PREVIOUS COMMUNITY LEGISLATION: In order to reduce SO2 emissions in Member
States at source, the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels has been
lowered gradually by a series of directives, the aim being to improve the
quality of air by cutting its sulphur content.
-Directive 75/716/EEC (OJ L 307, 27.11.1975, p. 22): The setting of
sulphur content (except for power stations and sea-going vessels) in two
stages: for type A gas oil (sensitive zones): 0.5% by weight as from 1
October 1976, 0.3% by weight as from 1 October 1980; for type B gas oil
(non-sensitive zones): 0.8% by weight as from 1 October 1976, 0.5% by weight
as from 1 October 1980;
-Directive 87/219/EEC (OJ L 91, 3.4.1987, p. 19): Reduction of sulphur
content (also in the case of power stations) to 0.3% by weight as from 1
January 1989 in all zones except for those in which special measures are
required pursuant to Directive 80/779/EEC to protect the environment,
monuments or human health (0.2% by weight);
-Directive 93/12/EEC (OJ L 74, 27.3.1993, p. 81): uniform limit value not
exceeding 0.2% by weight in the case of light gas oil (fuel oil, bunker fuel
for sea-going vessels, petrol) and gasoil for diesel engines (diesel fuel).
Derogation for Greece up to 30 September 1999, by which it may authorize
marketing of gas oil for marine use with a sulphur content in excess of 0.2%
by weight. A second reduction in the sulphur content of diesel fuel, to no
more than 0.05% by weight as from 1 October 1996, is also laid down. This
two-stage proposal gives the sectors of industry concerned sufficient time
to make the necessary technical adjustments.
-Directive 93/12/EEC, however, also stipulates that the Commission must
submit a further proposal prescribing a lower limit for sulphur content by 1
October 1999 and setting new limit values for the sulphur content of
aviation kerosene. The Council was to decide on this matter by 31 July 1994
at the latest.
PREVIOUS POSITION OF EP: As regards the adoption of directive 93/12/EEC
relating to the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels, Parliament
recommended a further reduction in the sulphur content of gas oil (OJ C 94,
13.4.1992, p. 209 and OJ C 337, 21.12.1992) and that the deadlines proposed
by the Commission be brought forward. Parliament also recommended a ban on
the marketing in the Member States of gas oils with a sulphur content
exceeding 0.2% by weight.
SITUATION IN THE MEMBER STATES:
-Directive 87/219/EEC entered into force on 1 January 1989. At present,
Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands lay down a limit
value of 0.2% by weight as regards the sulphur content of gas oil, whilst
the other seven Member States lay down a limit value of 0.3% by weight.
-Directive 93/12/EEC: Only Luxembourg has notified implementing measures.