Fuel Quality Directive and vapour pressure waiver applications

13.1.2015

Question for written answer P-000294-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE)

Poor air quality is the number one environmental cause of premature deaths in the EU. While existing legislation, such as the Fuel Quality Directive, has greatly contributed to the reduction of pollutants from road transport, it also contains provisions that allow Member States to apply for a waiver from requirements relating to the vapour pressure of petrol. The granting of such waivers increases the volatility of petrol and therefore the emissions of pollutants, such as benzene, that adversely impact human health.

1. Which Member States have applied for waivers under Article 3(4) and (5) of the Fuel Quality Directive? Which of these applications have been granted, and under what conditions and which procedure?

2. What evidence has been provided of the impact on the environment and on human health and the compliance with EU air quality legislation, and how was this evidence assessed by the Commission?

3. How have the views of neighbouring Member States, civil society and other interested stakeholders been taken into account by the Commission?