Industry

Raw Material

Reinhard Buetikofer

Resource efficiency and raw materials

Commission talking the talk on resource efficiency but lack of clear targets regrettable

The European Commission today presented its 'flagship' communication on resource efficiency. The Greens welcomed the general rhetoric but expressed regret at the lack of clear targets. Commenting on the communication, Green MEP Bas Eickhout said: "It is certainly welcome that the Commission wan...

EU chemicals rules (REACH)

Milestone for protection from chemicals reached but serious vigilance still needed

An important stage in the implementation of landmark EU chemicals legislation (REACH) was reached today: from now on, chemicals manufacturers will only be allowed to continue selling the vast majority of chemicals if they have provided the necessary safety data (1). Green MEPs welcomed the deadline ...

Climate change

EP sends strong signal ahead of UN climate summit in Cancun

The European Parliament today adopted a resolution setting out its position on the forthcoming UN climate summit in Cancun (1). Green MEPs welcomed the resolution, which calls for stronger EU action on emissions and resolving contradictions in the EU's negotiating position. After the vote, Green MEP...

Hazardous substances

Electronic goods to be made safer after EP votes to strengthen EU rules

The European Parliament adopted a final legislative agreement revising EU rules on hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (1). While the Greens/EFA group believed the legislation could have been made stronger, the group welcomed the revised rules as an improvement on the current...

Coal subsidies

EP vote to further extend coal mine subsidies in conflict with economic and energy interests

The European Parliament today voted on a European Commission proposal on phasing-out state aid to uncompetitive coal mines (1). Green MEPs criticised the outcome, which called for prolonging the current coal subsidy regime (under which operational aid to uncompetitive coal mines is exempted from EU ...

Energy infrastructure

Commission recognises need to put infrastructure at the heart of EU energy strategy

The European Commission today presented its energy infrastructure package, outlining EU energy infrastructure needs (from 2020-30). Green MEPs gave a cautious welcome to the proposals. Commenting on the package, Greens/EFA energy spokesperson Claude Turmes said: "Energy infrastructure must be a...

Getting the climate right for green investment in Europe

17.11.2010

A Greens/EFA conference

Ahead of the Climate Summit in Cancun, the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament is organising a conference to look at the global situation as regards investments in green economy, from smart grids to energy efficient technologies, as well as the future policy framework needed to spur green investments in Europe.

Coal subsidies

Greens condemn vote to extend proposals on subsidies for coal mines

MEPs today voted on a European Commission proposal on phasing-out state aid to uncompetitive coal mines (1). Green MEPs criticised the outcome of two key committee votes (2), which called for prolonging the current coal subsidy regime (under which state aid to uncompetitive coal mines is exempted fr...

European electricity interconnection

EU Commissioner Oettinger has to press Member states to increase interconnectivity of electricity grids rapidly

European Standardisation

The European Parliament wants more participation for small and medium-sized enterprises

On the occasion of today's vote on the future of European standardisation in the Industry Committee of the European Parliament, the Rapporteur Reinhard Bütikofer(Germany), Vice-Chair of the Greens/European Free Alliance and spokesperson on industrial policy, declares: "With today's vote the Eu...

ITER

Funding gap for nuclear fusion puts important EU 2020 projects at risk

Today the Council for Agriculture adopted the conclusions on the future financing of the nuclear fusion project ITER as an 'A-item' without debate. Rebecca Harms, president of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament comments: "Today's decision to reaffirm the commitment to the ITER proj...