European Commission Adopts Proposal for Council Decision on German Reduced Electricity Tax Rate for Vessels

The European Commission (EC) May 22 adopted Proposed Council Implementing Decision No. COM (2026) 244, authorizing Germany to apply a reduced tax rate to electricity directly supplied to vessels at berth in ports, in accordance with Directive 2003/96/EC. The proposed decision includes measures to: 1) allow Germany to apply a reduced electricity tax rate of 0.5 euros (US$0.58) per megawatt-hour (MWh) to shore-side electricity supplied to commercial vessels; 2) apply the authorization from Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2029; 3) exclude private pleasure craft from eligibility for the reduced rate; and 4) remove the authorization if the EU adopts ...