as well as new initiatives, at EU and Member State level;	(a) further integrating environmental and climate-related conditionalities and incentives in policy initiatives, including reviews and reforms of existing policy, as well as new initiatives, at EU and Member State level;
Amendment 36 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 87
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
87. The EU is densely populated and by 2020, 80% of the EU population is likely to live in urban and peri-urban areas. Quality of life will be directly influenced by the state of the urban environment. The environmental impacts of cities also spread well beyond their physical limits, as they rely heavily on peri-urban and rural regions to meet demand for food, energy, space and resources, and to accommodate waste.	87. The EU is densely populated and by 2020, 80% of the EU population is likely to live in urban and peri-urban areas. Quality of life will be directly influenced by the state of the urban environment. The environmental impacts of cities also spread well beyond their physical limits, as they rely heavily on peri-urban and rural regions to meet demand for food, energy, space and resources, and to accommodate waste. Special attention should therefore be devoted to promoting rural areas and creating new jobs in the rural sector.
Amendment 37 Proposal for a decision Annex – paragraph 89 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	89a. The Union's food security policy should be based on sustainable agriculture and fair trade. Climate change is bringing pressure to bear on natural resources, particularly as sufficient quantities of food need to be provided for a growing world population with altered patterns of consumption. Imports of protein from third countries where the standard of environmental protection is inadequate could be reduced by promoting the cultivation of protein crops in the Union. In addition, the Union has an obligation to demand, bilaterally and multilaterally, adequate regulatory environmental protection measures in the regions concerned, from which such risks emanate.

PROCEDURE

Title	General Union Environment Action Programme to 2020: ‘Living well, within the limits of our planet’
References	COM(2012)0710 – C7-0392/2012 – 2012/0337(COD)
Committee responsible Date announced in plenary	ENVI 10.12.2012
Opinion by Date announced in plenary	AGRI 10.12.2012
Rapporteur Date appointed	Daciana Octavia Sârbu 6.2.2013
Discussed in committee	4.3.2013
Date adopted	25.3.2013
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	32 0 4
Members present for the final vote	Eric Andrieu, José Bové, Luis Manuel Capoulas Santos, Michel Dantin, Paolo De Castro, Albert Deß, Herbert Dorfmann, Hynek Fajmon, Mariya Gabriel, Iratxe García Pérez, Julie Girling, Martin Häusling, Peter Jahr, Elisabeth Jeggle, Jarosław Kalinowski, Elisabeth Köstinger, George Lyon, Rareş-Lucian Niculescu, Wojciech Michał Olejniczak, Marit Paulsen, Britta Reimers, Ulrike Rodust, Alfreds Rubiks, Giancarlo Scottà, Czesław Adam Siekierski, Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris, Csaba Sándor Tabajdi, Marc Tarabella, Janusz Wojciechowski
Substitute(s) present for the final vote	María Auxiliadora Correa Zamora, Spyros Danellis, Jean-Paul Gauzès, Christa Klaß, Astrid Lulling, Jacek Włosowicz, Milan Zver

[1] P7_TA-PROV(2012)0147: European Parliament resolution of 20 April 2012 on the review of the 6th Environment Action Programme and the setting of priorities for the 7th Environment Action Programme – A better environment for a better life (2011/2194(INI).

PROCEDURE ()

Title	General Union Environment Action Programme to 2020: ‘Living well, within the limits of our planet’
References	COM(2012)0710 – C7-0392/2012 – 2012/0337(COD)
Date submitted to Parliament	29.11.2012
Committee responsible Date announced in plenary	ENVI 10.12.2012
Committee(s) asked for opinion(s) Date announced in plenary	EMPL 10.12.2012	ITRE 10.12.2012	REGI 10.12.2012	AGRI 10.12.2012
	PECH 10.12.2012
Not delivering opinions Date of decision	EMPL 12.12.2012	ITRE 17.12.2012	REGI 18.12.2012	PECH 17.12.2012
Rapporteur(s) Date appointed	Gaston Franco 17.12.2012
Discussed in committee	20.3.2013
Date adopted	24.4.2013
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	46 5 4
Members present for the final vote	Martina Anderson, Sophie Auconie, Pilar Ayuso, Paolo Bartolozzi, Sandrine Bélier, Sergio Berlato, Lajos Bokros, Milan Cabrnoch, Martin Callanan, Nessa Childers, Yves Cochet, Chris Davies, Bas Eickhout, Edite Estrela, Jill Evans, Karl-Heinz Florenz, Elisabetta Gardini, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Matthias Groote, Satu Hassi, Jolanta Emilia Hibner, Dan Jørgensen, Karin Kadenbach, Christa Klaß, Eija-Riitta Korhola, Holger Krahmer, Jo Leinen, Peter Liese, Zofija Mazej Kukovič, Linda McAvan, Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė, Miroslav Ouzký, Andrés Perelló Rodríguez, Mario Pirillo, Frédérique Ries, Oreste Rossi, Kārlis Šadurskis, Carl Schlyter, Horst Schnellhardt, Richard Seeber, Theodoros Skylakakis, Claudiu Ciprian Tănăsescu, Salvatore Tatarella, Thomas Ulmer, Åsa Westlund, Glenis Willmott
Substitute(s) present for the final vote	Minodora Cliveti, Gaston Franco, Christel Schaldemose, Sophocles Sophocleous, Alda Sousa, Csaba Sándor Tabajdi, Kathleen Van Brempt, Anna Záborská, Andrea Zanoni
Date tabled	6.5.2013

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