On Tuesday, Parliament approved new rules targeting powerful greenhouse gases to align with EU and global climate goals.
With 457 votes in favor, 92 against, and 32 abstentions, MEPs endorsed a comprehensive deal that includes the total phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 2050.
The legislation outlines a trajectory for reducing EU consumption quotas between 2024-2049 and imposes strict requirements on products containing F-gases in the market.
Additionally, specific phase-out dates are established for F-gases in sectors where feasible alternatives exist, such as domestic refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pumps.
The agreement on curbing emissions of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) received overwhelming support, with 538 votes in favor, eight against, and 13 abstentions. The law mandates the recovery and recycling of ODS in building materials during renovations, addressing a significant source of emissions in the EU. The legislation also grants strict exemptions for ODS use as feedstock, process agents, in laboratories, and for fire protection.
NEXT STEPS:
Following the final votes in plenary, the Council will now have to formally endorse the texts before their publication in the EU Official Journal.