Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas, in a written answer on 12 June 2026, defended the EU's ReFuelEU Aviation framework as providing sufficient flexibility to avoid a synthetic fuel supply gap while acknowledging that aviation biofuels (bioSAF) will dominate in the short term. The answer, responding to a question by ECR MEP Piotr Müller, signals that the Commission views bioSAF as a mature, cost-effective bridge but insists on a diverse technology mix—including synthetic fuels (eSAF)—to meet long-term mandates and energy independence goals.
The question, submitted on 16 April 2026, had warned that technological barriers and high energy inputs for eSAF risk a supply gap by 2030, urging greater reliance on proven bioSAF and flexibility mechanisms to curb costs for passengers and carriers. Tzitzikostas countered that the latest EASA report shows used cooking oil-based biofuels already dominate SAF supply, and that ReFuelEU's weighted average approach across Union airports already provides flexibility. He added that the Commission, with EASA, is studying a potential book and claim system to further ease compliance.
On cost burdens, the Commissioner pointed to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) SAF support scheme, which compensates aircraft operators for the price difference between SAF and kerosene, de-risking uptake of less mature technologies. He also cited the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) and AccelerateEU as initiatives to boost EU-based production of both eSAF and advanced biofuels, aligning with energy independence priorities.
The answer contains no new numerical targets or legislative proposals; it reaffirms existing tools and ongoing studies. Policy orientation remains technology-neutral but implicitly prioritises eSAF for long-term scale-up, while using bioSAF as a short-term compliance tool. Institutional follow-up is expected via the ongoing EASA study on book and claim, and through implementation of STIP and AccelerateEU programmes, which may influence future ReFuelEU revisions.
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