An ambitious reduction of fluorinated greenhouse gases emissions, to further contribute to the EU’s climate neutrality goal, and new legislation for additional cuts of the emissions of substances that damage the ozone layer, in line with the European Green Deal and international agreements. Opening statements by Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL) and by Jessica POLFJÄRD (EPP, SE), Rapporteurs and by Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission.

Brussels

debate

plenary session

EICKHOUT, Bas (Greens/EFA, NL)

TIMMERMANS, Frans (NL, EC)

joint debate

fight against climate change (T)

POLFJÄRD, Jessica (EPP, SE, SE)

European Green Deal (T)

Joint debate - Fluorinated gases and ozone depleting substances: opening statements by Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL) and by Jessica POLFJÄRD (EPP, SE), Rapporteurs

SOUNDBITE (English), Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, Colleagues, Vice-President, welcome, have a seat. We are here discussing, in the end, the phase out of fluorinated gases. Fluorinated gases are very high potent greenhouse gases. So one molecule of one of these gases can even warm up the climate to the level of 24,000 times more than CO2. And that is exactly what we're trying to do here.

SOUNDBITE (English), Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), What we are going to do here is making an end to these gases and making sure that natural alternatives are being used, so this part of our economy will reach climate neutrality as promised also by 2050. This goes back to when we were initially looking at sea of seas that were causing, of course, a hole in the ozone layer, and we replaced them with F-gases along the years.

SOUNDBITE (English), Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), But of course these, as I said, were very potent greenhouse gases. So, there is an idea of some of the companies to say let's every time and move away from these F-gases to other F-gases that have a lower impact, but still have an impact on our climate system, and even to the level of going to PFAS us. So damaging chemicals, whereas in many of these sectors natural alternatives are available, are existing and should be put at the front and is exactly what we are doing here and proposing here in the report.

SOUNDBITE (English), Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), So, maybe just some highlights of the report. First of all, as I we said, are accelerating the transition to climate, relatively meaning that, in total quota of F-gases will go to zero by 2050, ensuring climate neutrality in this low hanging fruit. Secondly, we limit the risk of a lock in to intermediate solutions like PFAS. So, those sectors that can make the switch should make the switch to natural alternatives and skip the face of PFAS that are damaging chemicals and we would like to skip that and prevent that lock in an intermediate solutions.

SOUNDBITE (English), Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), Thirdly, we are providing certainty for consumers and investors. Those sectors that can move, should move faster and the bands we are proposing in the report are very clear, are also thought of on making sure that they can deliver in time, so that also the investors know what direction of innovation in Europe should be.

SOUNDBITE (English), Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), We also take international responsibility by adding an export ban, which means that if we are going to clean up our own suppliers and we are going to clean up our own products, we are also making sure that we are not going to export steel products with F-gases to other countries outside the EU. And this export ban is also part of the deal.

SOUNDBITE (English), Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), We are also there to prevent illegal trade and we want to accelerate training and employment in order to make sure that people, of course, also are being helped in making sure that they can do the new instalment. There was, of course, a lot of discussion on heat pumps, specifically, and we have paid a lot of specific attention also in negotiations on the heat pumps.

SOUNDBITE (English), Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), So there will be extra space in the quota system until 2030 and there is also a very clear check for the Commission to make sure that indeed, we are still reaching the targets of Repower EU. And if there are issues quota, then the Commission will also make sure that they will intervene and create more quota where necessary.

SOUNDBITE (English), Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), Also with switchgear, we have been looking at specific needs there and for example, for the high voltage, we will make sure that if there is a move towards an end of F-gases, that there will always be at least two bidders so that we are not creating any monopoly. So, all this together is very much clearly putting up European Innovation for European SME's central. And yes, you get a lot of lobby meals, but be aware most of those lobby meals are from American and Japanese companies, who still would like to invest in these chemicals, which also has patents.

SOUNDBITE (English), Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), Well, we here go for the natural alternatives with a lot of European SME's are already innovating on. So, a vote for what we have achieved in the ENVI Committee is a vote for European SME's is a vote for European innovation and with that, I would like to thank my colleagues and I am looking forward to a fruitful and nice, lively debate.

SOUNDBITE (Swedish), Jessica POLFJÄRD (EPP, SW), Rapporteur, Thank you very much, President. Now, when we started this parliamentary term, we took upon an important task to make our societies more sustainable. And that is an important step in making Europe greener, more competitive, but also safer for our health.

SOUNDBITE (Swedish), Jessica POLFJÄRD (EPP, SW), Rapporteur, are a number There of challenges out there, and we have a lot of responsibility on our shoulders as political decision makers to live up to the objectives that we have set ourselves. We need to ensure that we have sustainability but combine it with growth and competitiveness.

SOUNDBITE (Swedish), Jessica POLFJÄRD (EPP, SW), Rapporteur, That is what we have been trying to do throughout this parliamentary term, we have done a lot, but more still needs to be done. So that's why tomorrow's vote will be a major step forward when it comes to improving the situation ingf the ozone layer. Ozone depleting substances have created a serious situation that also contributes to global warming, and it's also damage to the environment and the health that's at stake.

SOUNDBITE (Swedish), Jessica POLFJÄRD (EPP, SW), Rapporteur, So we need to ensure that we achieve the objectives that have been set by the EU, particularly with regard to the climate. We also need to improve and rebuild our natural world. And that's why it's important that we should continue to take further measures to reduce emissions.

SOUNDBITE (Swedish), Jessica POLFJÄRD (EPP, SW), Rapporteur, That's not just important for health and the environment, it's important for European industry, which requires predictability and to know which new rules are coming. And I'm pleased that across the political groups we can support an ambitious and balanced proposal so that we can continue to pursue our efforts.

SOUNDBITE (Swedish), Jessica POLFJÄRD (EPP, SW), Rapporteur, I'd like to thank the shadow rapporteurs for their commitment and all of the work that they put in over the last six months or so. I'd also like to thank the technical team that has been working so hard on this. We have to create the right conditions for all parties involved so that they can comply with the new regulations. We need you to agree on a number of important aspects.

SOUNDBITE (Swedish), Jessica POLFJÄRD (EPP, SW), Rapporteur, First of all, a high level of ambition that focuses on ozone depleting emissions where they are at their worst and can be most easily reduced. We want to ensure that we can have as much impact as possible in improving the ozone layer. We are not taking drastic measures which cause more damage than the benefit that they do, which we try to ensure that we act most where there are alternatives that are ready to be used and could be implemented.

SOUNDBITE (Swedish), Jessica POLFJÄRD (EPP, SW), Rapporteur, So, high ambition and rules that ensure growth. The rules that we have before us will allow Europe to show once again that we can combine a sustainable economy with good conditions for human beings and for our industrial sector. I hope you'll be able to support this proposal and we can go in to the negotiations with the Council with a clear and strong mandate from the Parliament. Thank you.

SOUNDBITE (English), Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive VP of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, and Commissioner for Climate Action Policy, Thank you very much, Mr. President. Today, we discussed two important proposals and in our view, they represent a step forward towards limiting global temperature increase and fulfilling our promises on the Paris Agreement. Fluorinated Greenhouse gases and ozone depleting substances are extremely potent human made greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming when released into the atmosphere.

SOUNDBITE (English), Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive VP of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, and Commissioner for Climate Action Policy, Ozone depleting substances damage the very ozone layer itself that protects Earth and humanity against dangerous ultraviolet radiation from from the sun. These chemicals used to have many very practical applications in our everyday life. For example, in fridges, air conditioners, insulation, foams and fire protection and as propellants in asthma sprays.

SOUNDBITE (English), Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive VP of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, and Commissioner for Climate Action Policy, Our existing rules have been quite successful and have already delivered very important emissions reductions. However, scientific evidence pushes us to be more ambitious to start with fluorinated gases or F-gases. These were the fastest growing greenhouse gas emissions before we regulated them. Since we introduced the HFC phase down in 2014, the emissions of F-gases in the EU have started to decrease.

SOUNDBITE (English), Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive VP of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, and Commissioner for Climate Action Policy, In 2020, they were already 20% below their peak. But it's not enough. We need to do better and innovations under way allow us to do so. The new rules before you today will further reduce F-gas emissions, contributing to Europe's 2030 climate target and beyond. It equips our economy better and a pathway towards climate neutrality, setting an example to the rest of the world and hopefully they will follow.

SOUNDBITE (English), Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive VP of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, and Commissioner for Climate Action Policy, We can transform this part of our economy so that it is no longer dependent on these highly warming gases. In the end, the whole world will have to make this transformation and our industries will be the first to supply these low carbon and climate neutral solutions. This transition will bring benefits for citizens as well, with, for instance, heat pumps that are more energy efficient.

SOUNDBITE (English), Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive VP of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, and Commissioner for Climate Action Policy, We want to have more heat pumps, but we also want them climate ready. All sectors have to be part of this. Be it for medical dose inhalers or switchgear, they will all have to make the switch. Still, I have to stress the regulation only gives incentives for the switch, but does not prohibit existing safe solutions where these are required.

SOUNDBITE (English), Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive VP of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, and Commissioner for Climate Action Policy, On the report of Bas Eickhout in detail, we welcome it supports the introduction of a quota price as it will reduce misuse of the system and help us in implementing the Regulation and the Montreal Protocol. However, we should analyse carefully the added value of the additional earmarking proposed for the remaining quarter revenue. The new F-gas rules must facilitate better control and prevent illegal activities.

SOUNDBITE (English), Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive VP of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, and Commissioner for Climate Action Policy, And we welcome Parliament's efforts to further strengthen them. With your vote tomorrow, you will start, and we will start building an economy where F-gases are no longer part of the problem, but rather part of the solution.

SOUNDBITE (English), Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive VP of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, and Commissioner for Climate Action Policy, Turning briefly to the ozone depleting substances, regulation going ahead with the successful phase out is really essential for our climate agenda. Thanks to the Montreal Protocol, we can expect that the ozone hole will recover by approximately 2070 and prevent a major impact in global warming. Models indicate that the existence of the protocol has prevented up to two degrees of climate warming by 2070 because of ozone depleting substances only.

SOUNDBITE (English), Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive VP of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, and Commissioner for Climate Action Policy, But these effects are ensured only if there is no backsliding. The danger is real, as shown by recent illegal production of ozone depleting substances in China. The EU must continue leading by example and inspire others in the world to be ambitious. One major area where emissions still occur is in insulation foams and old houses when buildings are demolished or renovated.

SOUNDBITE (English), Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive VP of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, and Commissioner for Climate Action Policy, This can be avoided by obligations to recover and destroy the ozone depleting substances. I very much welcome that the ENVI Committee supported this concrete measure. As regards to the use of ozone depleting substances in feedstocks, it is the Commission's belief that our proposal is alredy fully aligned with the Montreal Protocol in which feedstock use is not restricted.

SOUNDBITE (English), Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive VP of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, and Commissioner for Climate Action Policy, We will continue the debate, but urge for caution that deviation from this approach might result in relocation of EU companies and potentially higher emissions globally. On both files, it is important for Parliament to be ambitious. This is again, climate leadership in the making and I warmly want to thank the rapporteurs and their shadows for a job extremely well done. Thank you.