23/01/2020 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 23 January, MEPs on the European Parliament's Committees on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) and on the Environment (ENVI) confirmed, by 85 votes to 16 with 5 abstentions, the interinstitutional agreement on the regulation laying down the foundation for taxonomy with respect to sustainable finance (see EUROPE 12392/14). After having rejected the first compromise text (see EUROPE 12388/16), Member States finally endorsed the text on 18 December (see EUROPE 12393/20). The agreement explicitly excludes electricity production activities from solid fossil fuels. With regard to nuclear energy and gas, which were the subject of a fierce battle (see EUROPE 12381/13), the matter will be addressed at another time. “Taxonomy will be a crucial pillar for the successful implementation of the European Green Deal”, welcomed Sirpa Pietikäinen (EPP, Finland) in a statement. She negotiated on behalf of the European Parliament alongside Bas Eickhout (Greens/EFA, the Netherlands). (MF)