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After a dramatic fall in 2014, oil and fuel prices in euro terms increased in the first part of 2015, before decreasing again and since mid-2015 to record low levels, similar to early 2015. However, retail gas and electricity prices - which traditionally follow similar trends with some delay stabilized or in some cases even increased, in large part due to higher taxes. Large differences persist amongst EU Member States and commodities. Conversely, most experts claim that fossil fuel prices can be ...

This paper was prepared by Policy Department A at the request of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE). Energy prices became more volatile and fell dramatically due to economic, political and structural changes to the economy. Lasting lower prices will spur global- and EU-wide economic growth. Gas, electricity, and oil product prices move in parallel, albeit with some delay, and with large differences across EU Member States and commodities. Furthermore, the recent fall was in several ...

This briefing note is intended to provide the European Parliament with an analysis on tax allowances, as provided by the Directive 2003/96/EC, on fuels used by the EU fishing fleet. An estimate of the effects of this directive in terms of forgone revenue by governments of the EU MS is provided. Additionally, the benefits gained by fishers from tax reductions/exemptions are analysed across fleet segments.

This briefing note provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of a political decision on Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECA) in general and their further expansion in all sea areas around the EU coastline. To this end, it includes appropriate background information and research results that will serve to further the parliamentary debate on the opportunity of extending SECAs around the littoral EU regions. Beyond the goal of supporting the evolution of policies, the findings of the current briefing ...