Government reprimanded by European Commission on climate inaction as EU issues warning, PN says

By: independent.com.mt

Nov 18 2024
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Government reprimanded by Euro

The Nationalist Party on Monday said it is alarmed by the Maltese Government's failure to meet important EU climate obligations. This concern follows the European Commission's decision to issue a Letter of Formal Notice to Malta reprimanding the Government for not submitting its final updated National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) as required by Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action.

The infringement (INFR(2024)2259) and the subsequent warning indicate that the Commission views this as a violation of EU law. Although the Commission has provided two months for rectification, failing to respond could result in legal action and financial penalties paid for by Maltese taxpayers' money, the PN said.

The National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) are crucial tools for EU Member States to outline clear strategies to meet the Union's targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency by 2030. The submission of such plans is essential for the European Commission to assess overall progress toward these goals as well as mandated by Article 14(2) of said Regulation. However, despite extensive discussions and recommendations from the Commission, the Government has not yet fulfilled this obligation.

The Labour Government's failure to submit its final updated NECPs demonstrates yet another complete failure on climate action. This failure not only undermines Malta's credibility but also jeopardizes our ability to meet the EU climate targets legally mandated.

Moreover, following the underwhelming proposals on Climate Change presented during the 2025 Budget, this formal notice only further underlines the Government's lack of ambition in renewable energy and climate policies, with Malta's current targets already deemed insufficient by the European Commission.

The PN said it reaffirms its commitment to advocating for strong, transparent, and ambitious climate policies coupled with strong political commitments for renewable energy. It is an obligation of the State to abide by its duties under EU law and ensure a sustainable future for the nation in the form of a strong climate and renewable energy policy. This issue goes beyond regulatory requirements; it is about protecting and building a climate-proof and resilient future.

The statement was signed by Eve Borg Bonello, Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Public Cleanliness, and Ryan Callus, Shadow Minister for Energy, Research, and Innovation