Energy Taxation Directive

The Energy Taxation Directive sets minimum levels of taxation for energy products and electricity. It follows the consultation procedure, in which the Council decides while Parliament first gives a non-binding opinion. The file was handled by the committees on Agriculture and Rural Development, Economic and Monetary Affairs, Industry, Research and Energy, Fisheries, and Transport and Tourism, in the area of indirect taxation and environmental taxation. The tabled amendments concentrate on fuel used for waterborne navigation and fishing, arguing to maintain the fuel-tax exemption, warning of competitive disadvantage and job losses for small-scale coastal fisheries, calling for a comprehensive impact assessment before including fisheries, and proposing minimum levels of taxation that start from zero and rise over a transitional period, with exemptions for renewable electricity produced on board.