EU environment ministers agreed a common position on key elements of the Fit for 55 package yesterday, the EU plan led by Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans to reduce net emissions by 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. Under Vice-President Timmermans’ plan, the EU will achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
PES President Sergei Stanishev said:
“There is no time to waste in tackling the climate crisis. Thanks to Frans Timmermans we have a strong proposal with Fit for 55, and the socialist family is pleased to see it progressing in the Council.
“The socialist roots of Fit for 55 are clear. The social climate fund will address the impact of on vulnerable citizens, making sure no one is left behind as we achieve climate neutrality. And Fit for 55 will push forward investment in clean industry, energy efficient homes, renewable energy and electric vehicles, which we have advocated for many years.
“Socialists are looking to the final negotiations with the Council and Parliament with hope and determination. We want to see a strong final agreement reached as soon as possible.”
As part of Fit for 55 negotiations, the Council this week reached agreement on its position relating to the creation of a social climate fund, the Emissions Trading System (ETS), effort sharing between member states, emissions from land use and land-use change, CO2 emission performance standards for cars and vans, new rules to drive down deforestation and forest degradation globally, and the renewable energies and the energy efficiency directives.
