The EU Parliament has approved a comprehensive climate package. Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen sees Europe on its way to becoming the “first climate-neutral continent”. Above all, pollution certificates should accelerate a reconsideration of companies.
The EU Parliament has passed several important climate protection laws by a large majority. Members of Parliament voted in Strasbourg on Tuesday, among other things, for a tightening of emissions trading. It is considered the main instrument of the European climate protection programme.
For example, companies must purchase pollution certificates if they emit carbon dioxide (CO2). This should create an incentive to produce less CO2. In other words, if you emit a lot of CO2, you have to pay a lot for it.
Now the number of pollution rights must be reduced more quickly than previously planned. In addition, free certificates for companies must be phased out by 2034.
Producers abroad are approached
At the same time, stronger protection mechanisms for European companies must also come into effect. Producers abroad will also have to pay for CO2 emissions in the future if they want to sell their goods in the EU – via a so-called CO2 border correction, which should apply in full from 2034.
In addition, a social climate fund should be set up to absorb extra consumer spending as a result of the energy transition, such as rising heating costs.
The projects form the core of the “Fit for 55” package presented by the European Commission in the summer of 2021 to combat the climate crisis. The aim is to help EU countries reduce CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and become carbon neutral by 2050. The EU countries still have to approve the plan. However, this is considered a formality.
EU Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen celebrates on Twitter: “Together we will make Europe the first climate-neutral continent.” A “further milestone” was reached with the vote. Member States are called upon to “take the final steps now”.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
