ReFuelEU Aviation

Key points

• The EESC reiterates that the EU aviation market is essential for trade and tourism in the European Union, as well as for the international competitiveness of the European economy. However, because aviation is one of the fastest growing sectors in terms of CO₂ emissions, the EESC supports the regulatory initiatives undertaken by the EU institutions to mitigate the impact of aviation on the environment.
• In the context of the regulatory initiatives designed to accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions, the RefuelEU Aviation proposal is of key importance for aviation. Contrary to other sectors, aviation is dependent on fossil fuels as an energy source. In order to enable the aviation sector to grow whilst reducing its CO2 emissions, the RefuelEU Aviation proposal for a regulation seeks to accelerate the production, distribution and uptake of SAF by imposing an obligation on jet fuel suppliers to aviation to supply an increasing share of aviation fuel blended with SAF at all EU airports, and requiring airlines to increase their uptake of SAF in pre-defined incremental steps.
• In line with its approach to the promotion of sustainable aviation, the EESC supports the thrust of the Commission's proposal, but suggests amendments to ensure that it can be implemented effectively and without creating distortions