In an open letter published on Tuesday 21 January, 84 civil society organisations called on members of the European Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee to vote against the adoption of the fourth list of projects of common interest (PCIs) proposed by the European Commission, because of the 32 gas projects it contains (see EUROPE 12361/12).
Considering that gas, as a fossil fuel, has no place in the EU’s energy future, these organisations believe that this vote will demonstrate whether MEPs are truly committed to climate neutrality by 2050, when Parliament recently voted to strengthen the European Green Deal (see EUROPE 12404/2) and declared a climate and environmental emergency (see EUROPE 12379/14).
“If they are serious about the climate emergency, MEPs must reject this list that’s riddled with yet more fossil gas”, said Colin Roche, climate justice coordinator for the Friends of the Earth Europe network of organisations.
While the vote in the ITRE Committee will take place on Wednesday 22 January, this 4th list is the subject of much criticism from civil society and many MEPs (see EUROPE 12384/12, 12407/21). (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)