The European Commission's new initiative to speed up the growth of a market for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) is a step in the right direction, but some modifications are needed to ensure that it can be implemented effectively, without creating distortions. This is the key message of the opinion on the RefuelEU Aviation proposal, drafted by Thomas Kropp and adopted at the October plenary.

"It is indeed true that sustainable aviation fuels – if produced in sufficient quantities and available to all airlines – would significantly reduce the sector's CO₂ emissions. However, it is not clear whether the approach pursued by the Commission would prevent distortions to competition," said Mr Kropp.

Aviation is an international service sector and covers two distinct markets with different market dynamics: the EEA Single European Market on the one hand and, on the other, the internationally regulated market. The Commission's draft proposal should clearly reflect this difference and aim to maintain a level playing field within the EEA, while proactively and globally promoting applicable standards for sustainability.

On the issue of CO₂ emissions, Mr Kropp has drawn up an opinion on the Notification on the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which was also adopted at the October plenary. In the document, the EESC endorses the Commission's proposal to amend Directive 2003/87/EC with respect to the notification of offsetting in 2021, supporting its urgent adoption in order to achieve legal certainty. (mp)