By Kari Williamson

Part of the problem is to ensure biofuels are produced in a sustainable way. "If I had to decide today, I would reject a proposal to go beyond 10% (on biofuels). The whole question of sustainability has to be addressed,” Reuters quoted Oettinger as saying.

He does wish to agree on 2030 targets within a two-year timeframe, though these targets are unlikely to be legally binding: “If they [biofuels] can compete, we don't need binding legislation,” he said.

European biofuel producers have already halted much of their investment in new production due to the regulatory uncertainty experienced by the industry.