EU states regressing on air CO2 cuts: Commission

EU member states are "regressing" on proposals to optimise EU air traffic management and cut CO2, EU transport commissioner Adina Valean said today.

Officials have calculated that aircraft trajectories in 2019 accounted for an additional 6pc, or 11.6mn t, of CO2 emissions compared with optimal trajectories.

"Even with current low traffic volumes, an average fuel efficiency improvement of 5pc could be reached," Valean said. Last September, the European Commission proposed changes to EU air traffic management to cut aviation emissions.

Speaking at a meeting of national transport ministers, Valean said the commission had addressed "upfront" concerns about member states' national sovereignty, defence requirements and other points.

"You do realise we are in 2021 and talking about modernisation. Innovation is on the lips of everyone," she said, also pointing to vested interests of air transport management and other monopolies.

EU member states and the European Parliament must reach agreement on the final text of the legal proposals. Valean hopes an "ambitious" outcome can still be achieved.

From 1 July, Slovenia will negotiate on behalf of EU states with parliament over a final text. Slovenia and Luxembourg said there was insufficient assessment of the CO2 benefits from the commission's proposal. While Germany supports the goals of streamlining air traffic management and cutting CO2 emissions, but has concerns about the commission's original proposal.

Austria stressed the need for other measures such as a jet fuel tax and steps against low ticket prices "artificially" stimulating demand. Both the Netherlands and France were among countries arguing against changes to their national competences in favour of the EU. And Belgium called for more direct climate measures such as fewer flights, banning or limiting short distance flights, more efficient airplanes, and "fair" taxation of jet fuel.

By Dafydd ab Iago