*Update 14.10.2024 Luxembourg-based colleagues, the maximum reimbursement (‘ceiling’) for cross-border commuter passes has been doubled to €500 from 01.10.2024.*
*Update 24.07.2024 the Green Commuting Communication for staff in Brussels mentions the ongoing provision of FREE EV charging there, with no end date in sight. There is no date as yet for EV charging to be made available (free or otherwise) in Luxembourg buildings. The same text proposes to pay Brussels-based colleagues who cycle €100 per year. We asked about provision for other sites, but the response was negative. Why the inconsistency? Mixed messages on greening undermine the whole idea.*
*Update 15.05.2024: OIL promises future provision of EV chargers in Luxembourg, without providing a concrete timeline.*
Original article: Generation 2004 has written to OIL, OIB and the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) to ask about the disparity in electric vehicle (EV) charging-point provision between Commission sites in Luxembourg and elsewhere, including Brussels. There is a further disparity in the EV charging provision between the different institutions present in Luxembourg e.g. the European Parliament[1]. We ask how OIL intends to explain and address this gap.
EV charging for private vehicles is listed as available in Brussels, Geel, Ispra, Petten, DG COMM Representations and the EP Liaison office[2]. The EV top-up charging provision in Brussels is distributed across 25 Commission buildings, is available during working hours via a charge card and can be booked in advance[3]. On the contrary, no such provision is made at Commission buildings in Luxembourg even where the infrastructure already exists. In the Post-Mercier (MERP) building the charging points are (intentionally?) inoperative[4] (level -2). In contrast, the Luxembourg state continues to offer a significant subsidy to those purchasing an electric vehicle[5] and is expanding its on-street charging network (Chargy): how to explain this difference in outlook?
‘In Luxembourg, the planned moves into new office buildings will lead to a decrease in the number of parking spaces of 35% by 2026.’[6]
In apparent contrast to this stated aim, the Office for Infrastructure and Logistics in Luxembourg (OIL) has (inadvertently) increased[7] the number of places available for general parking (all vehicles) in MERP by some 8 spots (the EV charging points). The lack of EV infrastructure in Commission buildings in Luxembourg in general means that it is more likely that thermal vehicles will be used. Why purchase an EV and absorb the corresponding drawbacks when there are no benefits, particularly where range is of concern[8]: many Luxembourg-based colleagues are ‘frontaliers’ and coming from a significant distance away.
The Communication to the Commission on Greening the Commission[9] is clear on the importance and manner of facilitating the green transition:
‘Where possible, journeys should be arranged in principle by train, by electric vehicle or by car sharing.’ ‘The Commission will continue to adapt its infrastructure as a priority, including the installation of charging points for electric vehicles, whenever possible, in accordance with the proposal for a revision of the energy performance of buildings Directive.’[10]
The 2022 mobility plan declared an intention to provide ‘an increased number of charging stations for electric vehicles’ in general.[11] Can OIL explain why this appears to apply to Commission buildings in Brussels, Geel, Ispra, Petten, DG COMM Representations and the EP Liaison office but not Commission buildings in Luxembourg?
The Commission has a leading role to play in the green transition and consistency is key.
‘III The Commission has the role of steering the EU’s overall alternative fuels policy … What the Commission can do is adopt common standards to ensure interoperability, coordinate and support Member States’ deployment of electrical charging infrastructure, and monitor progress. Through the Connecting Europe Facility, moreover, it provides financial support for electrical charging infrastructure.’[12]
‘IV This report … will help the Commission to support more effectively the deployment of publicly accessible charging infrastructure across the EU, particularly in the context of the Green Deal objectives and the expected significant growth of electro-mobility (the use of electric vehicles) in the next few years.’[13]
The differences in action between the Commission sites and between institutions in the same place undermines any effort towards greening. Contradictory action for the same declared outcomes undermines the consensus on climate change (and on our part in doing what needs to be done): further fuelling climate change denial. If EVs are part of that greening plan everywhere except Commission buildings in Luxembourg, then it suggests that greening is not the issue. If soft/active mobility is the aim, then why just for the Commission in Luxembourg?
Commission colleagues elsewhere can participate via EVs in the plan to ensure that ‘by 2030 there will be at least 30 million zero-emission vehicles in operation on European roads’[14], but Luxembourg-based Commission colleagues are actively discouraged from doing so. Luxembourg is already significantly less attractive as a workplace than other Commission sites[15] with demonstrable issues regarding recruitment and retention[16] of staff: this is one more comparison where Luxembourg loses out.
Generation 2004 asks that you explain and address this gap in EV charging provision and consider how this undermines greening efforts everywhere: Luxembourg-based staff are excluded from being part of this Commission-proposed action to help meet the Green Deal objectives. Luxembourg-based colleagues are keen to participate in this aspect of greening of the Commission and to follow Commissioner Hahn’s encouragement for each one of us to do our bit and make individual climate neutral pledges.[17] When can Luxembourg-based colleagues’ greener transport pledges and contributions be made reality?
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[1] And the European Investment Bank (EIB)
[2] My IntraComm>Sustainable commuting
[3] Staff Matters>Brussels: access to buildings and parking zones also
‘… latest legal requirements of the Brussels Region. These stipulate that 10% of parking spaces in existing buildings will have to be equipped with electric chargers by 2023’
Commission en direct>Greening the Commission car parks Launch of electric chargers pilot project
[4] While the building energy performance certificate outlined in COM/2021/802 final is intended to list the number and type of charging points for electric vehicles, it makes no mention of whether those charging points would have to be in service/functioning to count.
[5] Financial aid for the purchase of an electric or hybrid vehicle see also Subsidy for the purchase of a pedelec25 or a bicycle
[6] C(2022) 2230 final
[7] In comparison to the use made of the building by its previous occupant: Post.lu
‘Brussels and JRC-Ispra lead the way with electric vehicles that are widely used for local journeys. Most of the Commission vehicle trips in Luxembourg are longer distance, for which electric vehicles currently lack sufficient range.’ Environmental Statement of the Commision 2022
[10] The buildings Directive mentioned is the Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the energy performance of buildings COM/2021/802 final and is clear on the need for supporting electric vehicles.
‘Electric vehicles are expected to play a crucial role in the decarbonisation and efficiency of the electricity system … Charging in relation to buildings is particularly important, since this is where electric vehicles park regularly and for long periods of time … Building codes can be effectively used to introduce targeted requirements to support the deployment of recharging infrastructure in car parks of residential and non-residential buildings.’ P. 27
[11] My IntraComm>Sustainable commuting
[12] European Court of Auditors Special Report on Infrastructure for charging electric vehicles
[13] European Court of Auditors Special Report on Infrastructure for charging electric vehicles
[14] Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy
[15] Chefs d’Administration of EU institutions and bodies based in Luxembourg (CALux) 12 actions to increase the attractiveness of Luxembourg as place of employment 30.03.2022, medical overcharging and fairness and transparency of hospital pricing for staff working in Luxembourg.
[16] EPSO/AD/411/23 is the first EPSO competition to restrict mobility within the firs 4 years of employment, a clause applied exclusively to Luxembourg.
[17] Commission to become climate neutral by 2030: let’s do our bit! Commissioner Hahn invites staff to make individual pledges
