In the current global trade environment, protecting the EU biofuels industry from external threats is just as important as promoting more rational internal EU policies. In the past, trade cases were often seen as a short-term response, but today they have become a long-term concern for the industry. The EU is strengthening its trade defenses to preserve fair competition and industry independence.
At the same time, policy drivers are changing. In addition to the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), regulations such as ReFuelEU Aviation and FuelEU Maritime are driving demand for biofuels. However, these policies may benefit non-EU producers, resulting in a disconnect between EU fuel regulations and trade rules. The European Biodiesel Board (EBB) has called on legislators to address this issue to ensure that the EU industry is the main beneficiary of the policies.
In addition, biofuel fraud in Southeast Asia poses a serious threat to the EU market, with EBB pointing to loopholes in sustainability certification systems and doubts about the origin of some imported fuels’ feedstock. To curb fraud, EBB has submitted reform proposals to the European Commission and ISCC to push for stricter certification rules. Revising the EU’s certification system for sustainable biofuels will not only maintain fair competition in the market, but also help to strengthen the EU’s climate and energy goals.
