Brussels, 26/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - Yes to the proposal to stop the clock for a year on the aviation ETS for third-countries' flights from and to EU airports, as long as it bears fruit. The European Parliament environment committee, chaired by Matthias Groote (S&D, Germany), supports the “Stop the clock” proposal submitted by the European Commission to calm things down with detractors of the ETS and pending an agreement at the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on reducing emissions from the aviation sector, but it was a conditional yes from the MEPs on Tuesday 26 February, when the vast majority (50 votes in favour, no votes against and eight abstentions) went along with their rapporteur, Peter Liese (EPP, Germany) (see EUROPE 10760).
According to the amendments voted on, the exemptions for intercontinental flights should apply for a maximum period of one year, which can be extended only if ICAO makes “clear and sufficient” progress. ICAO should attempt to conclude a global system with a realistic timetable for its application, they add. In addition, in order to improve international confidence in the ETS, the member states of the EU should use the income from the auctioning of quotas to reduce CO2 emissions, adapt to the effects of climate change and finance research and low-emission transport systems, the MEPs state.
Basically, the proposal aims to encourage ICAO to adopt a global mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation sector at its next meeting and to prove the EU's determination to ensure that it functions correctly.
“Today's vote sends out a clear signal: the European Union wants an international solution. Third countries no longer have any excuses not to get on board. They have given the impression that it is the European Union putting a spoke in the wheel, but we will see whether their commitments are strong enough. In particular, I appeal to the American president, Mr Obama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his commitment to fighting climate change, and to the American Secretary of State, Mr Kerry, who introduced the Kerry-Lieberman Bill to the Senate, opening the doors to emissions trading within the American economy, in the aviation sector, amongst others. They could lose their credibility if they continue to oppose a solution in this very important field”, said the rapporteur.
The proposal would temporarily exempt airlines from the obligation brought in by the ETS to declare carbon emissions for flights between EU airports and third countries. In the absence of a declaration, no sanctions would therefore be imposed. The MEPs take the view that global, market-based measures to cut emissions from aviation on an international level could be concluded at the next ICAO general meeting in September 2013. The vote of the European Parliament is scheduled for the plenary session in Strasbourg from 15 to 18 April. (AN/transl.fl)