The government has submitted to the parliament the European Commission proposals about the alternative fuels programme for transport and about its schedule as well as the regulations related to the fuels.
The EU Commission has committed itself to the promotion of alternative fuels to increase their use and to enable uniform operation of traffic in the whole of Europe.
The government of Finland strongly supports the aim of the Commission. The minimum requirements for the distribution of alternative fuels and electricity presented to the Member States by the Commission leave Finland enough room to manoeuvre regarding its own implementation approach. Nevertheless, when setting the minimum requirements for the distribution network, actual coverage and of operability of traffic should be regarded of greater importance than that of quantifiable aims.
According to the Government's view, the determined advance of the Commission creates the necessary stable operational environment for launching investments, supports Finnish aims and provides some momentum in international negotiations.
The Commission's programme and regulations speed up, among other things, the creation of infrastructure required by new fuels and encourage the manufacturers of vehicles to develop interoperable equipment for the use of consumers and businesses.
The Commission presented its programme, schedule and regulation proposals concerning the use of alternative fuels on 24th January 2013. The Government gave the Parliament a report on the Commission's proposals on 14th March 2013.
Additional information:
Senior Engineer Maria Rautavirta, tel. +358 295 34 2564
