Brussels has blocked the Dutch government’s plans to force airlines to switch to more sustainable fuel by 2030, ahead of the European Union’s schedule.

The current coalition has pledged to require companies to use at least 14% biokerosine from this year. But the European Commission ordered the Netherlands to enforce the 6% limit included in its Fit for 55 plan, to ensure a level playing field.

The ruling does not prevent airlines from voluntarily switching to sustainable kerosine or outlaw commercial incentives. Dutch flag carrier KLM recently negotiated a loan with an interest rate that varies dependent on what sustainability measures it implements.

Aviation expert Joris Melkert, of Delft University of Technology, told BNR Nieuwsradio the Dutch government’s plan risked harming the competitiveness of its aviation sector.

‘Sustainable kerosine is significantly more expensive than normal kerosine,’ he said. ‘If your neighbours over the border can fill up much more cheaply and offer cheaper tickets as a result, you’re undermining yourself.’