• Transport fuels and the energy tax directive

    This briefing aims to provide a short overview of the history and present status of EU energy tax policy, and summarises the Commission‟s proposal for a revised Energy Tax Directive (ETD), launched in April 2011.

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    It also provides explanation and argumentation of the key objectives the directive should achieve:

    1. Raise the minimum tax levels for both petrol and diesel in a fuel-neutral way;
    2. Adjust minimum tax rates according to inflation;
    3. Make fuel-neutral taxation mandatory;
    4. Abolish the fuel tax ban in aviation, shipping and fisheries;
    5. Prepare for a better tax system in which member states can tax fuel USED instead of fuel SOLD, on the road and in the air.
    6. Tax biofuels in relation to their energy content and net climate impact;