During a plenary debate in Strasbourg, Socialists and Democrats pressed the Commission for a stronger commitment to expanding the Europe-wide infrastructure for alternative fuels, as an urgent step in the transition to a low-carbon and a sustainable society.

 

 

“The transformation of mobility is a highly pressing issue, but the Commission acts as if we have all the time in the world. On the contrary, the transport sector is the only one in which greenhouse gas emissions have seen an increase. It is up to us to accelerate the much needed shift to a new mobility.

 

“We want the implementation of a European Clean Mobility Fund. This fund should be financed by both the industry and the European Union and used to promote clean mobility on European roads. Such a project would not only benefit the environment, but also the economy, as European car makers face a heavy loss of market shares due to the strong competition from Asia and the United States.

 

“We need around 24 billion euros to provide a comfortable infrastructure for alternative fuels. The majority of these expenses should be paid by the transport industry, as it will profit from catering for the markets of tomorrow.”

 

 

"In the vote on the Renewables Directive (REDII), we managed to find a majority for the S&D’s amendment that obliges member states to equip 90% of all their fuel stations along the TEN-T highway network with fast charging facilities. Such a provision will help drivers to opt for electric vehicles and appease anxiety associated to getting stranded with an empty battery during their holidays.

 

“We ask the Commission and the Council to back such a provision in the ongoing trilogue negotiations on the RED in order to ensure a fully-fledged charging infrastructure along the European highway network.”