Trialogue negotiations between the European Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission on the post-2020 EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) took place in Strasbourg on 13 June, resulting in a preliminary agreement on EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II).

The new regulatory framework includes a binding renewable energy target for the EU for 2030 of 32% with an upwards revision clause by 2023. A minimum share of at least 14% of fuel for transport purposes must come from renewable sources by 2030. In particular:

• First generation biofuel, based on food crops, must be capped at 2020 levels (with an extra 1%) and in no case exceed 7% of final consumption of road and rail transport;

• The share of advanced biofuels and biogas must be at least 1% in 2025 and at least 3.5% in 2030.

Food-crop biofuels such as palm oil, which have a high indirect land use change (ILUC), will be phased out through a certification process for low-ILUC biofuels, which is to be set up.

The provisional deal now needs the approval of both EU ministers and MEPs. Once this is achieved, the law will enter into force 20 days after the date of publication in the EU’s Official Journal. Member states will have to include the new elements of the Directive into national law by 30 June 2021.