Under the proposed Fit-for-55 package, different sectors have to contribute to reducing emissions and decarbonising our economies
During a meeting of EU environment ministers which lasted close to 17 hours, Malta fought long and hard to achieve a better deal under the Fit-for-55 package.
On Tuesday, EU environment ministers met in Luxembourg to reach a general approach on proposals that are part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package. These proposals are related to the reduction of emissions from the maritime sector, the aviation sector, road transport and buildings, carbon sinks, effort sharing amongst member states, CO2 emission performance standards for cars and vans and a social climate fund.
The Fit-for-55 refers to the EU’s target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. This means that different sectors have to contribute to this emission reduction.
“Malta managed to negotiate a good funding package that can help the country move towards a decarbonised economy. We want to deliver on our ambition. At the same time, we managed to ensure more protection to very important sectors to the Maltese economy such as maritime, aviation and road transport”, stated Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli.
Malta managed to negotiate more funding from an increased share of allowances under the maritime legislation. Furthermore, on Malta’s insistence the money from these allowances will now help decarbonise not only the maritime sector but also road transport including public transport.
Being a peripheral island member state, Malta negotiated hard to include further protection for the aviation sector. This resulted in legal provisions that alleviate the impact of flight costs on peripheral Member States. In essence, this means that Malta ensured that the difference between kerosene and sustainable fuel prices for airlines would be covered.
This means Malta obtained a better result than what was being proposed, where the allocation was minimal.
Whilst expressing satisfaction over the results achieved, Minister Miriam Dalli highlighted that Malta will continue pushing for more at the trialogue stage, where the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Council negotiate together to reach a compromise.
“We will continue working hard to ensure that the realities of all the different member states are taken into account, particularly when it comes to the road transport sector where currently Malta has very limited alternatives. We will also continue working to increase the share of Zero Emission Vehicles on our islands”, said Miriam Dalli.
In this regard, Malta endorsed the General Approach on the proposed revision to the CO2 standards for Cars and Vans legislation, despite a delayed ICE cut-off date to 2035. Minister Dalli explained that a more ambitious date would have meant a swifter infiltration of cleaner vehicles onto Malta’s market.
“In turn, this would have ensured supply and affordability in terms of helping citizens shift to cheaper electric vehicles sooner rather than later”, said the minister.
Source: Office of the Prime Minister