European Commission Work Programme 2023
The European Commission published its work programme for next year indicating the new initiatives, proposed revisions of current initiatives, and the priority pending proposals. The political strategy of this Commission is to set Europe on a path to successfully achieving climate neutrality by 2050, shaping our digital future, strengthening our unique social market economy, building a Union of prosperity, and making Europe stronger in the world.
More information can be found from: Commission work programme 2023 | European Commission (europa.eu)
‘Fit for 55’: EU Council agrees general approach on Energy Performance in Buildings Directive (EPBD)
15% worst performing non-residential buildings would need to be renovated to reach a higher standard by 2030, up from 2027, the previous date proposed by the Commission. A new provision concerns the mandatory installation of solar panels on buildings, stemming directly out of the REPowerEU Plan and the EU Solar Strategy. For non-residential buildings, this requirement will depend on particular floorspace thresholds. The cut-off date for all new buildings to be zero-emission if constructed after January 2030 has been maintained.
More information can be found on: ‘Fit for 55’: Council agrees on stricter rules for energy performance of buildings – Consilium (europa.eu)
‘Fit for 55’ CO2 emissions for new cars and vans: EU political agreement to move towards a zero-emission mobility. The agreement includes 55% CO2 emission reduction target for new cars and 50% for new vans by 2030 compared to 2021 levels and 100% CO2 emission reduction target for both new cars and vans by 2035.
More information can be found on: First ‘Fit for 55’ proposal agreed: the EU strengthens targets for CO2 emissions for new cars and vans – Consilium (europa.eu)
European Commission publishes Cyber Resilience Act
The European Commission published the Cyber Resilience Act to address market needs and protect consumers from insecure products by introducing common cybersecurity rules for manufacturers and vendors of tangible and intangible digital products and ancillary services throughout the whole EU supply chain. This is expected to enhance public trust in the digital economy, contributing to economic growth and investments.
More information can be found on: Cyber Resilience Act | Shaping Europe’s digital future (europa.eu)
Emergency EU measures on gas purchasing
The European Commission issued a set of measures to save energy through electricity demand reduction and to support the purchasing of Gas before the next winter periods. The objective is to support member states and better coordinate the purchasing of gas, to reduce the price of gas on the market, and to reduce the impact of gas prices on electricity prices.
More information can be found here:
Electricity: Council agrees on emergency measures to reduce energy prices – Consilium (europa.eu)
Gas: Additional proposals to fight high energy prices (europa.eu)
European Commission publishes Zero Pollution Package
The European Commission has issued the Zero Pollution Package – a set of initiatives aiming to further strengthen rules governing air and water pollution, and the treatment of urban wastewater. The Commission is proposing to both tighten acceptable levels of pollutants and to improve implementation, which will be key in reaching the European Green Deal’s ambition of having an environment free of harmful pollution by 2050.
More information can be found here: Commission proposes rules for cleaner air and water (europa.eu)