France, Austria and Netherlands Call For More Rules for Private Jets

May 30, 2023
In the fight against climate change, Austria, France and the Netherlands called on Tuesday for stricter rules for private jets in the European Union in a joint letter.

Brussels — In the fight against climate change, Austria, France and the Netherlands called on Tuesday for stricter rules for private jets in the European Union in a joint letter.

Private jets emit excessive amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) per capita, according to the letter addressed to the European Commission and seen by dpa.

The three countries called on the commission "to draw greater attention to this issue ... and in particular to assess the possibility of imposing stronger regulation on private jet travel."

"Private jet flights are a hobby of the super-rich. But we can't all pay for it," said Austrian Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler.

"Anyone who damages our climate must also make a fair contribution. Because we all bear the consequences of these luxury trips," she added.

The number of private flights has increased again in the EU in recent years, the Austrian government said.

An analysis published by the research institute CE Delft in March said that the number of private flights in Europe increased by 64% to 572,806 trips last year.

Civil aviation is responsible for 13.4% of CO2 emissions in the EU transport sector, according to figures from the European Parliament.

Emissions from private jets are expected to be discussed by EU transport ministers at a meeting on Thursday in Luxembourg.

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