The European Commission has found the Czech scheme to be in line with EU state aid rules and that such measures will successfully contribute to reducing CO2 emissions without being overly disruptive to competition in the Single Market.
The scheme will provide just under €44.5 million of support towards the construction of an infrastructure network of publicly accessible refuelling and recharging stations for any vehicles that run on alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, hydrogen and electricity.
“The Czech scheme is yet another good example of how Member States can contribute to the fight against global warming. The scheme will promote alternative fuels and reduce harmful car emissions, and will encourage consumers and businesses to use greener transportation, without distorting competition,” says commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy.
Public support was deemed appropriate as it was demonstrated that the aid is necessary to incentivise operators as a means of developing the national network at the required pace and density. The measure will also contribute to meeting the common interest of improving air quality and reducing emissions as it will encourage an uptake of electric vehicles and vehicles running on alternative fuels.
Likewise, the measure is corresponding to the European Strategy for low-emission mobility by contributing to the decarbonisation agenda, bringing Europe closer to achieving the Paris Agreement objectives by demonstrating energy efficiency.
