Benelux commits to cleaner fuel exports
During a roundtable organized by the General Secretariat of the Benelux Union and UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme), with representatives from the Benelux countries, European institutions, the United Nations, and African and European stakeholders, the importance of a new Benelux recommendation was emphasized. This recommendation focuses on stricter standards and enforcement for the export of polluting fuels to countries outside the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). lt aims to significantly reduce the environmental and public health impact in importing countries.
Cleaner fuels for Africa
Various studies indicate that fuels initially produced in the Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Antwerp region and exported to countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) contain high concentrations of sulfur, benzene, and manganese. These fuels would be considered illegal within the EU.
Such polluting fuels cause significantly higher emissions of fine particulate matter and air pollutants than those used in Europe. Ahead of this recommendation, the Benelux countries have already taken measures and are committed to further enforcement.
Benelux takes the lead
UNEP and African countries have long advocated for global harmonization of fuel standards, as many of the automotive fuels used in Africa originate from Europe and are often subject to less stringent regulations.
At the end of December 2024, the Benelux Committee of Ministers adopted this recommendation to promote the export of cleaner fuels to third countries. The goal is for all exporting Benelux countries to align their national legislation with these stricter standards by January 1, 2027, if they have not already done so. With this initiative, the Benelux countries are taking the lead in Europe and making an important step toward more sustainable trade.
The three Benelux countries are committed to closer cooperation within Europe and aim to work with the European Commission and other EU member states to establish harmonized requirements and fair competition conditions in the global market. Through these measures, they are taking responsibility for more sustainable fuel exports and a healthier environment, both within Europe and beyond.
Urgent need
« Almost all humans breathe air that the World Health Organization considers polluted; worldwide, eight of the 10 countries with the highest fine particulate matter exposures are in Africa. There is an urgent need for the world to switch to cleaner fuels and vehicles standards as part of broader efforts to counter the adverse effects of climate change caused by harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, and to reduce air pollution, » said lnger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP.« I commend the efforts of the Benelux countries to introduce minimum quality fuel standards for export to Africa. We need all exporters and importers to follow this example and achieve a level playing field for cleaner fuels and vehicles, an important intermediary step to ultimately switching to zero emissions vehicles. »
Benelux Secretary General Frans Weekers: « UN quality requirements for fuels must also apply to exports. Africa should not be a dumping ground for our toxic fuels. We remain committed to exporting cleaner fuels across the European Union. »
