European Union misses UN deadline
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Peter Liese: China announces rather unambitious NDC / Bad days for global climate and for Europe’s competitiveness / Fast decision and pragmatism are needed before the COP in Belém
“These have been very bad days for the global climate and for Europe’s competitiveness,” said Peter Liese, spokesperson for climate policy for the biggest group in the European Parliament (EPP, Christian Democrats). On Tuesday, 23rd September, the UNFCCC parties were supposed to set their NDC for 2035. The environmental ministers of the EU were only able to agree on a letter of intent which does not classify as an NDC. Yesterday, China pledged that they will only reduce their emission by 7-10% in the next ten years. “While it is good that finally China comes with a reduction target, it is much lower than expected and unfortunately, the European Union is partly responsible for this. If Europe misses the deadline, those that argue for ambition in other parts of the world, have less support. I am really afraid that the international process will collapse and that would also be very bad for the European Union’s competitiveness as well,” said Liese.
2040 Climate Goal in Parliament
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EPP for orderly but fast proposal / Agreement before climate conference in Belém still possible
"We as EPP are in favor of an orderly but fast procedure on the proposal of the European Commission for a 2040 climate target. This is possible even though the Parliament opposed an urgency request by S&D, Renew and the Greens today,” declared Peter Liese, spokesperson of the largest group in the European Parliament (EPP Christian Democrats) in the Committee for Environment and Climate.
“We couldn't support the urgency procedure today because some of our priorities were not accepted by other political groups. We insist on a proper involvement of committees, including the committees for advice, in particular ITRE. We want to make sure that the Parliament has enough time to discuss the proposal (in particular, we think the plenary should vote after the Council has fixed its position). We will immediately start to work on our position on the Commission proposal and try to improve it also in cooperation with the EPP representatives in the Council.
Mercosur agreement benefits the climate / Probably decisive step towards stabilizing the Paris Agreement after Trump's withdrawal
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Probably decisive step towards stabilizing the Paris Agreement after Trump's withdrawal
“I very much welcome the fact that the European Commission has now formally submitted the Mercosur agreement for ratification. This is not only a decisive step for our economy, but also for the climate,” said Peter Liese, spokesperson on climate and environmental policy for the largest political group in the European Parliament (EPP, Christian Democrats).
“We must become less dependent on China and the U.S. in order to secure jobs in Europe. This is not a contradiction to climate protection. Ursula von der Leyen has succeeded in ensuring that the Paris Climate Agreement is an essential component of the Mercosur agreement. This is the only reason why President Javier Milei did not follow the way of Donald Trump and leave the Paris Agreement. If Argentina had left, it could have triggered a very serious chain reaction and the Paris Agreement might already be at an end.
Motion of No Confidence Against EU-Commission
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Accusation of Corruption against Ursula von der Leyen is Absurd / In Spring 2020, the Vast Majority of Citizens Wanted Vaccines Procured as Quickly as Possible
“The accusation of corruption against Ursula von der Leyen is absurd, and I regret that it is being repeated without proper scrutiny,” said Peter Liese, physician and Member of the European Parliament, in light of the ongoing discussion about the motion of no confidence against the European Commission.
“At the beginning of 2021, there was a severe global shortage of COVID-19 vaccines. Many people were desperately waiting to be vaccinated. At that time, the European Commission was urged to accelerate the process and act pragmatically, as had been done, for example, in Israel and the United States.