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Sustainable maritime fuels - 'Fit for 55' package: the FuelEU Maritime proposal
In July 2021, the European Commission put forward the 'fit for 55' package of legislative proposals, aimed at ensuring the success of the European Green Deal. The FuelEU Maritime regulation is one of these proposals and, together with four other proposals, it seeks to steer the EU maritime sector towards decarbonisation. To support the uptake of sustainable maritime fuels, the Commission proposes to limit the carbon intensity of the energy used on board ships. Accordingly, the proposal sets a fuel ...
Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
The Parliament is due to vote in plenary in March on a report from the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) on the proposal to revise the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, part of the 'fit for 55' package. Once adopted, this will set Parliament's position for trilogue negotiations with the Council.
Question Time: How to ensure energy security in the EU in 2023
The 2022 energy crisis following Russia's aggression against Ukraine brought about challenges relating to energy security and affordability in the EU. Thanks to several measures taken last year, energy shortages have so far been avoided. However, the EU must now prepare for next winter, when it might be more difficult to ensure sufficient gas storage. Members of the European Parliament will have the possibility to question the European Commission on this topic at 'question time' during the March ...
Aviation's contribution to European Union climate action: Revision of EU ETS as regards aviation
As part of the 'Fit for 55' package, the Commission proposed a revision to the EU's emissions trading system (ETS) as regards carbon dioxide emissions from aviation. The proposal seeks to ensure that the sector contributes to the EU's climate targets through increased auctioning of allowances, with an end to free allowances from 2027, and by applying the linear reduction of aviation allowances. The proposal would also integrate, into the revised ETS, the International Civil Aviation Organization's ...
Reforming the EU electricity market
The energy crisis of 2022 has brought new challenges for the EU electricity market. Concerns over very high prices (driven in part by their coupling with gas prices), security of energy supply, and the need to increase decarbonisation have sparked discussions on the need to redesign the EU's electricity market. The EU has already taken a number of short-term measures to contain the energy crisis. The REPowerEU plan of May 2022 was introduced to phase out Russian fossil fuel imports, diversify supplies ...
Research for PECH Committee - The future of the EU algae sector
This study examines the EU Algae Initiative of the European Commission and gives an overview of the European algae sector in terms of production, applications, opportunities and barriers. The 23 targeted actions proposed by the Commission have been set out with the goal of unlocking the vast potential of algae for the EU’s Blue Bioeconomy, addressing key challenges, such as food security and climate change mitigation. For successfully developing the sector, a set of barriers will need to be overcome ...
What if increased energy storage could help fix climate change?
The European Union is committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, which requires a drastic increase in the share of energy from renewable sources in the electricity mix. However, the availability of some renewable energy sources is variable and intermittent, creating concerns about system reliability. Devising new energy storage capacities could solve this issue and contribute to the EU's climate neutrality goal.
Nigeria: Situation ahead of 2023 general election
On 25 February 2023, after an electoral campaign held amidst rising insecurity and economic turmoil, Nigerians will elect their new president and federal legislature. The way this very competitive election is conducted, and its outcome, will have a sizeable effect on sub-Saharan Africa's largest economy, African democracy and the future of Africa's relations with the European Union (EU) and the rest of the Western world.
EU energy security and the war in Ukraine: From sprint to marathon
The European Union acted decisively and unanimously in condemning the brutal war and its immense human cost, imposing sanctions on Russia and supporting Ukraine. Russia's invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 also triggered concern over the EU's energy security. Throughout 2022, Europe showed determination to fill gas storage facilities and find additional gas supplies elsewhere. During the winter of 2022/2023, the EU has fared better than initially feared. Gas demand has been lower than in previous ...
Research for REGI Committee - Cohesion Policy in EU Coal Regions
Decarbonisation brings both significant challenges and opportunities for coal regions. This At a glance note summarises the study analysing the implementation and impact of Cohesion Policy, including Just Transition Funds, in EU coal regions. Looking retrospectively at the 2014-2020 programming period and forward to the 2021-27 period, the study concludes that Cohesion Policy has made, and is likely to continue to make a real contribution to achieving smarter, greener and more socially connected ...