In a written answer on 25 June 2026, Commissioner Christophe Hansen outlined the European Commission's strategy to enhance EU self-sufficiency in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and maritime fuels, addressing concerns over growing import dependence. The response, to a question by Merja Kyllönen (The Left), signals a push to accelerate domestic production of synthetic and bio-based fuels, impacting fuel producers, airlines, shipping companies, and EU energy security.
The answer details several concrete initiatives. Under the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP), the Commission is promoting a pooled joint double-sided auction for synthetic aviation fuels (eSAF) and assessing an EU-wide financing mechanism. It has launched the eSAF Early Movers Coalition and a study on auction design. For bio-SAF, Delegated Directive (EU) 2024/1405 expanded eligible feedstocks, and the Commission is reviewing certification rules under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/996. Broader efforts include the AccelerateEU initiative, which will assess refining capacity needs to boost domestic sustainable biofuel production.
While the answer provides a roadmap of ongoing and planned actions, it lacks specific numerical targets or binding deadlines for investment or production volumes. The measures aim to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on imports, particularly from competitors like China, but the pace of implementation remains dependent on further studies and stakeholder engagement. Institutional follow-up is expected as the Commission reviews certification rules and refines auction mechanisms, with potential legislative proposals if gaps persist.