EU Climate Commissioner Advocates for Taxing Kerosene Fuel and Ending Fossil Fuel Subsidies: A Path to Climate Neutrality

2023-10-02 20:28:44

The designated EU climate commissioner, Wopke Hoekstra, is in favor of taxing aircraft fuel kerosene. In addition, the EU should set itself the goal of reducing emissions by at least 90 percent compared to 1990 levels by 2040, said the Dutch former foreign minister at his hearing before members of the EU Parliament on Monday evening in Strasbourg.

The fact that kerosene, unlike diesel and petrol, is not taxed is “absurd”. As climate commissioner, he also wants to work to end subsidies for fossil fuels.

However, the transition to a climate-neutral economy can only succeed if the population is taken on board. Hoekstra mentioned, among other things, agriculture and countries in the global south for which compensatory measures are needed. Hoekstra cited the aforementioned taxes on kerosene as well as increasing revenue from the issuance of emission certificates as possible sources for financing these compensation measures.

Hoekstra, who was the Dutch finance minister in the past, also struck a self-critical tone. The conservative politician incurred their displeasure during the Corona crisis because of harsh words regarding the budget policies of southern European member states. On Monday he described his statements at the time as a mistake.

Hoekstra is also viewed critically because he previously worked for the oil company Shell and the management consultancy McKenzie. The designated climate commissioner largely avoided questions regarding this and mostly referred to his more recent role as finance and later foreign minister. During his time as a management consultant, however, he never worked for Shell or the EU Commission, says Hoekstra.

On Tuesday morning, the current deputy commission president, Maros Sefcovic, will also have to answer questions from the MPs. In the future, the Slovakian will be responsible for the cross-departmental coordination of the Green Deal. After the hearings in the Environment Committee, the two personnel decisions will be voted on in the plenary session of the EU Parliament on Thursday.

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