Brussels, 26 March 2024 – The European Biodiesel Board (EBB) has published their manifesto, setting out the legislative priorities for the EU biodiesel industry for the coming years. In order to reach the EU climate targets, decarbonisation of transport will remain a big challenge, as demand for transport continues to increase. The manifesto therefore highlights how domestic sustainable biofuels can immediately contribute to a low-carbon transport sector. The upcoming EU legislators must find the right balance and promote an inclusive, pragmatic and affordable climate policy without sacrificing the ambition of a net zero EU by 2050. According to the Eurobarometer surveys, over the past five years, the cost of living and climate change have consistently featured in the five most important issues facing the EU. This confirms that the EU cannot afford to choose between climate and the economy; between sustainability and affordability - we must do both. The Manifesto is available here: Manifesto for a “Made in Europe” transition towards carbon-neutral transport “In the run-up to the European elections, sustainability will be one of the most important topics for elected officials. The biggest challenge remains the decarbonization of transport, as the need for transport continues to grow. Biofuels, sourced from sustainable bio-products, continue to be the widest and most available alternative to fossil fuels”, stated Xavier Noyon - Secretary General of EBB.  

Key recommendations from the sector

The European Biodiesel Board’s key recommendations for the 2024-2029 EU legislative term include: 1. A consistent strategy for biofuels and the bioeconomy: 

• Undertake a strategic review of bio-based raw materials in Europe, similarly to what was done for other raw materials;
• Review the limit set for the contribution of waste biofuels to the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) transport target, taking into account the addition of feedstocks;
• Recognise the benefits brought by crop-based biodiesel to EU’s strategic food and feed autonomy, including in the upcoming “Protein Strategy”;
• Align the EU Taxonomy with the RED to promote investments in all sustainable biodiesel.

2. A pragmatic and fully-fledged integration of biodiesel in the transport sector’s decarbonisation policies Up to 2050, electrification, hydrogen and other solutions will need to be complemented by biodiesel blends in road transport. This requires:

• A comprehensive vision for renewable fuels beyond 2030, including the adoption of sectorial renewable targets for 2040 and sub-targets for road transport in the scope of the RED and the Effort Sharing Directive;
• An attractive and harmonised taxation policy that further displaces the demand for fossil diesel towards renewable fuels;
• Reviewed CO2 emission standards for new vehicles (light and heavy-duty) to recognise the role of all renewable fuels in decarbonising transport.

3. Decisive trade measures and strict sustainability standards enforcement As the world's largest market for biofuels, the EU is attracting more and more imports. EU biodiesel producers must be on a level-playing field with their non-EU counterparts, which requires a:

• Strict enforcement of trade defence measures against dumping and unfair subsidies;
• Review of the sustainability verification regime in the RED, to ensure that imports comply with the same strict certification criteria as European biofuels, and that fraud is prosecuted.