European Council adopts Just Transition Fund and Fit for 55 Package
The EU’s 'Fit for 55 package’ aims to update the 2030 climate and energy laws to reflect a 55% emissions reduction target.
As part of the Conference on the Future of Europe, the Commission for the Environment, Climate change and Energy (ENVE) of the European Committee of the Regions discussed the package and targets set for 2030. Other topics included the development of energy infrastructure, the new EU strategy on climate adaptation and the mainstreaming of gender equality under the European Green Deal.
To complement the package, the Council of the EU adopted a regulation for the €17.5 billion Just Transition Fund to reduce the socio-economic costs for communities across the EU that are heavily dependent on fossil fuels.
The ENVE meeting was chaired by Rastislav Trnka, Chairman of Košice Self – Governing Region and First Vice-chair of the ENVE commission, who said: "We must work together to achieve the objectives of the 'Fit for 55 package', starting with the sectors that have the highest energy efficiency potential such as buildings, transport and industry. The revision of the Emissions Trading System and that of the Directives on Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and the Energy Performance of Buildings is a unique opportunity to further support Local and Regional Authorities implement these policies on the ground.”
The key goals of the package are:
- cleaning up cars, ships and airplanes
- cutting emissions
- implementing the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
- using more renewable energy
A key aspect of delivering the Fit for 55 package is involving local and regional authorities, as well as businesses. The European Commission plans to back the Fit for 55 legislative package this summer.
Read more here.
