Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On Tuesday, the European Parliament paved the way for expedited approval of relaxed EU CO2 emissions targets for cars and vans, giving automakers extra time to comply and potentially lowering fines.
EU lawmakers supported a motion for swift approval of the change instead of engaging in extended debates. They are set to vote again on Thursday regarding the Commission’s proposal, which still requires consent from EU governments.
As reported by the press of the EU Parliament, the current regulations establish yearly targets for decreasing average CO2 emissions from new cars and vans within the EU fleet, covering five-year intervals. Starting in 2025, there will be an annual CO2 emission reduction target of 15% relative to 2021 levels for the 2025-2029 timeframe.
What changes are proposed to CO2 targets?
The suggested modification would enable manufacturers to meet their obligations for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027 by averaging their performance across the three-year period instead of evaluating each year independently. This method permits them to offset any excess emissions in a given year by exceeding the targets in following years.
The proposal is included in the Commission’s industrial action plan for the European automotive sector, revealed on 5 March 2025. This came after a strategic dialogue regarding the future of the automotive industry initiated by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 30 January 2025. The dialogue featured an open public consultation and discussions with industry representatives and stakeholders to tackle the sector’s critical challenges.
What is the aim of the Commission’s new plan?
In March, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed providing struggling car manufacturers with “breathing space” by granting them additional time to comply with the 2025 emission reduction targets without incurring penalties.
“There’s a clear demand for more flexibility on CO2 targets,”
The European Commission president told journalists in Brussels.
“Instead of the annual compliance, companies will get three years.”
Von der Leyen also said businesses would still have to “fulfill” the same targets. “But it means more breathing space for industry. It also means more clarity,” she said after talks with industry representatives including from BMW, Renault, Volkswagen and Stellantis, which owns several brands including Jeep, Fiat and Peugeot.
