Brussels, 5 May 2026 – The current instability in the Middle East and the volatility in global energy markets strengthen the case for accelerating the move away from fossil fuels in road transport. It also reinforces the need for a technology neutral policy framework that makes zero emission road transport the most attractive and economically viable option for consumers and businesses.
Sigrid de Vries, ACEA Director General: “A technology-neutral decarbonisation strategy that embraces electrification and includes renewable fuels is essential. It is key to safeguarding Europe’s resilience, protecting consumers from price and supply shocks, and delivering a successful transition to climate‑neutral mobility.”
In particular, the current crisis highlights the need for concrete policy action in two areas.
First, policymakers must send a clear signal that electricity should become the most affordable source of energy, and back this up with real action. This requires lowering the cost of electricity used to charge vehicles. The EU Energy Taxation Directive and national energy taxes and levies should reflect this. Maintaining affordable and predictable electricity prices is key to driving citizens and businesses towards choosing zero-emission transport. (....)