Eurofuel Newsletter - September
Dear reader,
September has marked the start of the Brussels rentrée. The summer break is over, the city is vibrant once again, and associations are entering one of their busiest seasons.
This time brings renewed energy and fresh challenges. As the European agenda progresses on key issues, associations will play a critical role in connecting people, amplifying voices, and ensuring their sectors are well represented.
We are closely monitoring the ongoing political discussions, especially regarding the 2040 climate targets and the Affordable Housing Plan. This will ensure that our members stay informed and well represented as these policies develop.
At Eurofuel, we are prepared to support you in this new season by providing opportunities for exchange, collaboration, and inspiration.
Yours,
Dr Ernst-Moritz Bellingen
President of Eurofuel
New leadership elected at Eurofuel General Assembly in Dijon
At the Eurofuel General Assembly, held on 19–20 June 2025 in Dijon, members welcomed new leadership to guide the association’s activities for the coming term.
Bernhard Wüest appointed Vice-President
Eurofuel members elected Bernhard Wüest of Avenergy Suisse as the association’s new Vice-President. Bernhard brings extensive experience in the liquid fuel sector and a strong commitment to advancing the role of renewable liquid heating fuels in Europe’s energy transition.
His appointment underlines Eurofuel’s dedication to strengthening ties with national associations and promoting practical solutions for low-carbon heating.
Sabrina Beck to lead PR Commission
In addition, the General Assembly elected Sabrina Beck of EWO (Austria) as President of the PR Commission. Sabrina will lead Eurofuel’s communication strategy and outreach, ensuring that the association’s messages on renewable liquid fuels and technology-neutral heating solutions reach policymakers, stakeholders, and the wider public across Europe.
These elections highlight Eurofuel’s ongoing commitment to effective representation and proactive communication as the association continues to champion renewable liquid heating fuels as a key component of Europe’s sustainable energy future.
Ursula von der Leyen's 2025 State of the Union Address
On 10 September, President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her annual State of the European Union Address. As the first address of this mandate, it needed to justify the initiatives already presented and outline a path forward.
This year's address came at a challenging time for the European Commission, marked by geopolitical crises, internal divisions within the EU, and increasing criticism of President von der Leyen's leadership style.
Regarding energy, the Commission will continue its efforts through the Energy Market and RePowerEU initiatives to eliminate reliance on Russian fuels, promote clean energy solutions, and update European infrastructure. This will include a new initiative called Energy Highways, which aims to address critical bottlenecks in the energy infrastructure.
On housing, a key focus for the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) platform in the upcoming EU elections, the President announced several initiatives, including an EU Housing Summit, a revision of State Aid rules in the sector, and a new proposal concerning short-term rentals.
European Commission’s consultation on 2040 Climate Target
In July 2025, the Commission proposed an amendment to the European Climate Law to establish an EU climate target for 2040. In response to the consultation, Eurofuel supported the Commission’s proposal to amend the European Climate Law by setting a legally binding net GHG emissions target of -90% compared to 1990 levels.
This ambitious goal maintains a credible trajectory toward achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and provides the necessary predictability for investments and planning.
Achieving the 2040 target will require flexibility across the entire economy and the incorporation of all cost-effective solutions. To decarbonise hard-to-electrify existing buildings, especially off-grid and rural homes, it is essential to recognise and incentivise the use of sustainable, renewable liquid fuels.
This approach will help achieve decarbonisation in a cost-effective, equitable, and inclusive manner that embraces various technologies.
EU's Affordable Housing consultation
In July 2025, the European Commission issued a public consultation intended to facilitate the gathering of additional evidence and knowledge that would help the European Commission identify policy actions for the Affordable Housing Plan.
Affordable housing and affordable heating are two sides of the same coin. Rising energy costs represent a significant share of household expenditure and contribute directly to energy poverty.
Any comprehensive housing strategy must therefore integrate both affordability and sustainability in heating solutions.
Eurofuel encourages the Commission to adopt a technology-neutral approach that considers the diversity of Europe’s building stock, geographical contexts, and socio-economic conditions.