Lowering the proportion of first-generation biofuels in world and European energy production

28.4.2016

Question for written answer E-003436-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Frédérique Ries (ALDE)

A recent study entitled ‘The water-land-food nexus of first-generation biofuels’, published in March 2016 by Scientific Reports, puts forward some alarming findings in which it warns of the consequences for world food security entailed in the production of first-generation biofuels.

Available arable land is becoming more scarce, and the world's population could total 9 billion in 2050. Against that background the authors claim that 280 million people — that is to say, a quarter of the global numbers suffering from malnutrition — could be fed if the land used to produce first-generation biofuels were given over to food production.

The ever growing proportion of world energy consumption being accounted for by biofuels — 12.2% in 2013 — is a welcome sign, which, however, needs to be weighed up more exactly in the light of these warnings.

There is also an economic aspect to consider, as 36% of European biodiesel consumption depends on imports, not least from South-East Asia, where deforestation, as everybody must by now be aware, is rampant.

1. Does the Commission agree with the researchers' conclusions?

2. How far do current and future EU policies reflect these social, economic, and environmental realities?