Marion Maréchal, a French MEP from the European Conservatives and Reformists group, has led a group of MEPs in a parliamentary question urging the European Commission to revise the Fuel Quality Directive to allow higher bioethanol blending rates in petrol, arguing that the current 10% limit (E10) hinders the development of higher-blend fuels like E20 and undermines the EU's biofuel sector, agricultural jobs, and energy security. The question, submitted on 11 July 2026, follows a letter reportedly sent by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in April 2026 indicating support for such a revision, though no official proposal has yet been tabled.
first, whether the Commission intends to present an amending proposal and on what timeline; second, what additional measures it plans to boost ethanol production to help meet the Renewable Energy Directive III target of 29% renewable energy in transport fuels by 2030. The question signals a push for faster regulatory action to unlock higher ethanol blends, which would benefit European biofuel producers, farmers, and automakers developing flex-fuel vehicles, while potentially lowering transport emissions. However, critics may raise concerns about compatibility with existing vehicle fleets and fuel infrastructure, as well as potential impacts on food prices from increased crop-based ethanol.
The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will indicate whether it plans to move forward with a legislative proposal and what additional support for ethanol it envisages.
The MEPs advocate for increasing EU blending mandates to strengthen domestic biofuel production, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, and create jobs in agriculture and industry. They frame the revision as a tool for both energy security and climate goals, aligning with the broader EU push for renewable energy in transport.
European bioethanol producers and farmers stand to gain from higher demand; automakers could see incentives to produce E20-compatible vehicles; fuel retailers may face infrastructure upgrade costs; and consumers could benefit from lower fuel prices if ethanol is cheaper than petrol, but may face compatibility issues with older cars.