The EU is expected to order member states to boost infrastructure investment for alternative fuels.
To boost the take-up of alternative fuels in transport, EU countries will have to ensure that enough refuelling and recharging stations are available to enable cars, trucks and ships using alternative fuels, such as natural gas and electricity, to move freely on EU roads and waterways, under an informal agreement reached by Council and Parliament negotiators.
The European Commission has adopted new rules for the assessment of technology transfer agreements under EU antitrust rules.
The purpose of such agreements is to enable companies to license the use of patents, know-how or software held by another company for the production of goods and services.
The revised rules facilitate such sharing of intellectual property, including through patent pools, and provide clearer guidance on licensing agreements that stimulate competition.
The European Commission published guidelines on interpreting the EU rules for public passenger transport by rail and road. They determine how public authorities may contract for the provision of public transport services by rail, metro, tram or bus, how to award these contracts and how to compensate for public service obligations.
There is mounting concern about dependence on fossil fuels bought from outside the EU and the need for greater independence of supply.