EU countries must not fail on ICE phase-out

Sarhan Basem
Blurred silhouettes of cars surrounded by steam from the exhaust pipes. Traffic jam

EU member states today delayed formal approval, planned for 7 March, of legislation that would effectively prohibit internal combustion engines (ICE) in new vehicles.

Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) The provisional agenda for the EU’s council of ministers had included the adoption of revisions to a 2019 EU regulation that would set a 100pc CO2 cut for new passenger vehicles and vans from 2035. The revised regulation also aims to cut average emissions for new cars by 55pc and for new vans by 50pc by 2030.

Parliament formally adopted the revised regulation on 14 February, the same day as the European Commission proposed a CO2 reduction target of 90pc for heavy-duty vehicles from 2040, essentially all but a ban on new ICE trucks.

Philippe Lamberts MEP, Co-President of the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament, comments:

“The debate on the combustion car phase-out is an absurd spectacle that is already causing great damage in the EU. Germany has already agreed to the combustion engine phase-out in Brussels. The last vote is actually only the confirmation of a position that has already been decided. Germany must remain a reliable European partner.”

Bas Eickhout MEP, Greens/EFA Group negotiator in the European Parliament’s lead Environment Committee, comments:

“The phasing out of the combustion engine must not fail because the policies of governments such as Germany, Poland, and Italy are being driven by car industry lobbyists. FDP cannot change the vote that has already been given. Germany has to stay a reliable partner.”

About Us

Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
Share This Article
Follow:
Sarhan Basem is Brussels Morning's Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful commentary and in-depth coverage. Beyond the world of journalism, Sarhan is an avid traveler, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and enjoys unwinding with a good book or indulging in outdoor adventures whenever possible.
The Brussels Morning Newspaper Logo

Subscribe for Latest Updates