From:
(CAB-VON DER LEYEN)
Sent:
lundi 26 avril 2021 19:22
To:
'Sjaastad, Per Strand'
Cc:
(CAB-VON DER LEYEN);
(CAB-VON DER LEYEN)
Subject:
RE: EGD - Norwegian perspectives and contributions
Attachments:
A European Green Deal - Norwegian perspectives and contributions FINAL.pdf
Dear Ambassador,
Many thanks for your message and for sharing Norway’s perspectives on the European Green Deal.
Needless to say how much we value Norway’s interest, support and cooperation in realising the
European Green Deal.
I will read the paper with interest and will not hesitate to share it with relevant colleagues.
With best regards,
From: Sjaastad, Per Strand <
@mfa.no>
Sent: Monday, April 26, 2021 11:25 AM
To:
(CAB-VON DER LEYEN) <
@ec.europa.eu>
Cc:
(CAB-VON DER LEYEN) <
@ec.europa.eu>
Subject: EGD - Norwegian perspectives and contributions
Dear
Please find enclosed for your information a broad-based government paper about Norwegian
perspectives and contributions regarding the European Green Deal. I hope you find this paper
useful, also in light of the meeting 1 March this year between EVP Frans Timmermans and key
Commissioners on EGD and key Ministers from Norway, including our Foreign Minister, Ms. Ine
Eriksen Søreide.
Whereas the attached paper gives an overview of overriding Norwegian views and perspectives
on EGD-related issues, Norway does also engage more concretely in on-going EGD-related
discussions, based on the various channels and forums provided for in the European Economic
Area (EEA) and the various partnerships established between Norway and the EU.
Best regards,
Per Strand Sjaastad
Per Strand Sjaastad
The Ambassador of Norway to the Kingdom of Belgium/
Deputy Head of Mission of Norway to the European Union
Rue Archimède 17, 1000 Bruxelles
@mfa.no
Ref. Ares(2021)2789166 - 27/04/2021
A European Green Deal
Norwegian perspectives and contributions
1. High ambitions, collective effort and urgent action are needed to speed up the transition
to a sustainable, climate neutral and environmentally friendly future.
2. Fighting climate change and promoting climate neutral growth is a defining task. Norway
shares the European Commission’s vision for a
European Green Deal. We want to be a
partner and contribute to its implementation.
3. Norway welcomes the willingness to put the European Green Deal at the centre of
Europe’s economic recovery from Covid-19. We share the aim of rebuilding a greener,
fairer, and more sustainable Europe.
4. Norway fully supports the EU’s leadership in promoting sustainable development,
multilateralism, and climate-friendly policies across the world. Our common point of
departure is a strong and unequivocal commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.
Shared values - common rules and standards
5. Norway and the EU enjoy a particularly close relationship. We share a common regulatory
framework within the Single Market and Schengen, and we cooperate extensively as
likeminded partners in foreign and security policy.
6. The Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA) is the cornerstone of our
cooperation. It extends Single Market rules to Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, and
establishes common rules on competition and state aid. The Agreement also enables close
cooperation in areas falling outside the four freedoms, such as environment, research,
education, consumer protection and health. Both the EU and the EEA EFTA States gain
from the broad scope of collaboration.
7. Given our shared values and high degree of integration, Norway and the EU have a strong
common interest in promoting European competitiveness and a level playing field with
high standards to protect workers, consumers, and the environment. Norway shares the
EU’s view that international trade and trade policy should reinforce the importance of
global efforts towards achieving sustainable development. Norway therefore acknowledges
the EU’s policy and work to enhance the contribution of trade to sustainable development.
8. Substantial parts of the legislative proposals anticipated in the Commission
Communication on the
European Green Deal will fall within the scope of the EEA
Agreement. Norway is contributing to the development of these initiatives and will seek to
play an active role in the process.
1
A close climate partnership in Europe and beyond
9. The EU and Norway have a close climate partnership with an agreement from 2019 to
cooperate to fulfil the 2030 climate targets. Our cooperation enables us to cut emissions
deeper and more efficiently.
10. Norway contributes to the European effort of cutting emissions through our participation
in the
EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and joint fulfilment of emission reductions
in sectors outside the ETS.
In the non-ETS sector our ambition is to reduce domestic
emissions by 45%.
11. The Norwegian government submitted an updated
Nationally Determined
Contribution under the Paris Agreement in February 2020. Our new and enhanced target
is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50%, and towards 55% by 2030 (excluding
carbon uptake by forests), compared to 1990 levels. We welcome the EU’s decision to
strengthen its 2030 target.
12. We look forward to the Commission's
Fit for 55 package and will engage in discussions as
appropriate.
13. Given Norway’s close relationship with the EU, we are eager to engage in a dialogue on
the proposed
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Norway supports
efforts to incentivise stronger climate policies globally. As a small open economy that
promotes open and rules-based trade, it is important for Norway that a CBAM is designed
to comply with WTO-rules and other international rules. The design might determine
whether the legislation will be considered EEA relevant. As Norwegian businesses
participate in the EU Emission Trading System on an equal footing with EU businesses,
our opinion is that Norwegian business should not be targeted by a CBAM, as there is no
risk of carbon leakage between EU and Norway.
14. The
Energy Tax Directive (ETD) harmonizes energy taxes in EU Member States, but is
not binding for Norway, as taxation is outside the scope of the EEA Agreement. However,
the state aid rules refer to the ETD, making the ETD relevant also for Norway. It is
important that a revised ETD recognizes that CO2 emissions from energy use could be
priced through taxes or the EU ETS, and that emissions encompassed by the EU ETS
could be fully exempted from carbon tax. In some cases, external effects from the use of
energy products could be more precisely priced through other measures than taxes on
energy product. The ETD should not limit the possibility of a more precise pricing of
external effects.
15.
The Norwegian climate action plan presents a roadmap to achieve our ambitious climate
goals. The main policy instruments in the climate action plan are taxation of greenhouse
gas emissions, regulatory measures, climate-related requirements in public procurement
processes, information on climate-friendly options, financial support for the development
of new technology, and initiatives to promote research and innovation.
16.
At the global level, focus should be on continued European leadership
to facilitate
increased ambition level of nationally determined contributions, long-term net zero
commitments and actions from the big global emitters, as well as delivering on the SDGs.
The EU and Norway could also work on common messaging in international fora on other
2
top priority items, such as climate finance, adaptation and the link between the ocean and
climate change. These will be important themes for COP26.
17. Norway provides substantial finance for climate and biodiversity through
multilateral
organizations and processes. Norway will also work closely with the EU to mobilize
international climate financing and ensure that climate and biodiversity are prioritized in
relevant organizations.
18. We agree with the EU that climate change has important security implications. The topic
of
climate and security is one of our key priorities as an elected member of the UN
Security Council in 2021-2022. We coordinate our work closely with the other EU Member
States on the Council.
19. The
Norwegian Climate and Forest Initiative supports developing countries to help
reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. This experience can be used,
inter alia, in the development of the EU's new due diligence regulations regarding
commodities that cause deforestation, and in the forthcoming Forest Partnerships.
20.
Adaptation to climate change is a priority for Norway and a new strategy for scaling up
support to climate adaptation, preparedness and fighting hunger in Norwegian
international cooperation was presented this spring.
A supplier of clean, affordable and secure energy
21. As an advanced and
reliable producer of energy we can make Europe greener while at
the same time contributing to Europe’s
energy security.
22. A successful decarbonisation of the European energy market requires integration,
interconnectivity, and a technology neutral approach. Market based solutions and efficient
energy markets are important preconditions. A well-functioning ETS, which provides
credible long-term incentives for market actors, is crucial for a successful climate policy.
23. Norway has over 100 years of experience with its big renewable power sector, mainly built
on
hydropower. The share of renewables in Norway currently exceeds 70%, whereas the
share of renewables in electricity production is at appr. 98%.
24. Cross border trade of electricity enables efficient use of our resources and energy systems.
Interconnectors also increase the security of supply and allow further integration of
renewable energy, supporting climate objectives. A more integrated grid also reduces the
combined spatial footprint of new production capacity. The Norwegian electricity market
is part of the successfully integrated Nordic electricity market. We have recently finished
the construction of an interconnector to Germany and a cable to the UK is under
construction.
25. Increasing
offshore wind production is important. We have opened areas for offshore
wind production in the North Sea. As members of the North Seas Energy Cooperation,
Norway welcomes the recent "EU strategy to harness the potential of offshore renewable
energy for a climate neutral future". Our offshore wind industry has much experience and
a proven track-record in challenging marine operations.
3
26.
Hydrogen could be an effective way to decarbonise the energy sector. Norway welcomes
the EU strategies on energy system integration and on
hydrogen. Norway supports and
takes note of a market based and technology neutral approach. Norway joined the
European IPCEI (Important Project for Common European Interest) initiative on
hydrogen in December 2020.
27. Norway adopted a hydrogen strategy in June 2020.
Norway has the capacity to produce
both renewable and low-carbon hydrogen. Large-scale production of
low-carbon
hydrogen requires natural gas with Carbon, Capture and Storage (CCS). A hydrogen value
chain could utilise existing gas infrastructure, thus reducing requirements for new
investments in infrastructure.
28. Norway is a secure and reliable provider of natural gas to the EU. Natural gas may function
as an important back up for intermittent renewable energy and can be, combined with CCS,
a source for clean hydrogen.
Being a partner for the industrial sector for a clean and circular economy
29.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a key technology to decarbonize Europe’s
energy intensive industries. Norway has 25 years of experience of safely capturing and
storing CO2 under our seabed and is a frontrunner in developing CCS technologies.
30. Norway has recently decided to invest substantially in “Longship”,
a full-scale
demonstration project for CCS. Longship leads to emissions reductions, a just
transition, job creation, and technological and market development in Europe. The
project includes carbon capture from cement production and waste incineration,
transport via ship and pipeline to a geological formation beneath the seabed in the North
Sea for safe and permanent storage. The storage site will have capacity for additional
CO2-volumes, thus creating opportunities for other European CCS-projects. Waste
incineration with CCS could give "negative emissions", as much of the waste is biomass
(BECCS).
31. For CCS to be a successful climate solution for the future, other countries must start
using this technology. Longship and following European CCS-projects are necessary
instruments for Europe to reach its emission targets. CCS has been welcomed by the
European Commission as an essential climate measure.
Sufficient incentives in the EU
and at the national level are vital. The upcoming legislative revisions should further
incentivise the development and deployment of these technologies.
32. We are keen to help ensure that products, materials and resources are used as efficiently as
possible, for as long as possible. We believe that digitalization and advanced technologies
are key drivers for the transition to a
circular economy, as demonstrated by cutting-edge
sorting facilities and the innovative and growing market for battery recycling, which we
foresee will grow further with the new legislative proposal on batteries. Furthermore, we
believe that policy measures can enable and encourage both consumers and producers to
make more circular choices. We will work together with the EU to ensure that our common
frameworks and regulations facilitate increased circularity in both the EU and Norway.
33. Norway is an important supplier of components and metals that are essential for
battery
production,
solar panel production, and the production of low- and zero-emission
4
mobility. Our industry is based on renewable power and is a frontrunner when it comes
to competence, technology, resource-efficiency and low-emission.
34. Our green energy combined with a good optical fibre infrastructure, world leading 4G and
an ambitious 5G plan, make Norway a good location for
green data centres.
35. Our green energy as well as industry producing components and metals make us a good
location for
battery production. We are picking up speed on investments in
battery
production and recycling capacity.
We welcome the new legislative proposal on batteries,
setting new standards for circular and green batteries in the European market.
36. We will work to ensure that Norway continues to be
an attractive host for green value
chains, and that companies and investors across Europe will find possibilities for green
value creation and investment in Norway. We will actively seek to connect our industrial
clusters in Norway with relevant industrial clusters in the EU.
Building and renovating in an energy and resource efficient way
37. An
energy efficient economy is of crucial importance to reach our shared goals. New
technology and digitalisation present opportunities for energy efficiency measures in
buildings and industry, demand side flexibility and local production to play a part in the
transformation.
38. Norway is at the forefront when it comes to
energy efficiency and climate friendly
energy use in buildings, with strict energy efficiency requirements and a ban on installing
heating installations for fossil fuels. Regarding greenhouse gas emissions from the
construction industry, it is therefore more relevant for Norway to contribute to promoting
circular principles throughout the life cycle of buildings. Better use of existing buildings,
reduced use of materials, use of materials with low climate gas emissions and more reuse
and recycling of building materials will help reduce the building sector’s greenhouse gas
emissions, and contribute to more efficient use of resources. Revision of the Construction
Products Regulation in line with the principles in the Green Deal, can make it easier to
reuse building materials, and help create a European market for these.
Providing solutions for sustainable and smart mobility
39.
Sustainable mobility will contribute to our aim of halving the greenhouse gas emissions
from the transport sector by 2030, compared to 2005. To be successful, we rely on
technological development, ambitious European legislation on CO2 standards and active
national and local policies for a cleaner transport sector in Europe.
40. In 2020 around 55% of the new registered
passenger cars were fully battery electric.
Our parliament's ambition is that all new passenger cars and light vans sold from 2025
should be zero emission vehicles. All new urban buses sold in 2025 should be zero emitters
or use biogas. By 2030, all new heavy-duty vehicles, 75% of new long-distance coaches and
50% of new trucks should be zero emission vehicles.
41. European emission requirements for cars, vans and heavy vehicles are very important tools
for Norway to reach our goals of reducing emissions from the road transport sector. We
5
support the emissions requirements that are set and encourage the new upcoming standards
to be as strict as possible.
42.
Green shipping is a priority for us. Our ambition is to reduce GHG-emissions from
domestic shipping and fisheries by half by 2030. We support the European green shipping
initiatives. Norway follows closely the current debate of including shipping in the EU ETS
and is in principle positive to such a proposal. Norway underlines the importance of
continued cooperation at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to achieve
ambitious cuts in greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping.
43. Our advanced maritime sector is an important driver of technological progress, through
early development and adaptation of zero- and low-emission solutions. By the end of 2021
we will have close to 80 electric and hybrid ferries in operation on the Norwegian coast.
The first hydrogen ferry will be operative from 2021, and the first ammonia fuel cell pilot
project on an offshore operations vessel is expected to begin operations in 2022. These
technological advancements can be of importance in meeting European ambitions for
developing green shipping
44. To further the implementation of low- and zero-emission solutions, the Norwegian
government has announced future requirements for several new shipping segments and in
public procurement processes.
Designing a fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly food system
45. Norway welcomes the
Farm to Fork Strategy for a fair, healthy and environmentally
friendly food system. Norway will continue as a constructive partner in the regulatory
processes as regards EEA relevant legislative initiatives under the Farm to Fork Strategy.
Any regulatory initiatives must be thoroughly and holistically assessed with regards to
impacts on food systems, environmental impacts and overall societal objectives.
46. Norway has recently launched an action plan on
sustainable food systems in our foreign
and development policy. Our efforts to ensure sufficient, safe and healthy food for all
people, and sustainable diets with low impacts on the climate and the environment and
positive impacts on public health, will be strengthened and further developed.
47. Norway shares the commitment to halve
food loss and waste by 2030, and the Norwegian
Government and representatives from food sector business organizations have signed an
agreement
to
reduce
food
waste
in
Norway
by
50%
by
2030.
48. The Norwegian Government has signed a letter of intent with the agricultural organizations
and will use this as a basis for
climate-related work in the agricultural sector.
49. To reach the goal of zero hunger by 2030, a fundamental change to our
food systems is
needed. Safe and healthy foods from the oceans provided by sustainable fisheries and
aquaculture can play a key role here.
50. The Norwegian government will put forward an aquaculture strategy to increase the
sustainable
production
of
secure
and
healthy
seafood.
6
51. Norway will join the EU in promoting a global transition to sustainable food systems in
international standardization bodies and relevant multilateral fora, including the
cooperation to promote safe food, reduced carbon and environmental footprints, animal
welfare and the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity
52. Norway welcomes the Commission's
Biodiversity strategy for 2030 with ambitious actions
to halt biodiversity loss. Together with the EU, Norway will work to achieve an ambitious
and effective global framework to halt and reverse biodiversity loss as the outcome of the
next meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on biodiversity.
53. There is a strong link between
biodiversity loss and the climate crisis. Norwegian policies
highlight synergies, and Norway has included nature-based solutions in national legislation
for planning, as a tool for climate adaptation.
54.
Sustainable management of the ocean is key for the transition to a climate neutral future
and to protect and restore marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Norway is a consistent
international partner in the promotion of ocean-based climate action such as renewable
energy, investment in blue forest, green shipping and carbon capture and storage.
55. The
High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, co-chaired by the Norwegian
Prime Minister, Ms Erna Solberg, launched a set of recommendations in December 2020.
Norway wants to cooperate with the EU in the implementation of the transformative action
agenda of the Ocean Panel, and in particular on the realization of the ambition to
sustainably manage 100% of the ocean area under national jurisdiction by 2030. We would
welcome deepening our cooperation on implementation of the suggested action agenda,
both with the EU and with EU Members States.
56. Norway supports the Commission’s zero-tolerance approach to
illegal, unreported and
unregulated fishing. Both Norway and the EU are parties to FAO’s Port States Measures
Agreement (PSMA) and contribute with substantial funding to FAO for the
implementation of PSMA and capacity development programme for developing countries
participation and implementation of the PSMA. Norway also calls on the EU to actively
contribute to reaching an agreement on the elimination of harmful fisheries subsidies in
the current WTO negotiations.
Supporting a zero-pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment
57. We should aim for
improved air quality, both indoor and outdoor, in line with the World
Health Organization’s (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines. Norway has supported work on
air
pollution and health in a development policy context for many years, including through
the WHO. We suggest closer cooperation with the EU on improving air quality
internationally, including as a part of the work on non-communicable diseases, since air
pollution is a major risk factor for human health.
58. Norway is a strong supporter of moving towards a
toxic-free environment and is a
partner in the promotion of ambitious international standards for the sound management
of chemicals. Norway welcomes the Commission's Chemical Strategy for Sustainability
and will contribute to the follow-up actions to make the EU chemical policy fit for the
7
next decade. Phasing out the use of perfluorinated substances, restricting more hazardous
substances faster, and identifying and phasing out hazardous substances in plastics are
our key priorities.
59. Norway welcomes the zero-pollution ambition as an integral element of a toxic-free
environment. Renewed efforts are needed to better prevent and remedy pollution from air,
water, soil, and from consumer products, at the European level.
60.
Marine litter and microplastics are growing environmental concerns. Norway
appreciates the leading role of the EU in the endeavours to establish a global agreement on
marine litter and microplastics and will continue to work closely with the EU to this end.
Pursuing green finance and ensuring a just transition
61. All countries must mobilise resources to enable the green transition, be that through
investments, human resources, innovation, technology development, demonstration
projects and pilots, as well as through efforts to promote cohesion. The transition must
be done in a cost-effective way to maximise the effects of used resources.
62. Through the
EEA and Norway Grants, Norway supports social and economic cohesion
in Europe. A substantial share of the funds is aimed at protecting the environment and
developing innovative green and blue economies in the beneficiary states.
63. For the next financing period of the Grants, Norway intends to emphasise even further on
interventions that can underpin the core objectives of the
European Green Deal.
64. The EU leadership on
sustainable finance is important. Regional and global coordination
is key to promote green cross-border capital flows. We have endorsed the objectives of the
sustainable finance action plan launched in 2018, and Norway supports and participates in
initiatives such as the International Platform on Sustainable Finance.
65. The
EU taxonomy can help channel private capital flows to the environmentally
sustainable investments that are needed to set Europe on a pathway towards a climate-
neutral and climate-resilient economy.
66. Norway follows the EU’s work on the taxonomy closely. In our dialogue with the
Commission, Norway has emphasised that ambitious, science-based, and usable criteria are
necessary for the taxonomy to be fit for purpose. We have also suggested some
amendments to the criteria. We believe that technical screening criteria for all kinds of
renewable energy production should provide for an evaluation on equal terms, including
hydropower.
Greening national budgets and sending the right price signals
67. Norway’s climate action plan includes a gradual
increase in the carbon tax. The
Norwegian Government proposes to gradually raise taxes on greenhouse gas emissions
from NOK 590 per ton CO2-equivalents (ca. € 55) to about 2000 NOK (ca. € 190) by
2030. This will progressively increase the cost of emitting CO2 and give stronger incentives
to reduce emissions.
8
68. Norway will include climate-related requirements in more
public procurement
processes, for example in the transport sector. We also intend to facilitate a transition to
fossil-free construction sites in the transport sector by 2025.
Mobilising research and education and fostering innovation
69. Our common ambitions can only become reality if we intensify our joint efforts to develop
a fair and prosperous society based on competitive, zero-emission circular and nature-based
solutions to the benefit of the economy, our society, and citizens. A broad, knowledge-
based approach is needed.
70. We welcome the emphasis on the green and digital transitions in the European Research
Area, the European Education Area and in
Horizon Europe. It carries great potential for
the exchange and sharing of knowledge through the mobility of students and even closer
cooperation between Norwegian researchers, businesses and municipalities and their
partners from EU Member States.
71. Continuous and accurate monitoring of nature and climate is instrumental for the green
transition and we look forward to cooperating closely with the EU in the next era of
environmental data policy by participation in the
European Union Space Programme
and Digital Europe.
Oslo, 20 April 2021
9
Document Outline
- email.rtf-1.pdf
- From: Sjaastad, Per Strand <xxx.xxxxxx.xxxxxxxx@xxx.xx> Sent: Monday, April 26, 2021 11:25 AM To: VANDENBERGHE Kurt (CAB-VON
- email.rtf-2.pdf