This Thursday, October 27, the Council and the European Parliament reached an agreement described as historic on the subject of the strengthening of Community regulations concerning CO2 emission reduction targets for new cars and vans. A decisive step in this file had already been taken at the end of June 2022 when the Ministers for the Environment, meeting in Luxembourg, had managed to reach a general orientation on the proposal for a regulation, which formed the basis for the final negotiations with the European Parliament. .
Considered as one of the cornerstones of the “Fit for 55” package, i.e. the package of legislative texts which specifies the way in which the reinforced climate and energy objectives of the European Union will be implemented, this regulation imposes on car manufacturers a reduction gradual reduction in emissions from new cars and vans put on the market.
Thus, a target of reducing CO2 emissions by 55% for new cars and 50% for new vans by 2030 compared to 2021 levels has been agreed. By 2035, this reduction target will be 100% for both new cars and new vans. In other words, new cars and light commercial vehicles with internal combustion engines will no longer be able to be put on the market after 2035.
A strong signal to both industry and consumers, this agreement will make a substantial contribution to the transition to climate neutrality, with cars and vans currently responsible for around 15% of the Union’s CO2 emissions European. In 2022, 100% electric cars already represent more than 14% of new registrations in Luxembourg. Added to this are 9% “plug-in” hybrid cars.
The inevitable transition from mobility based on fossil fuels to electric mobility is accompanied by many co-benefits, in particular less pollution within cities and around major traffic routes and less noise pollution. Thanks to the decision of October 27, the automotive industry will have to accelerate its investments in zero-emission technologies, which will ultimately increase its technological and competitive edge.
The European Union is therefore not altering its efforts in terms of climate protection which, considering the current difficult geopolitical context, are more necessary than ever.
Luxembourg is one of the Member States which encourages the European Commission to put forward its legislative proposal as soon as possible concerning the strengthening of CO2 emission reduction targets for trucks.
Communicated by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development