While the intentions behind this Communication are welcome, the announced measures mostly summarise existing support mechanisms. But more importantly, the Communication doesn’t underline the critical condition for receiving any additional support - significant emission reductions. The suggested measures announce more simplification and flexibility for accessing funds. However, flexibility should not come at the expense of a beneficial climate impact; if taxpayers are footing the bill, the investments for industry need to deliver significant emissions reductions.
While the intentions behind this Communication are welcome, the announced measures mostly summarise existing support mechanisms. But more importantly, the Communication doesn’t underline the critical condition for receiving any additional support - significant emission reductions. The suggested measures announce more simplification and flexibility for accessing funds. However, flexibility should not come at the expense of a beneficial climate impact; if taxpayers are footing the bill, the investments for industry need to deliver significant emissions reductions.
With European economies severely affected by the war, the green and energy transitions take centre stage, with the ‘Fit for 55’ package setting the framework for climate action. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson recognises the EU’s climate leadership and declared Sweden’s intention to strengthen this position during the Presidency.
On climate change, the presidency will need to make progress on a large number of legislative proposals tabled last year as part of the so-called ‘Fit-for-55’ package. After the agreement on the European Climate Law, the challenge now lies in the design and implementation of rules which set Europe on a rapid path towards climate neutrality by 2050.
While the natural gas industry has welcomed the legislative and regulatory proposals with some caveats, some environmental NGOs are less enthused. [Gas in Transition, Volume 1, Issue 9]