MEPs on the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) approved by a large majority (59 votes in favour, 17 against and 9 abstentions), on Tuesday 24 October, their negotiating position on a Union certification framework for carbon removals. All 20 compromise amendments were adopted.
The Commission’s proposal of 30 November 2022 (see EUROPE 13074/9) targets high-quality carbon removals, with certification based on four key criteria: quantification, additionality, long-term storage and sustainability. Known as QU.ALITY, this certification aims to standardise and guarantee the effectiveness of carbon absorption practices across Europe.
The text tabled by Lídia Pereira (EPP, Portuguese) stressed that, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions remains the top priority, certification “will improve the EU’s ability to quantify, monitor and verify carbon removals”. The initiative also aims to counter greenwashing by ensuring that all players follow the same guidelines, thereby building greater trust among stakeholders and the industry.
Particular attention has been paid to technological innovation, especially carbon capture and storage techniques, which must be able to store carbon for several centuries to obtain certification.
Emphasis is also placed on agricultural and land management activities, recognising their role in carbon sequestration. MEPs are proposing strict criteria, stipulating in particular that, to be certified as “carbon farming”, an activity must lead to emission reductions for at least 5 years.
The text defended by the MEPs stresses the importance of transparency. The European Commission would be responsible for a “Union register” guaranteeing the integrity of the system and providing essential information to the public.
In addition, a monitoring platform, comprising experts from academia, civil society and other stakeholders, will be set up to advise on technical methodologies.
Following the vote, Ms Pereira said in a statement: “Climate change is already so serious that we cannot rely solely on emissions reductions but also need to remove carbon”. The MEP from the EPP group added that this framework would help to attract private investment in projects to combat climate change, thereby strengthening Europe’s leadership on climate issues.
The European Parliament must adopt its mandate at the next plenary session, scheduled for 20 to 23 November 2023, which will allow negotiations with the EU Member States to begin.
To see the compromise amendments: https://aeur.eu/f/989 (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)