What's happened
The EU has revised its 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, reducing the zero-emission requirement from 100% to 90%. The move allows hybrids and internal combustion vehicles to be produced beyond 2035, with manufacturers offsetting emissions through green steel and biofuels. The change follows industry lobbying and political pressure.
What's behind the headline?
The EU's decision to water down its 2035 car emissions ban reflects the influence of industry lobbying and national interests. While the original legislation aimed for a swift transition to electric vehicles, the revised plan accommodates hybrid and combustion engine production, potentially slowing Europe's decarbonization efforts. This shift benefits premium automakers like Porsche and BMW, which struggle with electric mobility, and aligns with political pressures from countries prioritizing industry stability. The move risks undermining Europe's climate commitments, as the remaining 10% of non-zero-emission vehicles will need to be offset by green steel and biofuels, which may not be sufficient to meet long-term emissions targets. The decision also signals a broader trend of industry influence on environmental policy, raising questions about Europe's ability to meet its climate goals while balancing economic interests. The relaxation of electric van targets further indicates a cautious approach that could delay the adoption of cleaner transport solutions, impacting Europe's leadership in green mobility.
What the papers say
According to Politico, the EU's new regulation aims to create a second-hand EV market and offers member states discretion on how to meet targets, with tax incentives like those in Belgium. The New York Times highlights industry lobbying by Germany, Italy, and others, which has led to a reduction in the emissions reduction requirement from 100% to 90%, allowing hybrids and combustion engines to continue production. The Guardian emphasizes that this move is a concession to industry pressure, with the EU's Green party criticizing it as a 'gutting' of climate legislation. The European Commission's president, Ursula von der Leyen, defends the move as maintaining Europe's leadership in the green transition, citing stakeholder dialogues. Overall, the coverage shows a tension between environmental ambitions and economic realities, with industry interests shaping policy outcomes.
How we got here
The EU initially planned a complete ban on petrol and diesel car production by 2035, aiming for zero emissions. However, facing resistance from member states and the automotive industry, the European Commission has now proposed relaxing these targets. The move is part of broader negotiations influenced by economic and political considerations, especially from countries like Germany and Italy, which have significant automotive sectors.
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The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km² and an estimated total population of about 447 million.
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Friedrich Merz is a German lawyer and politician. A member of the Christian Democratic Union, he served as a Member of the European Parliament from 1989 to 1994 and was elected to the Bundestag from 1994 until 2009, where he chaired the CDU/CSU parliament