Green Forum • 15 May, 2024 at 7:00 AM
The European Commission has approved the registration of a European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) titled ‘Save the Planet by shifting taxation from labour to greenhouse gas emissions.'
The initiative's organizers urge the Commission to enhance the Fit for 55 Package and the EU carbon pricing system by implementing a swifter phase-out of free allowances and permitting an uncapped carbon price to meet emission reduction targets. They also advocate for the redistribution of a significant portion of carbon pricing revenues to low-income households, bolstering the EU's Social Climate Fund, and advocating for the formation of a ‘Climate Club' wherein participating countries adopt robust carbon pricing, with special attention given to redistributing carbon pricing revenues to low-income households.
It's important to note that the decision to register is solely legal and does not preordain the final legal or political outcomes of the Commission regarding this initiative, nor does it imply any specific actions the Commission might undertake if the initiative garners sufficient support.
Given that the European Citizens' Initiative fulfills the formal criteria outlined in relevant legislation, the Commission deems it legally admissible. However, the Commission has refrained from analyzing the substance of the proposals at this initial stage.
Following the registration, the organizers are granted six months to commence the signature collection process. If the European Citizens' Initiative accrues one million statements of support within one year, with the minimum requirements met in at least seven different Member States, the Commission will be compelled to respond. Subsequently, the Commission will deliberate whether to take action in response to the request and will be obliged to provide a detailed rationale for its decision.