Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas, in a written answer on 29 June 2026, sought to reassure the aviation sector and investors that the EU will enforce ReFuelEU Aviation penalties consistently, will not weaken SAF mandates in the 2027 review, and will keep the revision of renewable hydrogen production criteria targeted to avoid disrupting eSAF projects nearing final investment decisions. The answer responds to a priority question from Renew MEP Jeannette Baljeu, who had warned that stalled investments in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production pose an energy security risk after the Strait of Hormuz closure exposed the EU's jet fuel vulnerability, with 40% of kerosene imports passing through that chokepoint.
The Commissioner confirmed that the Commission is closely monitoring national penalty systems and, in June 2026, launched infringement procedures against 13 Member States for failing to establish national rules on penalties for breaches of ReFuelEU Aviation. He stated that the 2027 review will assess the first two years of the SAF mandate, covering market state, competitiveness impacts, and enforcement, but gave no commitment to strengthen or weaken the mandates. On financing, he pointed to the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) encouraging Member States to use aviation ETS revenues for decarbonisation, and noted that eight Member States have joined the eSAF Early Movers Coalition, with two preparing first double-sided auctions. On hydrogen criteria, he said the revision is still under assessment, will be targeted to minimise delays for ongoing projects, and will be published for stakeholder feedback.
The answer signals a policy orientation of maintaining regulatory stability to unlock investment, while relying on voluntary Member State action and existing ETS revenues rather than new EU-level funding or mandate increases. Institutional follow-up includes the 2027 review report and the ongoing hydrogen criteria revision, with no specific timeline for the double-sided auctions beyond Member State preparations.
SAF producers and eSAF project developers gain some certainty on enforcement and hydrogen rules, but remain dependent on Member State auction design and ETS revenue allocation. EU airlines face continued cost pressure from SAF mandates but benefit from a level playing field if penalties are uniformly enforced. Member States gain flexibility in using ETS revenues but face infringement risks if they fail to implement penalty systems. Consumers may see higher ticket prices as airlines pass on SAF costs, though the impact is moderate and gradual.