"The fact that the finance ministers failed to reach a decision on the Energy Tax Directive (ETD) at their meeting in Brussels today is a missed opportunity. After more than four years of negotiations, EU member states must finally agree on a reform of the ETD as quickly as possible in order to improve the tax framework for e-mobility and renewable fuels.

The proposed shift away from quantity- or volume-based taxation of energy products, as outlined in the reform proposal, would significantly reduce the tax burden on renewable fuels. This could make renewable energy sources more attractive to consumers compared to fossil fuels. The resulting increased demand could support the market ramp-up of renewable fuels and hydrogen for road transport.

A reformed and modernized ETD can also provide important impetus for the ramp-up of e-mobility. In this context, it must first be clearly stipulated that separate taxation of electromobility is only permissible if it has a relieving effect, and secondly, that double taxation of bidirectional charging is excluded EU-wide."