The Parliament is ready to start negotiations with the governments of the EU member states on the faster reduction of fluorinated gas emissions in order to achieve the EU and global climate goals.
On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted its position on the revision of the EU legal framework regarding fluorinated gases (F-gases) emissions.
The achievement of EU climate neutrality should be promoted
Members of the European Parliament want a faster phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in the EU market (starting in 2039) and a complete phase-out of HFC production and consumption by 2050. Such a goal would align relevant EU legislation with the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality goal.
Alternative solutions should be stimulated and illegal activities should be combated
In order to promote the implementation of climate-friendly solutions and provide certainty to consumers and investors, MPs want stricter requirements for placing products containing F-gases in the EU single market. Currently emerging legislation includes specific phasing-out dates for the use of F-gases in industries where it is technologically and economically possible to switch to alternatives, such as refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps and electrical switchgear.
MEPs also want the illegal trade in F-gases to be better controlled, helping customs authorities to seize and confiscate F-gases imported or exported in breach of the rules, under future directive on environmental crimes.
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Rapporteur Bass Eichhuts (Greens/EFA, Netherlands) said: “F-gases are not widely known, but they are very powerful greenhouse gases with a major impact on our climate. In most cases, natural alternatives are readily available for their use. That’s why we set an ambitious target in the largest to completely phase out the use of F-gases in some sectors by the end of this decade. This gives certainty to the market and a signal to invest in alternative equipment. Many European companies have already started to develop solutions in this area and will benefit because they will have a leading market position and export opportunities. “
Next steps
As soon as the Council has agreed on its position, the members of the European Parliament will be ready to start negotiations on the final version of the legal act.
General information
Fluorinated greenhouse gases, which include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride, and nitrogen trifluoride, are anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHGs) with a high potential for global warming. They are used in common household appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, heat pumps, fire extinguishers, construction foams and aerosols. They are included along with CO2, methane and nitrous oxide in the Paris Agreementand in the European Union their share is about 2.5% of all GHG emissions.
Further reductions in F-gas emissions are necessary to contribute to the EU’s climate goals and to meet the so-called Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer Kigali Amendment.
Additional information
