Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, in a written answer on 13 July 2026, confirmed that EU law does not prevent Greece from reducing excise duties on fuels to the minimum levels set by the Energy Taxation Directive, but cautioned that broad tax cuts risk encouraging fossil fuel consumption and are economically inefficient. The answer, addressed to Greek MEP Afroditi Latinopoulou, clarifies that while Greece has set excise duties on gasoil and petrol above EU minima, it retains the legal freedom to lower them. However, Hoekstra noted that the VAT Directive prohibits reduced rates for fossil fuels, requiring a standard rate of at least 15%. He argued that consumer fuel prices are driven mainly by international oil prices and supply disruptions, and that tax rebates would be a poor policy tool. Instead, the Commission's AccelerateEU Communication calls for targeted, temporary support for vulnerable consumers, coupled with accelerated electrification and clean energy transition.
The answer provides no concrete proposals or deadlines, instead reiterating existing legal frameworks and policy orientations. It signals that the Commission prioritises structural energy transition over short-term tax relief, a stance that may disappoint Greek citizens and businesses facing high fuel costs, but aligns with EU climate goals and fiscal discipline.