Ad Hoc Working Group on ILUC

The working group met for the first time on 8th January 2013, but at this stage in time, it is difficult to gauge the positions of Member States, as most Member States still need to negotiate their overall position internally between the national ministries. 

However, according to ePURE – the industry association of the European renewable ethanol industry - it appears that the eastern countries are strongly opposed to the proposed 5 % cap on first generation biofuels. 

France also seems to be very critical towards the proposal, and both Belgium and Sweden have raised concerns over whether the proposal is supported by evidence. Most member states generally agree with the aim of the proposal, but many do not agree with the measures that have been proposed by the Commission. 

According to ePURE, Germany and the UK looked somewhat more favourable at the proposal, with Germany having sympathy for the idea. 

Several member states had questioned the ILUC factors for reporting, the multiple counting mechanisms but most criticism was reserved for the 5 % cap. 

Energy Attache, Marianna Jakab, at the Permanent Representation of Hungary to the EU, who will be representing Hungary at the Ad Hoc Working Group told ePURE that Hungary oppose the Commission's ILUC proposal because it is a policy u-turn which is not justified in their opinion

No agreement is expected under the Irish presidency.