Die Plenarsitzung vom 6. bis 8.10.2014 war durch das Auslaufen der alten Legislaturperiode und den bevorstehenden Neubeginn geprägt. Die Vorsitzende des REGI Ausschusses im Europäischen Parlaments Iskra Mihaylova und der scheidende EU-Kommissar für Regionalentwicklung Johannes Hahn machten deutlich, dass die Zahl der Herausforderungen für die Europapolitik nicht abgenommen haben. Die noch nicht überwundene Wirtschaftskrise, das zu geringe wirtschaftliche Wachstum in zahlreichen Mitgliedsländern und die drückend hohe Jugendarbeitslosigkeit, zusammen mit der Fortführung der Energiewende, den außenpolitischen Herausforderungen und dem wachsenden Migrationsdruck, werden der Politik höchstes Engagement abverlangen. Um der Wirtschaft neue Dynamik zu verleihen ist es notwendig, dass das Europäischen Parlament, Kommission und Ausschuss der Regionen noch intensiver kooperieren. Das neue Wachstum muss aus den Regionen kommen. Die Strukturfonds sind wichtige Instrumente, um die Leistungsfähigkeit und die Kohäsion in und zwischen den Regionen nachhaltig zu stärken. Aus diesem Grund ist es nicht hinzunehmen, dass der Zahlungsrückstand in der Regionalförderung auf 32 Mrd. EURO angewachsen ist. Finanzierungszusagen und Finanzzuweisungen dürfen nicht weiter auseinander laufen. Es müssen Wege gefunden werden, die Absorptionskraft der besonders bedürftigen Regionen zu stärken ohne den Konsolidierungsdruck auf die Mitgliedsländer zu verringern. Nur so kann das Vertrauen der Bürger in die europäische Regionalpolitik zurück gewonnen werden.
Die Vertreter der italienischen Ratspräsidentschaft berichteten von dramatisch ansteigenden Flüchtlingszahlen und den Herausforderungen, die sich daraus für viele Kommunen ergeben. Sie fordern mehr Solidarität zwischen den Mitgliedsländern bei der Umsetzung des Dubliner Abkommens. Nötig ist ein fairer finanzieller Ausgleich.
Vor dem Hintergrund des Ukrainekonflikts sprachen sich mehrere Redner für eine stärkere Einbeziehung ukrainischer und moldauischer Regionen und Gemeinden in die europäische Nachbarschaftspolitik aus. Ebenso wurde die Einrichtung einer Kontaktgruppe AdR-Russland angeregt. Der AdR will keine Festung Europa sondern setzt sich für ein solidarisches Miteinander mit unseren östlichen und südlichen Nachbarn ein.
Im weiteren Verlauf der Sitzung wurden Stellungnahmen zur langfristigen Finanzierung der europäischen Wirtschaft, zu Fördermaßnahmen zur Schaffung von Ökosystemen für junge Hochtechnologie-Unternehmen, zum Maßnahmepaket für saubere Luft in Europa, zur europäischen Strategie für Küsten- und Meerestourismus, die Beihilferegelung für die Abgabe von Obst, Gemüse, Bananen und Milch in Bildungseinrichtungen, zum Rahmen für die Klima- und Energiepolitik im Zeitraum 2020-2030, zur Mobilität in geografisch und demografisch benachteiligten Regionen und zur europäischen Plattform zur Bekämpfung nicht angemeldeter Erwerbstätigkeit diskutiert und beschlossen. Von besonderem Interesse war die Debatte zur transatlantischen Handels- und Investitionspartnerschaft TTIP, an der Kommissar Karel de Gucht und der US-Botschafter bei der EU Anthony Luzzatto Gardener teilnahmen. De Gucht betonte, dass grenzüberschreitende Investitionssicherheit wichtiger denn je ist. Botschafter Gardener stellte fest, dass es bei diesem Abkommen vor allem um die Chancen der Klein- und mittleren Unternehmen geht. Sie sollen mehr Möglichkeiten erhalten auf rechtssicherer Basis von dem gemeinsamen Markt zu profitieren. Es ist notwendig neues Wachstum zu stimulieren. Darin gibt es eine Interessengleichheit zwischen EU und USA. Wir brauchen Evolution nicht Revolution. Bereits jetzt sind amerikanische Unternehmen der größte Investor in der EU. Die bei Agrarprodukten noch vorhandenen Differenzen können im Verhandlungswege gelöst werden. Grundsätzlich sind die US Standards nicht laxer. Im Verlauf der Debatte wurde die Intransparenz der Verhandlungen kritisiert und vertrauensbildende Maßnahmen gefordert. Insbesondere sollte die Arbeit und Kompetenzen der Schiedsgerichte klar geregelt werden, um auch hier Transparenz zu schaffen. Vertreter des AdR regten an, das Abkommen vor seinem Inkrafttreten durch die amerikanischen und europäischen Regionalparlamente ratifizieren zu lassen. Ein schrittweises Vorgehen ist erforderlich. Am Beispiel des nordamerikanischen Freihandelsabkommens NAFTA wurde erläutert, wie aus einem vor 15 Jahren kritisierten Projekt letztlich ein unverzichtbares Instrument geworden ist.
Heinz Lehmann MdL, Mitglied im Ausschuss der Regionen
Freitag, 17. Oktober 2014
Rede zur Klima-und Europapolitik in Bologna
Dear participants,
Dear speakers,
At the moment, with the ongoing negotiations on the EU 2030 Package on climate and energy, we are defining our climate and energy policy for the next 20 years. As a consequence the decisions taken over this package will shape our energetic transition and cause changes in our daily habits.
In addition, as the current international climate governance laid down by the Kyoto Protocol will end soon, the objectives of this new 2030 package will be the contribution of the EU to the ongoing negotiations for a climate agreement to be signed next year in Paris. Given the urgency of the climate situation worldwide, an ambitious agreement is essential and the position of the EU will influence the position of others.
The 2030 Framework is therefore capital for the EU, and one of our priorities this year.
Given the capacity of this framework to re-shape our economy and change our society, the European Commission started by launching a public consultation on what should be the 2030 Framework. Member states, regions, energy and environmental agencies, energy industry, NGOs, individuals, EU institutions participated to the consultation.
One of the key points was to base the 2030 Framework on the lessons learnt from the implementation of the previous package for 2020.
Another key point was to have objectives high enough to ensure a meaningful energetic transition and the emergence of a resource-efficient economy.
The Committee of the Regions decided to deliver its recommendations via an official Opinion. We appointed a rapporteur, our member Mrs Sirpa Hertell, who unfortunately is sick today. Mrs Hertell, Vice chair of the second largest city in Finland, debated with all local and regional stakeholders and organisations, as well as with the members of the Committee of the Regions. She presented very strong recommendations.
For 2030, Mrs Hertell confirmed that we had to shift our habits and step up our efforts. In view of the current science as delivered by the intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC), it was recommended to aim for a 50 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with pre-industrial levels. (For your information, the objective for 2020 is 20 per cent.)
Such an ambitious objective will lead to a new economic model, a green economy. To support this transition towards the right direction, other objectives are necessary. Coherent objectives on renewable energy as well as on energy efficiency will ensure this transition towards a sustainable and thriving economy.
This Opinion was adopted with a large majority by the 424 representatives of the Committee of the Regions. It fed into the EU inter-institutional dialogue with a clear voice from the local and regional authorities. The European Parliament did support our vision, albeit with a lower objective, and insisted on the leverage of the local authorities and the potential of decentralised energy to further mitigate climate change effects.
After much anticipation, the European Commission published its 2030 Framework on climate and energy proposal. 3 objectives were laid down as well as a proposal for an EU-wide governance on energy. The proposal was disappointing to the Committee of the Regions.
First of all it is proposing a 30 per target of greenhouse gas reduction. Such a target is much too low to lead to a new green paradigm. A 50 per cent objective is needed to deal with the climate threat as well as to maximise opportunities green jobs and investment.
Secondly, supporting objectives on renewables and energy efficiency are also too low and will not drive enough investment as is needed.
Moreover these two last objectives are not binding at Member state level. This means that there is not enough incentive for national authorities to comply with them.
In a time where local and regional authorities as well as companies need certainties to design and implement sustainable projects, these objectives do not help to foster action towards a green economy.
The Committee of the Regions reacted through a second Opinion by rapporteur Annabelle Jaeger. This Opinion was adopted almost at unanimity with three votes against and one abstention.
Through this position, the EU Committee of the Regions is urging the EU to opt for a winning trio of binding and ambitious targets:
A 50 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a 40 per cent share of renewable energies and a 40 per increase in energy efficiency.
This signal is meant to be clear. Cities and regions of Europe are implementing energy and climate policies, they are often the drivers for more ambition and decentralised clean energy. They have a very important role in the road to a sustainable and thriving economy. They mobilise all local communities to set up decentralised project for cheaper and clean energy.
Through this Opinion, representatives of local and regional authorities from all over the EU insisted that they have a crucial responsibility in translating EU and national objectives into concrete results. They are ready to take this responsibility but they need support such as legal certainty, private and public investment, elimination of administrative red tape and easy access to EU and international climate funding for instance.
Regions and cities are therefore calling the EU and Member states to help them by agreeing on these ambitious targets which will clearly direct investments towards greener projects.
The proposal of the European Commission is now being discussed by Member states within the Council. They will take a decision during the European Council meeting in a few days, on 23-24 October. Our position is that in the current political and economic context, states should not quote the Russian gas crisis as a reason to water down energy and climate ambition. On the contrary, the gas crisis showed us that we need more energy independence and cheaper energy. Decentralised energy in the EU does this and we are counting on the Council to recognise this solution and our essential role in a new EU wide energy governance.
I am also counting on you to remind your government of this. Thank you.
Heinz Lehmann, Mitglied im Ausschuss der Regionen
Dear speakers,
At the moment, with the ongoing negotiations on the EU 2030 Package on climate and energy, we are defining our climate and energy policy for the next 20 years. As a consequence the decisions taken over this package will shape our energetic transition and cause changes in our daily habits.
In addition, as the current international climate governance laid down by the Kyoto Protocol will end soon, the objectives of this new 2030 package will be the contribution of the EU to the ongoing negotiations for a climate agreement to be signed next year in Paris. Given the urgency of the climate situation worldwide, an ambitious agreement is essential and the position of the EU will influence the position of others.
The 2030 Framework is therefore capital for the EU, and one of our priorities this year.
Given the capacity of this framework to re-shape our economy and change our society, the European Commission started by launching a public consultation on what should be the 2030 Framework. Member states, regions, energy and environmental agencies, energy industry, NGOs, individuals, EU institutions participated to the consultation.
One of the key points was to base the 2030 Framework on the lessons learnt from the implementation of the previous package for 2020.
Another key point was to have objectives high enough to ensure a meaningful energetic transition and the emergence of a resource-efficient economy.
The Committee of the Regions decided to deliver its recommendations via an official Opinion. We appointed a rapporteur, our member Mrs Sirpa Hertell, who unfortunately is sick today. Mrs Hertell, Vice chair of the second largest city in Finland, debated with all local and regional stakeholders and organisations, as well as with the members of the Committee of the Regions. She presented very strong recommendations.
For 2030, Mrs Hertell confirmed that we had to shift our habits and step up our efforts. In view of the current science as delivered by the intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC), it was recommended to aim for a 50 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with pre-industrial levels. (For your information, the objective for 2020 is 20 per cent.)
Such an ambitious objective will lead to a new economic model, a green economy. To support this transition towards the right direction, other objectives are necessary. Coherent objectives on renewable energy as well as on energy efficiency will ensure this transition towards a sustainable and thriving economy.
This Opinion was adopted with a large majority by the 424 representatives of the Committee of the Regions. It fed into the EU inter-institutional dialogue with a clear voice from the local and regional authorities. The European Parliament did support our vision, albeit with a lower objective, and insisted on the leverage of the local authorities and the potential of decentralised energy to further mitigate climate change effects.
After much anticipation, the European Commission published its 2030 Framework on climate and energy proposal. 3 objectives were laid down as well as a proposal for an EU-wide governance on energy. The proposal was disappointing to the Committee of the Regions.
First of all it is proposing a 30 per target of greenhouse gas reduction. Such a target is much too low to lead to a new green paradigm. A 50 per cent objective is needed to deal with the climate threat as well as to maximise opportunities green jobs and investment.
Secondly, supporting objectives on renewables and energy efficiency are also too low and will not drive enough investment as is needed.
Moreover these two last objectives are not binding at Member state level. This means that there is not enough incentive for national authorities to comply with them.
In a time where local and regional authorities as well as companies need certainties to design and implement sustainable projects, these objectives do not help to foster action towards a green economy.
The Committee of the Regions reacted through a second Opinion by rapporteur Annabelle Jaeger. This Opinion was adopted almost at unanimity with three votes against and one abstention.
Through this position, the EU Committee of the Regions is urging the EU to opt for a winning trio of binding and ambitious targets:
A 50 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a 40 per cent share of renewable energies and a 40 per increase in energy efficiency.
This signal is meant to be clear. Cities and regions of Europe are implementing energy and climate policies, they are often the drivers for more ambition and decentralised clean energy. They have a very important role in the road to a sustainable and thriving economy. They mobilise all local communities to set up decentralised project for cheaper and clean energy.
Through this Opinion, representatives of local and regional authorities from all over the EU insisted that they have a crucial responsibility in translating EU and national objectives into concrete results. They are ready to take this responsibility but they need support such as legal certainty, private and public investment, elimination of administrative red tape and easy access to EU and international climate funding for instance.
Regions and cities are therefore calling the EU and Member states to help them by agreeing on these ambitious targets which will clearly direct investments towards greener projects.
The proposal of the European Commission is now being discussed by Member states within the Council. They will take a decision during the European Council meeting in a few days, on 23-24 October. Our position is that in the current political and economic context, states should not quote the Russian gas crisis as a reason to water down energy and climate ambition. On the contrary, the gas crisis showed us that we need more energy independence and cheaper energy. Decentralised energy in the EU does this and we are counting on the Council to recognise this solution and our essential role in a new EU wide energy governance.
I am also counting on you to remind your government of this. Thank you.
Heinz Lehmann, Mitglied im Ausschuss der Regionen
Sonntag, 31. August 2014
Lehmann verteidigt Wahlkreis
Donnerstag, 14. August 2014
Scheck überreicht, Löbau

Mittwoch, 13. August 2014
Duale Ausbildung im Landkreis Görlitz
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