Several Crucial Climate-Related Victories During Swedish Presidency
In recent weeks, several important components of the EU’s Fit for 55 climate package have been negotiated under Sweden’s leadership.
Fit for 55 is an extensive legislative programme with rules on climate, energy and transport, which will enable EU Member States to reduce emissions by at least 55 per cent by 2030 and become climate-neutral by 2050.
Fit for 55 was presented by the European Commission in July 2021. Since then, the Council and the European Parliament have made intensive efforts to negotiate the climate package. In recent weeks, several important negotiations on acts have concluded under the leadership of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
“Fit for 55 provides European industry with long-term conditions to lead with green solutions, which will increase Europe’s global competitiveness. The measures also provide additional support in reducing Europe’s dependence on fossil energy.”
Jessika Roswall
Minister for EU Affairs
In the first half of the year, under the leadership of the Swedish Presidency, the Council has reached preliminary agreements with the Parliament on renewable energy, energy efficiency, expansion of charging infrastructure, sustainable maritime fuels and, most recently, sustainable air transport fuels.
Important components of the package:
expanded emissions trading to encompass new sectors and tightening of the EU’s current emissions trading system;
- increased use of renewable energy sources;
- increased energy efficiency;
- faster roll-out of low-carbon modes of transport and associated infrastructure and fuels;
- a carbon border adjustment mechanism to prevent carbon leakage;
- tools to protect and expand natural carbon sinks.
Certain legislation remains to be negotiated, particularly the EU Energy Tax Directive, which requires unanimity among Member States. These efforts are ongoing, as are technical and legal adjustments ahead of the final adoption of the agreement.
Sweden will do as much as possible before handing over the work on 1 July to the incoming Spanish Presidency.