Hungary slammed for 'absurd' proposal to delay aviation fuel levy

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🗞️ Driving the news: Hungary has proposed delaying the implementation of an aviation fuel tax until 2049, sparking backlash from environmentalists
• The proposal aims to resolve a stalemate in EU energy taxation reforms, which are vital for meeting the bloc's climate goals

🔭 The context: The EU has been attempting to reform its Energy Taxation Directive to remove exemptions for aviation and maritime fuels, but progress has been slow due to the need for unanimous agreement among all 27 member states
• Environmental groups argue this delay undermines the EU’s Green Deal targets

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Delaying aviation fuel taxes would prolong the use of highly polluting fuels in a sector responsible for substantial CO2 emissions, hampering efforts to meet global climate targets

⏭️ What's next: EU government representatives will discuss Hungary's compromise behind closed doors on September 16, while the European Parliament remains divided on the issue

💬 One quote: "It’s hard to find the words to describe the absurdity of a proposal to delay... to 2049," said Jo Dardenne, lead campaigner at Transport & Environment

📈 One stat: By 2030, European airlines are expected to pay over €10 billion in emissions trading allowances

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