15 April 2024: The European Commission, the RLCF (Renewable and Low-Carbon Fuels Value Chain Industrial) Alliance Steering Group and the office of MEPs Bauza Dias and Marinescu organised an event on 10 April on how the EU is decarbonising the seas and the skies.

In a panel discussion and exchange of views with MEPs, European Commission officials and stakeholders from across the transport fuels and other relevant value chains focused on:

• What is the status of implementation of the initiatives?
• Is the European industry already on the move?
• What are the main challenges and opportunities ahead, critical issues and expectations?

From the Commission side, Filip Alexandru Negreanu Arboreanu, Head of Cabinet Commissioner for Mobility and Transport reminded attendees of the role of the transport sector as an enabler and tester for innovation in net-zero technologies and emphasised the need to succeed in implementing a profitable SAF market for all parties. Healso stressed the importance of the technologies that will produce fuels. In this regard, the Book and Claim system will be implemented with a framework to promote technologies. On the other side, he also mentioned the necessity to liberalise data for MDMS and to improve the single market.

MEP Marinescu mentioned the importance of competitiveness and the need to implement a Book and Claim system in aviation and maritime industries, otherwise we won’t have alternatives. Some MEPs also highlighted security and safety within innovation and new technologies, whereas others pointed out that environmental regulations may put regional connectivity at stake.

Finally, the industry, represented by SAFRAN and Fincantieri, explained the main points of their decarbonisation roadmaps including SAF, the importance of opportunities like new technologies and the role of skills that will be needed in the market in the future.