On October 29 and 30 2018 EU Transport and Environment ministers met in Graz for an informal Council. The Graz declaration included the followoing references to zero emission ambition, “forgetting” refuelling in their pitch for “appropirate infrastructure…”
“The Commission, Member States, regional and local authorities and other stakeholders should further develop the following actions:
Clean vehicles: rapid introduction of zero-emission vehicles and decarbonised fuel options
- Accelerating the market introduction of low- and zero-emission vehicles, including the development of appropriate charging! infrastructure, with a view to long-term carbon neutrality in Europe through public procurement, incentive systems and broad support programmes for transport actors, as well as ensuring the adequate provision of clean and renewable energy and its related infrastructure. Funding and financial incentives at EU and national level should be used to provide support for accelerating the market introduction of low- and zero-emission vehicles, infrastructure and services for alternative fuels.
- Further developing emission regulations for road vehicles beyond 2030, with the aim of increasing the market uptake of low- and zero-emission vehicles in a way that is compatible with the efforts needed to meet the commitments under the Paris Agreement.
- Promoting the introduction of electromobility and responding to electrification needs in all modes of transport.
- Further developing decarbonised sustainable fuel options in Europe and raising the share of renewable energy in transport while strengthening security of supply and the competitiveness of European industry.
- Evaluating the legal framework for the promotion of alternative fuels infrastructure in order to identify if and where an update may be needed.
- Pursuing research and innovation efforts through the relevant current and future EU funding mechanisms, focusing on innovative technologies for the decarbonisation of the transport sector, including research on batteries, and complying with the principle of technology neutrality while taking into account life cycle analysis and well-to-wheel approaches.
- Implementing eco-driving as part of driving education schemes and launching broad campaigns for eco-driving and sustainable consumer behaviour to promote energy-saving driving styles and the purchase of low- and zero-emission vehicles.