The European Union has moved to increase the use of sustainable fuels in aviation, setting a higher final consumption target as part of its broader climate and energy package. The latest Community regulations push the share of sustainable fuels in aviation from 31 percent to 42.5 percent by 2030, aligning with the bloc’s ambitions for a cleaner, more efficient transport sector and must be transposed into national law within 18 months after publication in the EU Official Journal [EU Official Journal].
Teresa Ribera, the Acting Minister Responsible for Ecological Transition, speaking on behalf of the rotating presidency, described the measures as a meaningful advance that supports climate goals in a fair, profitable, and competitive way. The reform revises the Renewable Energy Directive, which was negotiated by member states and the European Parliament and approved by the Parliament itself, and will take effect following publication in the Official Journal. Member States will then implement the changes within the stipulated 18 month period.
The update has sparked debate among capitals, with France and about a dozen other nations urging flexibility for hydrogen derived from nuclear power within renewable energy rules. The plan envisions a substantial increase in green energy use across the EU by 2030, rising from the 2021 level of 22 percent to a significantly higher figure, marking a major step in decarbonizing European energy and transport systems [EU Official Journal].
Mandatory ecological fuel percentages for aircraft
In parallel, Member States approved the new RefuelEU regulation, part of a broader push to decarbonize aviation and promote lower-emission fuels. The regulation directs airline fuel suppliers to incorporate increasingly sustainable alternatives alongside conventional kerosene, with a staged timeline beginning in 2025 and expanding in 2030.
The policy outlines concrete milestones for sustainable fuels, including a target of 2 percent in 2025, 6 percent in 2030, and a major share by 2035, while synthetic fuels are slated to reach at least 1.2 percent in 2030 and 35 percent by 2050. The intent is to provide legal certainty for airlines and fuel suppliers as Europe scales up sustainable aviation fuel production, contributing to a greener sector overall. The current presidency of the EU emphasized that this governance will support large-scale production and help Europe lead in climate action and green transition [EU Official Journal].
The aviation decarbonization framework will take effect in stages, with some elements becoming applicable in 2024 and other provisions moving into 2025, subject to specific exemptions. The European Commission has welcomed the adoption of these rules as part of the Fit for 55 package, noting that binding targets now cover all sectors of the economy and that the bloc is on track to reduce greenhouse gas emissions substantially by 2030, reinforcing Europe’s commitment to climate leadership on the global stage [EU Official Journal].
Brussels has projected substantial emissions reductions, with calculations suggesting a decline of around 57 percent by 2030, illustrating the EU’s resolve to meet climate commitments and strengthen the green transition amid international climate discussions. The European Commission highlighted that these measures collectively push toward a 55 percent reduction by 2030 and signal credible progress toward a sustainable economy, reinforcing Europe’s stance as a partner in climate action for global partners [EU Official Journal].
The focus remains on translating regulatory ambition into tangible results, with advocates stressing that a robust policy framework will unlock reliable, scalable production of sustainable aviation fuels and catalyze investment in clean energy technologies across the continent. The momentum is presented as essential for keeping pace with climate targets and for demonstrating capable leadership in global environmental governance [EU Official Journal].
For further details on the regulatory approach and its expected impact on aviation and energy markets, official summaries are issued by the environmental and transport authorities, with attribution to the EU Official Journal as the primary source of the provisions and timelines discussed above.