We finally have a deal on three key pillars of the Fit for 55 package, and it is fairer and better thanks to S&D Group’s relentless efforts. We had to vote it down at the last plenary in Strasbourg so we could improve it. We did it! We also made it clear that we will not let the conservatives play dirty tricks by watering down our ambitions while collaborating with the far-right. Today’s deal has a red heart! The S&D Group have been pushing for a Green Deal, which Commissioner Frans Timmermans put at the core of this Commission’s work.

S&D vice-president for a green deal, Mohammed Chahim MEP, said:

“After the troublesome vote in the previous plenary session in Strasbourg, we have now managed to reach an important agreement within the European parliament that includes our major priorities.

“The deal reached, not as ambitious as we wanted but much improved thanks to the S&Ds being true to our ambitions and values, is based on a core principle: the polluter must pay, no matter where they pollute!

“The European Parliament today approved three key pillars of the Fit For55 climate package: the Emissions Trading System revision (ETS), the entering into force of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in 2027, and the Social Climate Fund (SCF).

“These will be crucial tools to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 - compared to 1990 levels - which will set Europe on track for being the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.”