GBE, EEB and T&E position paper on the Energy Tax Directive

We are concerned that the minimum tax rates laid down in the Directive are not sufficiently high and that the adjustment mechanisms built into the Directive to increase these rates will not be sufficiently flexible. Additionally, we call for the removal of the exemption clause for private households as well as the inclusion of higher proposed minimum tax rates for heating fuels in the Directive. These higher rates could be phased in over a relatively long period of time before the full rate be applied. This would give households time to adjust and respond to rising energy prices and for Member States to put measures in place to protect the most vulnerable.