On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology products manufacturing ecosystem (Net Zero Industry Act)
REGI-AD-753568
Committee on Regional Development · Rapporteur: Niklas Nienass
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The Committee on Regional Development opinion on the Net Zero Industry Act proposes amendments to strengthen the role of regions, cohesion, and social fairness in the green transition.¶ It emphasizes support for less developed and transition regions, sustainable bioeconomy, and the involvement of local authorities and social partners.¶¶¶ It also calls for measures to ensure that no person or region is left behind, including in public procurement and financing.¶¶¶
Committee position. The Committee on Regional Development proposes amendments to the Commission proposal, focusing on regional development, social fairness, and bioeconomy, while respecting the lead committee's competence.¶
Key points
- Calls for respecting the Just Transition Mechanism so that no person or region is left behind in the climate transition.¶
- Emphasizes that green transition offers opportunities for less developed and transition regions, including new jobs and business opportunities.¶¶
- Highlights the role of sustainable circular bioeconomy and biobased resources in reducing emissions and dependence on critical raw materials.¶¶¶
- Requests that permitting procedures be more efficient and that net-zero technologies receive the highest national significance status.¶
- Stresses that scaling up should be fair, inclusive, and sustainable, respecting international law and engaging local communities.¶
- Urges that public procurement consider territorial cohesion, job creation for socially vulnerable groups, and inclusiveness.¶¶¶
- Calls for citizen-friendly mechanisms to ease financial and administrative burdens for households, especially vulnerable groups, and for special assistance using state aid and EU funds.¶
- Proposes that cohesion policy support be available in all regions, especially less developed and transition regions, with co-financing rates up to 85% for less developed regions.¶
- Supports a European Sovereignty Fund to address investment needs and mitigate risks from unequal state aid availability.¶
- Suggests that municipalities may become shareholders of Net-Zero projects in their region.¶¶
- Calls for the Net-Zero Europe Platform to assess progress of NUTS 2 regions and support their development, and to involve social partners and civil society.¶¶¶
- Proposes lowering the technology readiness level for net-zero technologies from 8 to 7 and including renewable bioenergy technologies.¶¶
Who is affected
- Less developed and transition regions, Just Transition Fund Territories, and outermost regions.¶¶¶
- Municipalities hosting Net-Zero projects may become shareholders.¶¶
- Socially vulnerable groups, long-term unemployed, and low-income households benefit from support schemes.¶¶¶
- Contracting authorities and entities must consider social and regional criteria in procurement.¶¶
- Member States and the Commission must cooperate with regional and local authorities.¶¶¶
Figures and deadlines
- Co-financing rates up to 85% for less developed regions and up to 60% or 70% for transition regions.¶
- Technology readiness level lowered from 8 to 7.¶¶
- Weight of sustainability and resilience criteria in procurement between 15% and 30%.¶
- Commission to assess applications within 20 working days.¶
- Evaluation every 3 years after application.¶