The EU has suffered a setback to its flagship climate change plans after political factions failed to agree on levying more punitive costs on polluters.
A deal to bring transport and commercial buildings under the umbrella of a pay-for-pollution scheme fell apart on Wednesday, as environmentalists accused their rivals of sabotaging the plans.
Amid acrimony in the European Parliament, Green MEP Michael Bloss said right-wing politicians had “massively scaled down” the proposals by pushing through amendments that would have prolonged free allowances for companies.
As a result, the Greens teamed up with left-wing parties to vote down a package they regarded as compromised, and “the negotiations have to start again from scratch,” Mr Bloss said.
The centre-right European People’s Party said it supported the EU’s green ambitions but that some free allowances were needed to protect jobs.
“We will not make the climate transition if we destroy jobs and industry in Europe,” the party said. “What happened during the votes today is what happens when pro-Europeans do not work together sufficiently.”
This surprise setback led to votes being cancelled on other parts of the EU’s climate agenda, known as Fit for 55 because it is meant to bring about a 55 per cent cut in emissions by 2030.
The longer-term aim is to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and limit global warming to 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels, as envisaged by the Paris Agreement.
Other EU proposals include a carbon border tax, meant to transform global trade by encouraging exporters outside the bloc's borders to reduce their carbon footprint.
The parliament’s environment committee is expected to meet next week to reconsider carbon pricing after the failure to find a consensus.
MEPs did agree on one of the most prominent Fit for 55 measures — a proposed ban on new petrol and diesel cars by 2035.
The measure passed by 339 votes to 249 at the session in Strasbourg, France, and essentially limits future sales to emissions-free, all-electric models.
“This is how the combustion engine joins the steam engine at the scrapyard of history,” said left-wing MEP Monika Benova.
Approval by the relatively weak parliament is only one step on the EU’s legislative journey. A final deal would have to be negotiated with the bloc’s 27 governments and the European Commission.
Peter Liese, the centre-right MEP with the job of steering the carbon pricing reform, complained that the parliament had ceded the initiative to the 27 national capitals.
"It is a bad day for the European Parliament," he said.
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
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The five pillars of Islam
UAE - India ties
The UAE is India’s third-largest trade partner after the US and China
Annual bilateral trade between India and the UAE has crossed US$ 60 billion
The UAE is the fourth-largest exporter of crude oil for India
Indians comprise the largest community with 3.3 million residents in the UAE
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi first visited the UAE in August 2015
His visit on August 23-24 will be the third in four years
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visited India in February 2016
Sheikh Mohamed was the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in January 2017
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Dark Souls: Remastered
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Nissan 370z Nismo
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COMPANY%20PROFILE%3A
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