The transport ministers of the EU Member States discussed the deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure in the EU at an informal meeting in Brdo pri Kranju on Thursday 23 September. This proposal is part of the ‘Fit for 55’ legislative package presented by the European Commission on 14 July (see EUROPE 12759/3).
While Ministers were generally supportive of the development of an extensive public infrastructure network for alternative fuels, there are already some sticking points on the horizon.
Regarding the deployment of charging infrastructure for road transport, the European Commission intends to maintain an approach based on the size of the fleet in circulation and the distance.
This does not please some Member States who feel that geographical constraints or low population density in certain regions should prompt the European Commission to reconsider.
“We know that every proposal is about flexibility. This can divide the Member States, and we know that they do not all start from the same point. What we are proposing is a minimum so that people don’t have to worry about finding infrastructure when they drive across the EU”, said Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean.
At present, almost 70% of the EU’s charging points are located in three countries: the Netherlands, Germany and France.
The price issue
Also asked about the price to be paid for recharging a vehicle, the Commissioner for Transport said it was difficult “to envisage a price at European level”.
“Each country will have its own prices, but there must be transparency. More competition means, in theory, lower prices and better services”, she added.
Slovenian Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec said the issue would be discussed “shortly” by the relevant ministers.
Maritime and air transport also on the agenda
The role - and development - of alternative fuels in the maritime and aviation sectors was also discussed. The priority for Member States in this area seems to be to maintain competitiveness.
“This is an important issue for the Member States, but I don’t see them showing much opposition to it”, Vălean said, recalling that the electrification of ports and maritime and air infrastructure - for both freight and passengers - is a major issue.
Finally, while everyone seems to agree on the need for “ambitious and coherent” planning of infrastructure deployment, the issue of financing was also raised.
On this point, the European Commission would like to involve the private sector. But this cannot be done, the Commissioner for Transport acknowledged, without an initial boost through a public contribution. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)