The Commission adopts the Mobility and Climate Change package
College meeting: Mobility and Climate Change package; pre-accession support for Turkey; Glyphosate and preparation of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU
Reinforcing EU's global leadership in clean vehicles
The Commission today took a decisive step forward in implementing the EU's commitments under the Paris Agreement for a binding domestic CO2 reduction of at least 40% till 2030.
With the entering into force of the Paris Agreement, the international community has committed to move towards a modern low-carbon economy, while the automotive industry is undergoing profound transformation. To maintain market shares and to accelerate the transition towards low and zero emission vehicles, the Commission proposed today new targets for the EU fleet wide average CO2 emissions of new passenger cars and vans that will apply from 2025 and 2030 respectively. Both for new cars and vans, the average CO2 emissions will have to be 30% lower in 2030, compared to 2021.
The package will also stimulate both innovation in new technologies and business models, and a more efficient use of all modes for the transport of goods. These proposals will be boosted by targeted financial instruments to ensure a swift deployment. The CO2 emission reduction targets the Commission proposes today are based on sound analysis and broad stakeholder involvement, from NGOs to industry.
Extending common EU gas rules to import pipelines
To improve the functioning of the EU internal energy market and enhance solidarity between Member States, the Commission today proposed to amend the EU Gas Directive. The aim of the amendment is to complete the existing Gas Directive and clarify that the core principles of EU energy legislation (third-party access, tariff regulation, ownership unbundling and transparency) will apply to all gas pipelines to and from third countries up to the border of the EU's jurisdiction. This will ensure that all major pipelines entering the EU territory comply with EU rules, are operated under the same degree of transparency, are accessible to other operators and are operated efficiently.
This clarification will also contribute to meeting the goals of the EU gas market, which include increasing competition between gas suppliers and providing a boost to energy security in the EU. Ensuring that all major pipelines wholly or partly located in EU territory are operated efficiently under a regime of transparent regulatory oversight will diminish conflicts of interests between infrastructure operators and gas suppliers, and guarantee non-discriminatory tariff setting.
Pre-accession support for Turkey
Following the debate on Turkey at the October European Council, the College discussed the pre-accession support for Turkey. Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, gave an overview of the current pre-accession support and the next steps to be taken. The Commission will act on the invitation of the European Council to present options on the adaptation of the indicative financial allocations for Turkey for the years 2018-2020. Commissioner Hahn will present these proposals to the December General Affairs Council for a political decision. In the meantime, in line with the Presidency conclusions of the General Affairs Council in December 2016, the Commission is already focusing ongoing pre-accession funding on key areas such as the rule of law, fundamental rights, civil society and people-to-people contacts, which will be preserved in future assistance programmes.
Glyphosate
The state of play and the next steps in the procedure of the renewal of the approval of glyphosate was on the College agenda today. The Commission is working towards reaching a decision which enjoys the broadest possible support by the Member States while ensuring a high level of protection of human health and the environment in line with the EU legislation. Following the exchange of views with the Member States' representatives on 25 October, a proposal for the renewal of the approval of glyphosate for five years was submitted to Member States. The period of five years also takes into account the latest non-binding Resolution adopted by the European Parliament. A vote is scheduled to take place on 9 November at the next Standing Committee on Plant Animal Food and Feed meeting composed of representatives from all Member States and chaired by the European Commission.
Visit by the Bulgarian government ahead of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU
The College of Commissioners received the Bulgarian government for a plenary session in order to prepare the first-ever Bulgarian Presidency of the EU on 1 January 2018. Discussions notably focused on the Commission's Work Programme, the Union's policy regarding the Western Balkans and the preparation of the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
Article 50 negotiations with the UK
The Commission's Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier debriefed the College on the state of play of the Article 50 negotiations with the UK. The College discussed the October European Council conclusions and the Commission's Chief Negotiator informed Commissioners about the negotiations that will take place later this week with the UK.
Related links
MEMO: Driving Clean Mobility: Questions & Answers on the initiatives that protect the planet, empower its consumers, and defend its industry and workers
Questions and Answers on the Commission proposal to amend the Gas Directive