In a statement issued on Monday 9 January, the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Eurochambres, called for a change in the European Commission’s proposal to revise the Energy Taxation Directive (ETD) (see EUROPE 13092/9).
“We acknowledge that the revision of specific aspects of the Energy Taxation Directive (ETD) is necessary to reflect the technological developments of the last 20 years”, the organisation said. But it wants the Commission to “consider the current economic environment and the multiple crises in Europe”.
Eurochambres believes that the current legislative review should avoid imposing additional taxes on European transport operators, especially “if the outcome will have no impact on reducing carbon emissions”.
According to the network, the air and maritime sectors play a strategic role for economic resilience, especially for businesses and citizens located in peripheral regions of the EU. “It is crucial that operators continue to provide services at a price that is competitive and affordable”, it added.
Eurochambres also calls for the deletion of Articles 14 and 15 of the draft revision of the Directive and the retention of the current exemption of taxation on the use of kerosene fuel by the aviation and maritime sectors. (Original version in French by Anne Damiani)