After more than 4 hours of discussion, the fifth session of interinstitutional negotiations (‘trilogues’) on the ‘climate law’ ended without any major breakthroughs, said one of the European Parliament’s negotiators, Michael Bloss (Greens/EFA, Germany), in a press briefing on Friday evening 26 March.
“We achieved nothing (...) There is no deal on anything”, said the MEP, expressing his frustration.
He said the lack of progress was mainly due to the refusal of the Council of the European Union to negotiate on the EU’s 2030 climate target, on which the co-legislators have opposing positions (the Parliament advocates a ‘gross’ reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 60% compared to 1990 levels, while the EU Council advocates a net reduction in emissions of at least 55%).
It has to be said that the Portuguese EU Council Presidency’s room for manoeuvre in these negotiations is rather limited, given that the objective of a reduction of at least 55% was agreed by the 27 Heads of State or Government of the Member States at the European Council of 11 December last year (see EUROPE 12621/1), before being approved at ministerial level (see EUROPE 12625/1).
Recalling that the European Council “does not exercise a legislative function” (Article 15 TEU), Mr Bloss felt that the Portuguese Presidency of the EU Council should consult the Member States in order to have more flexibility and really start negotiating.
He also pointed out that the lack of progress puts the European Commission’s timetable at risk.
In June, the Commission plans to unveil a package of legislative initiatives to put the EU on track for the new 2030 target that will be enshrined in the ‘Climate Law’ (the ‘Fit for 55’ package).
The next trilogue is expected to take place during the week of 19 April. A meeting of Member States’ ambassadors to the EU (Coreper) is scheduled for 14 April to discuss the mandate of the Portuguese Presidency. (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)