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European Union

EU Reaches Deal on Stricter Climate Rules for New Cars

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

European Union countries have agreed on draft legislation aimed at slashing EU greenhouse gases by at least 55 per cent in 2030 compared with 1990. The deal, reached after hard-fought talks, eliminates carbon emissions from new cars by 2035, effectively prohibiting the sale of new cars powered by gasoline or diesel in the 27-nation bloc. The agreement paves the way for final negotiations with the European Parliament, which is backing ambitious bloc-wide targets.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU has agreed to eliminate carbon emissions from new cars by 2035, a move that would effectively prohibit the sale of new cars powered by gasoline or diesel in the 27-nation bloc.
  • The deal slashes EU greenhouse gases by at least 55 per cent in 2030 compared with 1990, a more ambitious target than the previously agreed 40 per cent reduction.
  • The EU's executive arm, the European Commission, has proposed five laws aimed at delivering the EU Green Deal, which includes the new climate rules.
  • European lawmakers are backing ambitious bloc-wide targets, and the agreement paves the way for final negotiations with the European Parliament.
  • The decision poses a significant challenge for German automakers, who have long relied on sales of increasingly big, gas-guzzling vehicles for their profits.
  • The German government has voted in favour of the compromise, which also includes a proposal to allow cars running on climate-neutral e-fuels to continue to be sold after 2035.
  • Environment Minister Steffi Lemke, a member of the Greens, said the deal gives the car industry the planning security it needs, while also meeting the climate targets.

Statistics:

  • The EU aims to slash greenhouse gases by at least 55 per cent in 2030 compared with 1990.
  • The deal eliminates carbon emissions from new cars by 2035.
  • The European Commission has proposed five laws aimed at delivering the EU Green Deal.
  • German automakers have long relied on sales of increasingly big, gas-guzzling vehicles for their profits.
  • Cars running on climate-neutral e-fuels will be allowed to continue to be sold after 2035.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press
  • European Commission
  • European Parliament
  • Agence France-Presse (AFP) via Getty Images
  • Greenpeace
  • Transport and Environment

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