Review of the Regulation on fluorinated greenhouse gases: Fit for 55 package [EU Legislation in Progress]

Written by Henrique Morgado Simões (3rd edition, updated on 28.06.2023).

On 5 April 2022, the Commission presented a proposal for a regulation on fluorinated greenhouse gases that would repeal Regulation (EU) No 517/2014. The proposal is amongst the last in the ‘fit for 55’ package, aiming to align EU climate and energy laws with the EU Climate Law’s 2030 target.

The proposal aims to further reduce emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases). It would change the existing quota system, gradually reducing the supply of hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) to the EU market to 2.4 % of 2015 levels by 2048. It would also ban F-gases in specific applications and update the rules in respect to implementing best practices, leak checking, record keeping, training, waste treatment and penalties. The current licensing system and labelling obligations would be strengthened in order to improve enforcement of trade restrictions. Finally, the proposal would align EU legislation with the requirements of the Montreal Protocol to reduce production of HFCs.

Parliament referred the file to its Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), which adopted a report on 1 March 2023. On 30 March 2023, MEPs adopted their position, with 426 votes in favour, 109 against and 52 abstentions, with few changes to the Committee’s report. As both the Parliament and Council have reached their positions, trilogue negotiations can begin.

Versions

• June 2023: Review of the Regulation on fluorinated greenhouse gases: Fit for 55 package (3rd edition)