Implementation of the European Climate Change Programme (2000-2001)

1) OBJECTIVE

To combat climate change by means of various cross-cutting measures and measures in the fields of energy, industry and transport, in implementing the European Climate Change Programme (ECCP).

2) ACT

Communication from the Commission of 23 October 2001 on the implementation of the first phase of the European Climate Change Programme (COM(2001) 580 final - Not published in the Official Journal).

3) SUMMARY

1. At the European Council in Gothenburg in June 2001, it was confirmed that the European Union is determined to meet its commitments under the Kyoto Protocol and to ratify it so as to allow its entry into force by 2002. The communication contains measures aimed at achieving the objective put forward at Gothenburg. The main aims are to implement the ECCP and halve the difference between the projected emissions of the EU in 2010 and the target set at Kyoto.

2. The communication forms part of a package of instruments which also includes a proposal for a decision on the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol and a proposal for a Directive on emissions trading within the EU.

3. There are four types of measure contained in this proposal: cross-cutting, energy, transport and industry.

Horizontal measures

4. The European Commission will ensure that the integrated pollution prevention and control Directive (IPPC) is implemented effectively. Among other things it will urge that the Directive's requirements concerning energy efficiency be met.

5. A proposal for a Directive on project-based mechanisms will be adopted by the end of the first half of 2003 to complement the Framework Directive on emission trading.

6. During the second half of 2002, the Commission will amend the decision on a monitoring mechanism for CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions in the Community to take account of the reporting requirements under the Kyoto Protocol.

Energy measures

7. In 2002, the Commission will present a number of proposals in the energy field:

• a Framework Directive for minimum efficiency requirements for end-use equipment;
• a Directive on energy demand management under which Member States will be required to set targets to promote and support energy demand management, and to ensure a minimum level of investment in energy efficiency activities;
• a Directive on combined heat and power which complements existing measures in this field;
• an initiative on increased energy efficient public procurement which promotes demand for energy efficient technology from the public sector;
• a public awareness campaign and campaign for take-off which aims to disseminate the results of actions and spread best practices.

Transport measures

8. The White Paper on a Common Transport Policy contains measures which will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These include:

• a proposal for shifting the balance between the various modes of transport by promoting transport by railways and waterways;
• a proposal aimed at improving the use of infrastructure charging by establishing fair and balanced pricing between the various transport modes;
• a Directive to promote the use of biofuels for transport.

Industry measures

9. The communication contains one measure relating to industry. This is a proposal for a Framework Directive on fluorinated gases which aims to reduce emissions and improve monitoring. It will be presented in the first half of 2002.

Additional measures

10. All the measures presented above are not, however, sufficient to meet the Kyoto target of an 8% cut in greenhouse gas emissions. It is therefore necessary to adopt additional measures. These will be selected from the 42 measures identified by the ECCP. The launch of the following proposals can be expected: an initiative on the promotion of heat production from renewable energy, an energy audit and management scheme, an initiative to improve engines, an environmental agreement with the car industry on light commercial vehicles, etc.

See also

For additional information, visit the European Commission Directorate-General for the Environment.

Last updated: 12.07.2005