The European Parliament adopted by 385 votes to 284, with 24 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2003/87/EC clarifying provisions on the timing of auctions of greenhouse gas allowances.
The matter was referred back to the committee responsible at its 3 July 2013 plenary session.
Parliament adopted its position at first reading following the ordinary legislative procedure. The amendment to the Commission proposal adopted in plenary is the result of a compromise negotiated between the European Parliament and the Council.
The amendment stipulated that where an assessment shows for the individual industrial sectors that no significant impact on sectors or subsectors exposed to a significant risk of carbon leakage is to be expected, the Commission may, in exceptional circumstances, adapt the timetable for the period beginning on 1 January 2013 so as to ensure the orderly functioning of the market. The Commission shall make no more than one such adaptation for a maximum number of 900 million allowances.