Πληρη πρακτικα των συζητησεων

Τετάρτη 24 Μαρτίου 2021 - Βρυξέλλες

30. Η πολιτική συνοχής και οι περιφερειακές στρατηγικές για το περιβάλλον στην καταπολέμηση της κλιματικής αλλαγής (συνοπτική παρουσίαση)

  Puhemies. – Esityslistalla on seuraavana Tonino Piculan aluekehitysvaliokunnan puolesta laatima mietintö koheesiopolitiikasta ja alueellisista ympäristöstrategioista ilmastonmuutoksen torjunnassa (A9-0034/2021) [2020/2074(INI)]

  Tonino Picula, rapporteur. – Madam President, the main idea of this report was to outline the necessary steps for transition towards a climate—neutral Europe by 2050 from a regional perspective. With an approved budget of over EUR 330 billion in the current programming period, cohesion policy is the biggest and most important investment tool in Europe. As 30% of both the Cohesion Fund and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will need to be spent on projects for decarbonisation of our economy, cohesion policy has a crucial role in tackling climate change. This is a chance our regions cannot miss out on.

The next 10 years will design the way forward and the political possibilities for the upcoming decades. On 28 November 2019, the European Parliament called out a climate and environmental emergency. The European Green Deal and the commitment to a climate—neutral Europe by 2050 will require far—reaching reform for its agricultural, trade, transport, energy and infrastructure-investment policies. The coming years are especially crucial as we currently have already 1.2°C more average global temperature compared with the pre—industrial levels. The 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement might be reached by the end of the year 2027, and therefore within the cohesion policy framework of the next seven years. An increase of 1.5°C is the maximum the planet can tolerate. Should temperatures increase further beyond 2030 we will face even more droughts, floods, extreme heat, poverty for hundreds of millions of people and, of course, we may risk our long—term survival altogether.

So how can our regions contribute to fighting climate change while using cohesion policy funds, and how can we best assist them? Just a few examples: by ensuring greater coherence and coordination between cohesion policy and other EU policies while improving the implementation of climate policies on the ground; by enshrining the ‘do no significant harm’ principle for all investment; by supporting holistic regional environment strategies and civic engagement while relying on the robust research and innovation process; by underlining the strategic role of renewable, sustainable and decentralised energy in the development of the EU regions and their enterprises; by investing further in sustainable mobility and the strong involvement of micro-, small and medium—sized enterprises in the transition process; and by acknowledging the specificities and potential of different regions, such as islands, which have become the front-runners in energy transition.

We call on the Commission to monitor and publish reports using a common standard for all Member States about the progress of national governments and local and regional authorities in addressing climate change at all levels.

I would like to conclude with one message that was the leading thought of this report. Climate change is not only a matter of the environment; it’s also a matter of economic and social change. Economic, social and territorial cohesion means, in this regard, putting a special focus on three elements: territorial cohesion with an understanding of the different needs of EU regions; economic cohesion with sustainable growth and green jobs respecting the needs of the different sectors; social cohesion with a just transition, social fairness and an understanding of energy poverty and special needs. The transition towards climate neutrality can only be reached in a socially fair and just pathway forwards, leaving no one behind.

  Virginijus Sinkevičius, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic. The Commission welcomes this own—initiative report on cohesion policy and regional environmental strategies in the fight against climate change.

In the 2021—2027 programming period, cohesion policy will make a major contribution to the fight against climate change. Some EUR 69 billion will be devoted to climate—related intervention in 2021—2027.

One of the five key policy objectives of cohesion policy, Greener Europe is dedicated to supporting a greener low—carbon transition towards a net zero—carbon economy. All cohesion investments will obey the ‘do no significant harm’ principle, in line with the European Green Deal, and all cohesion funds have ambitious and binding climate contribution targets, including 30% for the ERDF and 37% for the Cohesion Fund.

We will climate track all our investment based on OECD standards for assessing climate impact. The Just Transition Fund will support those regions most exposed to transition challenges in all Member States, alleviating the social and economic costs of transition towards a climate neutral economy.

All levels of governance need to be mobilised, from the local level to the European – regions and cities are major players in our climate action.

In fact, for all investments under the upcoming 2021—2027 programmes the Commission is emphasising the importance of future—proof growth –‘building back better’.

In the preparations and negotiations of the cohesion programmes in each Member State we are urging more sustainable investments. At the local level, we are promoting smarter and greener technologies such as smart grids, renewable energy networks and the renovation wave. To build resilience, cohesion policy will help local and regional authorities in mitigating and adapting to climate change, insisting on respect of the partnership principle and in accordance with the multi—level governance approach involving urban and local authorities, economic and social partners, environmental partners and civil society.

With a strong focus on climate objectives, targeted investments, leaving no region behind and active involvement at local and civil society level, cohesion policy will be an important ally in the fight against climate change for years to come.

This effort, of course, does not start now. Importantly, it is a key aspect of recovery. Long—term recovery from the COVID—19 crisis requires future—proof growth strategies supporting climate transition, phasing out reliance on fossil fuels and decarbonising industries.

To ensure the recovery is sustainable, inclusive and fair, Europe has put in place an unprecedented financial package of EUR 1.8 trillion financed by Next Generation EU and the long—term EU budget. This is the most ambitious recovery plan that the EU has ever seen and it has one aim: to turn this immense challenge into an opportunity not only by supporting the recovery but also by investing in our future, the European Green Deal and digitalisation.

With a dedicated instrument – React EU – of some EUR 50 billion, financed from Next Generation EU, cohesion policy will also help a green and digital repair of the economy.

Now we must press ahead with programming. The new 2021—2027 cohesion programmes are in preparation, but this preparation must reach cruising speed so that programmes are ready in time.

We need full mobilisation of all actors at all levels, and we are definitely counting on your support.

  Puhemies. – Keskustelu on päättynyt.

Äänestys toimitetaan huomenna 25.3.2021.

Kirjalliset lausumat (171 artikla)

  Izabela-Helena Kloc (ECR), na piśmie. – Polityka spójności jest największym i najważniejszym narzędziem inwestycyjnym Unii Europejskiej. Z tego względu może potencjalnie odgrywać kluczową rolę w przeciwdziałaniu zmianom klimatycznym i znacząco przyczynić się do realizacji założeń i celów Europejskiego Zielonego Ładu.

Jednak nie zapominajmy, że polityka klimatyczna i związana z nią transformacja energetyczna mają bardzo silny i nierozerwalny wymiar społeczno-gospodarczy. Dążenie do osiągnięcia neutralności klimatycznej Unii Europejskiej wymusza na wielu państwach członkowskich oraz ich obywatelach ustępstwa i poświęcenia, na które mogą nie być gotowi. Droga do Zielonego Ładu musi być sprawiedliwa, tak aby nie pozostawić nikogo w tyle – inaczej polityka spójności przyczyni się jedynie do pogłębienia różnic pomiędzy krajami i regionami Europy.

Moim zdaniem sprawozdanie to wykracza daleko poza porozumienia międzyinstytucjonalne i polityczne, promując działania, które mogą przynieść szkodę obywatelom Unii. W sprawozdaniu wezwano m.in. do całkowitej i niemalże natychmiastowej rezygnacji z paliw kopalnych, w tym gazu ziemnego. Stoi to w sprzeczności z fundamentalnym prawem państw członkowskich do decydowania o własnym „koszyku energetycznym”. Państwa członkowskie mogą osiągnąć neutralność klimatyczną jedynie w ramach swoich możliwości i na swój indywidualny sposób.