PARLIAMENT DEBATES SAF BOOK-AND-CLAIM AS COMMISSION PREPARES REFUELEU AVIATION REVIEW
On 28 September, rapporteur Jan-Christoph Oetjen (Renew, DE) presented his draft own-initiative report on a regulatory framework to promote the uptake of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee. The draft report proposes the introduction of a European Book-and-Claim (B&C) mechanism to facilitate the uptake and distribution of SAF across the EU.
Under the proposed mechanism, aircraft operators would be able to purchase SAF regardless of the airport where it is physically supplied and uplifted. Fuel suppliers would issue the purchasing operator with a transferable SAF ticket as proof of purchase, allowing the operator to claim the associated emissions reductions under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). The proposal received support from the European People’s Party (EPP), which called for a permanent B&C mechanism. The S&D and Greens groups expressed a more cautious position, supporting a temporary approach, with the Greens also stressing the need for strong safeguards against fraud.
The Commission, represented by Filip Cornelis, Director for Aviation at DG MOVE, said that stakeholder feedback suggests that such a system could support the development of the European SAF market, while potential unintended effects would need to be assessed and, where necessary, mitigated.
Mr Cornelis also outlined the Commission’s plans for a targeted revision of the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation in 2027. The revision is expected in the second half of 2027 and will be accompanied by an implementation report. It will focus on simplification and targeted technical adjustments while maintaining the regulation’s ambition and objectives, including measures to improve market transparency, reduce administrative burdens and support digitalisation. Stakeholder consultation is expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027.