The European Commission has sent a clear message to the governments of the Union: reducing fuel consumption is urgent. The Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jorgensen, has sent a letter to the 27 capitals proposing a decalogue of voluntary measures, with a special focus on transport.
Among the initiatives, Brussels suggests reducing the maximum speed on motorways by at least 10 km/h, a measure that, according to Jorgensen, immediately reduces fuel consumption in cars, vans, and trucks. This measure recalls the one adopted by Spain in 2011 under the Government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.
The EU promotes teleworking whenever possible
Furthermore, the Commission promotes teleworking whenever possible, arguing that "it decreases the use of oil associated with daily commutes." Along the same lines, it recommends avoiding air travel when alternatives exist, since "reducing business flights can quickly relieve pressure on the aviation fuel market."
The decalogue also includes fostering public transport, alternating the access of private vehicles in cities according to license plate, and increasing car sharing and efficient driving practices. All these measures are aligned with the recommendations of the International Energy Agency (IEA).