604 Plenary session

The EESC:

• recommends that the Regulation maintains a clear signal for zero and low-emissions vehicles. Low-emission vehicles act as a short and mid-term enabler of alternative fuel infrastructure and support industrial adaptation, when used primarily in an electric mode;

The EESC:

• supports expanding decentralised energy generation, which can reduce the need for grid expansion and strengthen public acceptance of the energy transition; and calls for stronger EU coordination in grid governance while maintaining Member States’ responsibility for planning and oversight when the costs of grid expansion, congestion management and stability are primarily national, and underlines the importance of accelerating the digitalisation of electricity networks and ensuring network development plans align with National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs);

• Climate ambitions in the automotive sector should be fully aligned with competitiveness drivers vis-a-vis global competitors and with preparedness strategies and plans.

The EESC:

• underlines that regulatory simplification should not come at the expense of established road safety standards or the protection of drivers and vulnerable road users, including cyclists and pedestrians; 

The EESC:

• urges the Commission to adopt far more ambitious measures to address the structural housing crisis, including better framework conditions, a right to adequate and affordable housing in EU primary law, a fundamental reform of the energy market design, sufficient funding and a stronger focus on young people, families and sustainability. 

The EESC:

• calls on the co-legislators to support the objectives and measures set out in the European Commission’s proposals, particularly on central supervision by ESMA; 

The EESC recommends to:

• ensure that any simplification of sustainable finance legislation, including disclosure requirements, does not weaken the contribution of the financial system and its credit and investment products to achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal within the legally bound timelines, and does not weaken measures against greenwashing;