MEPs on the European Parliament's Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) committee voted on July 13 to back a more ambitious revision of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), confirming a stronger role for biodiesel from sustainable feedstocks in meeting EU climate targets. The vote increased transport decarbonisation ambitions, proposing a 16 percent reduction in greenhouse gas intensity from transport, up from 13 percent, and raising the overall renewables target to 45 percent from 40 percent. The European Biodiesel Board (EBB), representing biodiesel producers across Europe, welcomed the decision, stressing the need to preserve the sector's contribution to energy security, food safety, circularity and social inclusiveness. EBB Secretary-General Xavier Noyon noted that despite a polarised debate, MEPs recognized the importance of sustainable biodiesel from crops as well as wastes and residues. He urged confirmation of the outcome during the plenary vote in September and called for the ENVI committee to finalize sustainability provisions in a way that supports trilogue negotiations with member states and the Commission. The directive's framework currently maintains a crop-based biofuel share at a maximum of 7 percent of EU targets under RED II, while opposing amendments aiming to reduce this share.
The ITRE vote comes amid broader EU energy security concerns. On April 18, 2026, prior coverage by EUMatrix reported that the UK was preparing contingency plans as the Iran conflict strained energy and CO2 supply, with British officials planning for a worst-case scenario if the Strait of Hormuz closes. That report noted that preexisting CO2 supply issues were worsened by a UK–US trade deal last year that reduced domestic bioethanol capacity, leading to the closure of Vivergo in Hull and mothballing of Ensus in Teesside. The UK government provided a £100 million package to restart Ensus production last month, with a senior minister highlighting that CO2 is a by‑product of the bioethanol process and urging the public to continue consuming beer, meats, and salads as normal. While the ITRE vote focuses on renewable energy targets, the parallel challenges in the UK underscore the interconnectedness of energy, biofuels, and industrial CO2 supply chains across Europe.