Brussels, 03/12/2015 (Agence Europe) - Any mention of diesel was dropped from the final version of the own initiative report on sustainable transport, adopted by 483 votes for, 82 against, with 37 abstentions at the European Parliament's plenary session in Brussels on Wednesday 2 December.
The report was drafted by Karima Delli (Greens/EFA France) and calls, above all, for a 50% reduction in the “conventional” automobile fleet by 2030, before its complete disappearance by 2050. Revenues generated by the Eurovignette are expected to be used towards the promotion of public transport and alternative sustainable modes of transport such as the bicycle.
After an initial attempt to submit an amendment demanding the removal of all subsidies for diesel engines during the Transport Committee vote (see EUROPE 11428), Delli submitted a final amendment. This amendment was again rejected after having received 224 votes in favour. One source close to the dossier explained “in this case, the goal was not just about getting the amendment passed but rather, working out the position of the MEPs, because the vote was non-binding”.
During her presentation on 28 May 2015, the report immediately sent out a number of shockwaves at the Parliament when the rapporteur proposed getting rid of diesel by 2020 (see EUROPE 11323). Its adoption during the plenary session was initially planned for July but the negotiations were ultimately slowed down at the committee. These negotiations were even more difficult following the Volkswagen scandal (see EUROPE 11442) and the housing committee procedure (see EUROPE 11421) on emission levels for nitrogen oxide (NOX). The particular context relating to the UN Climate Conference (COP21) should not be forgotten either, as well as the international transport day event, the day after the vote. On 29 May, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) drafted a 12-page document proposing a raft of amendments, which was sent to MEPs on 2 June. According to one source close to the dossier, the gist of these amendments could be found in part of the 502 amendments submitted on the own initiative report, particularly the part from certain EPP, ECR and ENF MEPs.
Other points appeared to polarise the European Parliament. The part on bicycles was the subject of amendments, particularly from the Front national and EPP MEPs, indicated one source. Jacqueline Foster (ECR, Great Britain) stated: “Thankfully, this report has no legislative impact, as it is full of impractical and quite frankly ridiculous demands”. (Pascal Hansens)