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5.18. The draft regulation on lowering the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the two neonicotinoid substances clothianidin and thiamethoxam, is the first regulation implementing the F2F Strategy [36] on imported food in relation to pesticides residues. The environmental aspects targeted by this regulation relate to the protection of pollinators. (...) The draft regulation is lowering the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the two neonicotinoid substances clothianidin and thiamethoxam, known to contribute significantly to the decline of pollinator populations because of their intrinsic properties that lead to adverse effects on pollinators independent of where they are used geographically. (...)
[36] European Commission, A Farm to Fork Strategy, COM(2020) 381 final, p. 18: the Commission will take into account environmental aspects when assessing requests for import tolerances for pesticide substances no longer approved in the EU, while respecting WTO standards and obligations.

5.20. Since 2019, the energy policy and legal framework of the EU has significantly evolved. These were partially driven by the European Green Deal and the Fit for 55 legislative proposals. Another driver was Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, which significantly impacted the EU's energy market, including security of supply.

5.21. The Fit for 55 package (see section 5.1.1) of proposals sets ambitious targets for the energy sector across the board, including on renewable energy, energy efficiency and the energy performance of buildings. Other ongoing legislative initiatives include new rules to reshape the market design for gases, in particular biomethane and hydrogen, as well as new requirements relating to methane emissions reduction in the energy sector.

5.22. A revised regulation on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure has also been proposed, which enables the identification of the cross-border energy infrastructure projects and related investments across the Union and with third countries that are necessary for the energy transition and achievement of the climate targets.

5.23. The proposal for the REPowerEU Plan (...) proposes to increase the EU's renewable energy and energy efficiency targets and to accelerate the permitting procedures for renewable energy deployment under the 'Fit for 55' proposals.

5.24. In the area of transport, a Revised Clean Vehicles Directive was adopted in June 2019 to promote clean mobility solutions in public procurement tenders, providing a boost to the demand and further deployment of low- and zero-emission vehicles. The directive defines "clean vehicles" and sets national targets for their public procurement. It applies to different means of public procurement, including purchase, lease, rent and relevant services contracts. In December 2020, the Commission adopted the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, setting the vision and announcing measures to reduce transport emissions by 90% by 2050 in line with the European Green Deal goals.

5.25. Under the Fit for 55 Package, several legislative initiatives were proposed in July 2021 on the decarbonisation of transport:
• A proposal for a new Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation sets binding national minimum targets for the rollout of certain alternative fuels infrastructure on roads, in ports and in airports. A revision of the CO2 standards for cars [52] and vans setting a trajectory of targeted reduction of emissions with the final aim that by 2035, all new cars and vans will need to be zero-emission.
• The revision of the EU ETS, including its extension to shipping and establishing a separate emission trading system for road transport [53], as well as a gradual phase out of the free emissions allowances in the aviation sector.
• A revision of Energy Taxation Directive removes the mandatory tax exemptions on aviation and maritime fuels.
• A new legislative proposal on ReFuelEU Aviation that aims to decarbonise the aviation sector by mandating supply of jet fuels blended with minimum shares of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and uptake of fuels by airlines departing from Union airports. The FuelEU Maritime [57] legislative proposal sets the objective to promote the uptake in the use of renewable, low carbon fuels and low carbon-intensive energy options, in maritime transport, including additional requirements for zero emissions at berth, for both containerships and passenger ships.
[52] European Commission, Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2019/631 as regards strengthening the CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles in line with the Union's increased climate ambition, COM(2021) 556 final.
[53] European Commission, Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and the Council amending Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a system for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Union, Decision (EU) 2015/1814 concerning the establishment and operation of a market stability reserve for the Union greenhouse gas emission trading scheme and Regulation (EU) 2015/757, COM(2021) 551 final.
[57] European Commission, Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport and amending Directive 2009/16/EC, COM(2021) 562 final.

5.31. On 23 February 2022, the Commission adopted a legislative proposal for a Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence. The aim of this Directive is to foster sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour and to anchor human rights and environmental considerations in companies' operations and corporate governance. (...)

5.34. All modern EU trade agreements include Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) chapters with a broad set of mutually agreed commitments based on international labour and environmental standards. In June 2021, the Commission launched an in-depth review with the objective of strengthening the ability of trade agreements as a whole – including their TSD chapters – to champion sustainable trade, in cooperation with trade partners and in concert with other relevant EU policy instruments, including the European Green Deal. The Communication "The power of trade partnerships: together for green and just economic growth" of 22 June 2022 sets out this enhanced approach to sustainability in the EU trade agreements. (...)

5.35. In addition to TSD [Trade and Sustainable Development] chapters, the sustainability dimension will continue to be reflected also in other aspects of the EU's trade and investment agreements. They support the diffusion of clean and more efficient production methods and technologies, including promoting trade in green goods and services, supporting the transition to climate neutral economies, or the transition to sustainable food systems by proposing to the FTAs partners to include a new Sustainable Food Systems chapter.