Vandaag stemde EP een rapport over energiebelasting. Auteur en Ecolo'er Pierre Jonckheer blikt
terug op de stemming.
MEPs send Council a strong message on energy
taxation
Green/EFA MEP Pierre Jonckheer today welcomed the European Parliament's adoption of
his Report on a framework for energy taxation in the European Union. He also expressed relief that a series of
amendments aimed at better tailoring the original Commission Proposal to promote renewable energy were approved.
The most controversial of the amendments, which proposed increasing minimum taxation levels for motor fuels, was
passed with a one vote majority (271 to 270).
The Report itself, which falls under
the consultation procedure requires unanimity to get through Council, was approved by a clear majority of 386 to
113 votes.
Pierre Jonckheer MEP (Ecolo – BE) said after the vote:
"Greens do not, in principle, love taxes. We proposed amendments to increase certain minimum
tax levels in this Report because we are convinced of the need to shift the tax burden from labour to the
sources of pollution – for the sake of both job creation and environmental protection. Similarly, we believe in
making all forms of transport internalise their costs to society. Therefore we proposed increasing taxes on road
traffic and the transport of goods by road especially, so as to reduce its competitive advantage over other
forms of transport and over rail in particular, which incorporates a far higher degree of its external costs.
Our proposals therefore seek to reduce market distortion and at the same time benefit the society and the
environment."
"I am happy that MEPs approved my proposal to make tax exemptions
compulsory for renewable energy sources. If we really want to exploit the environmental and economic potential
of renewable energy we need a common effort across Europe – no Member State can afford to stay outside."
"The Parliament today took a wise position and reversed the disastrous decisions of the
EPP-dominated Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee. We have sent a strong message to the Council today and
expect them to move swiftly now on approving the new directive. I hope, the Council will have the courage to
step up efforts to support green taxation systems across Europe."
Note: The directive
is due to enter into force on 1 January 2004. The increased minimum tax levels agreed today were the same as
levels proposed by the Commission in 1997 and endorsed by the Parliament in 1999. Those levels were due to apply
from 1 January 2000. MEPs voted 267 to 264 in favour of accepting an amendment to exempt commercial aviation
fuel (kerosene) from taxation only as long as international commitments obliged Member States to do so. They
approved tax privileges for green hydrogen and also approved a 'sunset' clause on tax exemption for motor
fuels used in agriculture until 2007 – unless the Council decides otherwise.