Public Debate – Flexibility in the EU’s Road Transport Decarbonization Policy: Electrification and Sustainable Fuels
October 7 @ 15:00 - 17:00
This is a hybrid event. Important! Online participation is only allowed for attendees located outside Brussels.
This debate seeks to explore and critically examine the range of strategies available to reduce carbon emissions in the transport sector. While electrification is widely recognized by the EU as a cornerstone of its decarbonization efforts, relying exclusively on it may not be a universally applicable or sufficient solution for all segments of road transport. The discussion aims to delve into alternative and complementary approaches, such as the use of sustainable fuels—including e-fuels, biofuels, and hydrogen—and how these can be integrated into a balanced and effective policy framework.
Participants will engage in a thorough examination of the merits and limitations of an electrification-only strategy. The debate will consider technical, economic, and operational challenges faced by various transport modes, particularly those where electrification is more difficult to implement, such as long-haul freight, heavy-duty vehicles, and certain specialized transport services.
A key focus of the debate will be the importance of adopting technology-neutral policies. This approach encourages the creation of regulatory frameworks that do not favor one specific technology but instead support a competitive market environment where multiple decarbonization technologies can be viable. By promoting innovation across all viable technologies, the EU can accelerate progress toward its climate goals while avoiding unintended consequences such as market distortions or reduced industrial competitiveness.
