Commission tries to scrap Fuel Quality Directive despite public opposition

The Commission’s text would effectively mean that the EU law to regulate emissions from transport fuels ceases to exist after 2020. Currently, the EU has two targets in place for 2020: one is the 10% target for renewables in transport, mostly met with biofuels. The other is the 6% decarbonisation target in the FQD. Both were introduced in 2009, as part of the European climate and energy package [1].

Transport & Environment supports the end of the 10% volume target for renewables, because it currently promotes the use of biofuels that have higher emissions than conventional oil. However, dropping the FQD is dropping one law too many. The decision to prematurely terminate this key environmental law was taken by the Commission, even though it hasn’t performed an assessment or consultation before proposing. This goes against the Commission rules of decision-making, which should be transparent, inclusive and democratic.