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Peter Liese: Numerous simplifications of environmental legislation planned / Core of environment legislation to be maintained / But simplifications are urgently needed

On Wednesday, the European Union proposed its largest omnibus package to date. In the context of European politics, omnibus refers to the simplification of several laws at once. The first omnibus package, which aims to simplify due diligence rules, sustainability reporting and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), is now almost complete as an agreement has been reached in trilogue. The new omnibus package deals with European environmental legislation. A number of simplifications are planned in the area of the Industrial Emissions Directive and other environmental laws relevant to industry. For example, projects in which industry uses hydrogen are to be simplified. Farmers will be granted exemptions from reporting on water, energy and material use. Generators used as backups for data centres will also be granted exemptions. The same applies to manufacturers of e-bikes and other market participants within the scope of the Battery Regulation. Further simplifications concern the Water Framework Directive and the appointment of so-called authorised representatives. The regulation on waste shipments includes a proposal to facilitate cross-border transport, particularly with Switzerland.

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Peter Liese: Donald Trump has not succeeded in destroying the international process / The EU had to swallow a few bitter pills, but setbacks were prevented and slight progress was achieved

“The most important thing is that Donald Trump has not succeeded in destroying the international process, unlike other international processes (e.g. the World Shipping Organisation). I am very relieved about that. The world is moving on, and I hope that the U.S.-Americans will be back at the table sooner or later. Trump may already be weakened by the midterm elections in November to such an extent that he will at least no longer be able to exert a negative influence on international negotiations. I hope that a new U.S. president will then return to the international work against climate change. As a colleague from the European Parliament said: ‘America will be late again’,” commented Peter Liese, climate policy spokesperson for the largest group in the European Parliament (EPP, Christian Democrats), on the outcome of COP30 in Belém.

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Peter Liese: Compromises from Parliament and Council essentially confirmed / Long-standing demands from the EPP create realistic framework for implementation / Downside remains postponement of ETS2

On Tuesday evening, representatives of the European Parliament and the Member States agreed on the 2040 climate target. “I am very pleased that the compromises reached by Parliament and the Council have essentially been confirmed. The positions were not far apart, as the EPP governments had already made the Commission's proposal of 90% much more realistic in Council. 5% can also be achieved through international credits for emission reductions. In addition, Member States will be given further flexibilities,” commented MEP Peter Liese, spokesperson for climate and environment policy for the biggest group in the European Parliament (EPP, Christian Democrats), on the trilogue agreement on the revision of the EU’s climate law.

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Peter Liese: Happy that compromise passed / Important improvements

“I am very happy that the compromise passed,” said Peter Liese, climate policy spokesperson of the biggest group in the European Parliament (EPP, Christian Democrats). On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted its position on the climate target for 2040 with a clear majority.

  1. Environment Committee of the European Parliament adopts compromise on 2040 target / Essentially Council text with two changes
  2. Begin of the Climate Conference in Belem
  3. EU Environment Ministers Agree on Climate Target for 2040
  4. European Council on Climate Protection