The European Commission will coordinate with EU member states on the supply of aviation fuel and diesel to prevent an impending shortage, as part of a large package of measures to address the energy crisis caused by the war with Iran, writes UNN with reference to Politico.
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The AccelerateEU plan, presented on Wednesday, contained a number of measures to prevent the worst effects of the energy crisis caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, including changes in state aid rules, accelerating electrification actions, power grid development and energy taxation, mobilizing private investment and increasing EU-level funding.
As Euractiv notes, next week the European Commission is expected to announce massive state aid, further loosening the ban on state subsidies to national industries – a cornerstone of EU single market rules – at least until the end of the year.
The package presented today contained several non-binding recommendations, promising to help member states use existing rules. It also included an annex listing additional measures that member states could take to reduce energy demand, such as reducing car use and lowering energy consumption in homes.
Overall, it emphasized an accelerated transition from fossil fuels to clean electricity.
"Coordination is key," the European Commission said in a press release published on Wednesday, with the priority being to coordinate gas storage filling processes, oil stock releases, and "national emergency measures" to ensure the supply of aviation fuel and diesel.
"Our AccelerateEU strategy provides both immediate and more structural support measures for European citizens and businesses," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement. "We must accelerate the transition to domestic, clean energy sources. This will ensure our energy independence and security, and will allow us to better withstand geopolitical shocks."
The plan does not contain significant changes to the Emissions Trading System, and a thorough review is expected in July. However, the document states that the European Commission "will assist member states wishing to explore the possibility of using revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System for targeted measures that mobilize and accelerate investment in electrification... industrial decarbonization, in circular applications in the supply chain and investment...".
EU seeks to revive joint gas purchases amid growing supply concerns - Media22.04.26, 10:00