On Tuesday, Parliament approved new rules to minimize emissions of powerful greenhouse gases in line with climate targets.

With 457 votes in favor, 92 against and 32 abstentions, MEPs approved the agreement reached with the Council to further reduce fluorinated gas emissions. The text envisages a total phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 2050, including measures to reduce consumption in the EU between 2024 and 2049.

It introduces strict standards banning products containing fluorinated gases from being placed on the European market, as well as specific dates for phasing out the use of fluorinated gases in sectors where alternatives are technologically and economically feasible, such as domestic cooling, air conditioning and heat pumps.

The agreement to reduce emissions of substances that deplete the ozone layer was approved with 538 votes in favour, 8 against and 13 abstentions.

Legislation establishes requirements for the recovery and recycling of these substances in building materials during renovations (contained in particular in insulating foams), which are the main remaining source of this type of emissions in the EU.

It also introduces strict exceptions for their use as raw materials for the production of other substances (eg in the pharmaceutical or chemical industry), as processing media, in laboratories and for fire protection.

Statements

Rapporteur Bas Eickhout (Greens, Netherlands) said: “Abolition of F-gases is vital, not only because these gases are extremely harmful to the climate, but also because we provide clarity and investment security to the industry. European companies are already at the forefront of developing clean alternatives to fluorinated gases, so this legislation will be beneficial for the climate and the European economy.”

Rapporteur Jessica Polfjärd (EPP, Sweden) said: “Ending emissions of substances that deplete the ozone layer is of key importance to prevent adverse effects on health and the environment, but also to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases in line with with the European Union’s climate goals.”

Next steps

After the final votes in plenary, the Council will have to formally approve the texts before they are published in the EU’s Official Journal.

Relevant information

Fluorinated greenhouse gases such as hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride and nitrogen trifluoride (used in refrigerators, air conditioners, heat pumps, fire protection products, foams or electrical switching equipment) and substances that deplete the ozone layer such as halons (used in fire extinguishers), methyl bromide (for pest control) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (used in refrigerators and air conditioning systems) are man-made greenhouse gases with high global warming potential. Emissions of these gases need to be further reduced in order to make progress towards meeting the EU’s climate targets and to comply with international agreements (the Montreal Protocol and the related Kigali Amendment).

With this legislation, Parliament responds to citizens’ expectations for EU support for the transition to a sustainable and resilient development model and the promotion of more environmentally friendly production processes, as expressed in proposal 11(1) of the Conference on Future of Europe.

George Fellidis