Fit for 55: transport MEPs want fairer climate transition

Transport contribution to European Green Deal should follow with a proper impact mitigation and maintain mobility, said many transport MEPs in a debate with Commissioner Vălean on Monday.

Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean outlined the main elements of “Fit for 55 in 2030” package. She highlight three new proposals that would strive to reduce CO2 emissions in transport, but still maintain its growth: revised Alternative Fuels Infrastructure rules, new ReFuelEU aviation rules and new FuelEU maritime rules. Ms. Vălean also advocated for inclusion of the maritime and road sectors in the EU ETS system and the phasing-out of internal combustion engines.

Transport committee MEPs welcomed the robust fight against climate change, but many of them questioned the proposed solutions and ways, how to achieve climate neutrality. They urged Commission to forge agreements with the rest of the world in order not to compromise the competitiveness of EU transport sector.

MEPs were keen to have a better impact assessment on the costs new measures are to have on companies, consumers and most vulnerable groups (gas and energy price for households, airline ticket price and etc.), but also mobility. Some MEPs felt the ‘Fit for 55’ package is not technology neutral, while others asked to reconsider the distance based targets for new alternative fuels infrastructure roll-out, as population density would speak for itself how many charging points shall be needed.

Transport MEPs also asked the Commissioner Vălean to put more emphasis on measures that would support the most vulnerable consumers and ensure not only green, but also fair transition.

Catch up with the debate here.

Background

The European Climate Law adopted in June 2021 transforms the European Green Deal’s political commitment to EU climate neutrality by 2050 into a binding obligation for the EU and member states. It also increases the EU’s target for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 from 40% to at least 55%, compared to 1990 level.

On 14 July 2021, the Commission presented its “Fit for 55 in 2030” package to align EU climate and energy policies and ensure the achievement of the more ambitious reduction target for 2030.