Strategies for improving fuel quality in Central and Eastern Europe were the subject of a Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles (PCFV) meeting held in Hungary.
FIA Foundation technical director Frank van West participated in the workshop organized by the United Nations Environment Programme-led Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles in Szentendre, Hungary on October 27/28 2005. The event was organized in partnership with the US Government (USEPA) and the Regional Environmental Center (REC), a major regional NGO.
As the first major event in Central & Eastern Europe for the Partnership, the discussions included the issues of leaded gasoline phaseout, plans for the reduction of sulphur levels in diesel fuel, cleaner vehicles and emission control technologies, approximation of national legislation with EU fuel quality standards, and biofuels.
The workshop provided an opportunity for government, industry and civil society representatives from CEE and Turkey to assess progress made on these issues and to develop appropriate next steps for countries still using leaded gasoline and high fuel sulphur levels. The event also aimed at increased awareness of clean vehicles and fuels opportunities in the region. A number of technical representatives of automobile clubs from the region also took part in the two day meeting.