Over 25 hours of tough negotiations between the European Parliament and the EU Council were needed to reach a provisional agreement on CO2 reductions for cars and vans.

 

The strong position held throughout by the rapporteur, S&D MEP Miriam Dalli, has ensured a 37.5% target for cars and vans in 2030, departing from a Commission proposal of 30%.

 

Moreover, the Parliament successfully closed a number of loopholes that would have otherwise weakened the legislation. For the first time ever, the legislation introduces an obligation for the European Commission to monitor and report fuel consumption meter data so as to prevent the CO2 gap between the real world and laboratory tests from growing. Failure to comply with the regulation will result in manufacturers facing stricter targets.

 

Fully embracing the concerns of trade unions, the legislation demands the European Commission to assess the possibility of creating a fund for a just transition. This fund is needed to achieve a climate-neutral economy without social costs, and in particular to support workers in the car manufacturing sector.

 

In closing the loopholes, the European Parliament capped the incentive of plug-in cars at 5% of new car sales.