Press release
06 April 2009
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Good news from EU today for 150 000 Swedish car owners
Today the EU approved Sweden's application for permission to continue to import ethanol for processing into biofuel. This means that the feared tariff increase that would have affected our environmentally friendly buses and the 150 000 car owners who drive ethanol cars will not materialise.
"I welcome this decision, which makes it possible for biofuel prices to remain competitive. It shows an understanding of the situation in Sweden, where the market for environmentally friendly vehicles is growing," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.
"We have gained a hearing for the Swedish line on the development and climate advantages of low tariffs on biofuels. We will now continue to work in the EU and the WTO to bring about more general tariff reductions on climate-friendly goods and services."
It was the EU Customs Code Committee that voted this morning to approve Sweden's application for permission to import ethanol for processing into biofuels E85 and ED95. Permission is valid for one year.
Contact
Monica OhlssonPress Secretary on parental leave
+46 8 405 10 00
