The European Parliament has regularly called for ambitious measures reducing greenhouse gas emissions in road transport.

The EP has been pushing for the implemention of its 2030 goals to be in line with the targets set by the Paris Agreement. MEPs managed to push through a higher target for reducing EU fleet-wide emissions for new cars by 2030 (40% compared to the EU Commission’s 30%; year of reference 2021). There is an intermediate target of 20% by 2025.&nbsp; Similar targets are set for new vans as well.

Car emissions

Volkswagen, the German car manufacturer, has acknowledged that many millions of its cars sold worldwide have been specially equipped to trick emission tests, so as to appear less polluting.

Long before VW’s emissions test-cheating software was revealed, MEPs repeatedly urged that car emissions testing should take account of real-world driving conditions, so as to end obvious discrepancies between official and real consumption and emissions figures.

Car emissions - 8th parliamentary term

The European Parliament has been pushing for the implemention of its 2030 goals to be in line with the targets set by the Paris Agreement. MEPs managed to push through a higher target for reducing EU fleet-wide emissions for new cars by 2030 (40% compared to the EU Commission’s 30%; year of reference 2021). There is an intermediate target of 20% by 2025. Similar targets are set for new vans as well.

On 17 December 2015 the EP decided to set up the Committee of inquiry into Emission Measurements in the Automotive Sector (EMIS) to investigate in detail alleged breaches and maladministration in relation to emission measurements in the automotive sector. On 4 April 2019, the EMIS final report was discussed and legislation voted and approved during the plenary session in Strasbourg.

#EUelections2019 - Car emissions

MEPs address the ongoing crisis in the EU’s automotive industry, focusing on enhancing competitiveness and preventing potential plant closures. This discussion arises as the sector grapples with challenges stemming from the shift to low-carbon technologies, supply chain disruptions, heightened competition from Asia, and a decline in demand for electric vehicles. MEPs will engage with representatives from the Commission and the Hungarian Presidency to explore measures aimed at revitalizing the automotive sector.

The EU automotive industry, a historically significant sector employing 13.8 million people and contributing 8% of European manufacturing value, is currently at a pivotal moment. The transition towards electrification, with all new vehicles mandated to be zero emissions by 2035, alongside digitalization and global competition, necessitates a swift adaptation of business models. In 2023, while the EU produced 14.8 million vehicles, the industry faces the challenge of competing against emerging leaders like China. MEPs are expected to propose a resolution in a future session to address these urgent concerns and secure the future of this vital sector.

The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry

Voting session

New EU rules to reduce emissions from passenger cars, vans, buses, trucks and trailers is debated and voted by MEPs.

The regulation governing the type-approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles (Euro 7), provisionally agreed with the Council in December 2023, aims to support the EU’s transition towards clean mobility and improve air quality.

For passenger cars and vans, the current Euro 6 exhaust emissions limits and test conditions will be maintained, while stricter limits would be applied for buses and trucks. The Euro 7 standards also tackle non-exhaust emissions (microplastics from tyres and particles from brakes) and include requirements concerning battery durability.

Plenary Debate - Euro 7

EP Plenary session - The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry, potential plant closures and the need to enhance competitiveness and maintain jobs in Europe

EP Plenary session - Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7)

Press conference rapporteur on CO2 emission performance targets for new heavy-duty vehicles

EP Plenary session - Strengthening the CO2 emission performance targets for new heavy-duty vehicles

Press conference on Euro 7 emission standards for cars, vans, lorries and buses following the votes

ENVI - Euro 7 regulation for cars and vans

Fuel Station, renewable E85 fuel , Fit for 55..

Illustration pictures: various shots of an electric car.

Plenary session - Emission performance standards for new passenger cars and for new light commercial vehicles

EP plenary session -  CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles  - Report: Bas Eickhout (A8-0354/2018)

ENVI committee meeting. Vote on CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles

EP plenary session - Emission performance standards for new passenger cars and for new light commercial vehicles - Report:Miriam Dalli

EP Press conference on ' CO2 emissions from cars '

Plenary session

Damiano ZOFFOLI in plenary session - CO2 emissions from and fuel consumption of new heavy-duty vehicles

Plenary session week 06 2018 - Manipulation of scientific research by multinationals in the wake of the emission tests on monkeys and humans by the German car industry

MEPs debate and vote on their negotiating position for talks with EU member states on new rules for the EU’s alternative fuels infrastructure. They want electric charging pools for cars to be available at least every 60 km along main EU roads by 2026 and hydrogen refuelling stations every 100 km by 2028. Recharging stations must be accessible to all, regardless of the brand of the vehicle. Extracts from the debate (17/10) and from the vote, statement by Ismail ERTUG (S&D, DE), Rapporteur.

Deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure: extracts from the debate (17/10) and from the vote, statement by Ismail ERTUG (S&D, DE), Rapporteur

MEPs debate and vote on key EU draft laws to combat climate change by drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to protect jobs and citizens. Parliament is set to adopt its position on eight proposals that are part of the “Fit for 55 in 2030 package”. This is the EU’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and have net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (climate neutrality) by 2050, in line with the European Climate Law. The texts approved will be Parliament’s mandate for negotiations with EU governments on the final laws.

Fit for 55 (part 2): MEPs debate - EP Committes (part 1/3)

MEPs debate and vote on key EU draft laws to combat climate change by drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to protect jobs and citizens. Parliament is set to adopt its position on eight proposals that are part of the “Fit for 55 in 2030 package”. This is the EU’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and have net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (climate neutrality) by 2050, in line with the European Climate Law. The texts approved will be Parliament’s mandate for negotiations with EU governments on the final laws. Opening statements by Chrysoula ZACHAROPOULOU, French Minister of State for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships and by Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal.

Fit for 55 (part 2): opening statements by Chrysoula ZACHAROPOULOU, French Minister of State for Development and Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the Green Deal

MEPs debate and vote on key EU draft laws to combat climate change by drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to protect jobs and citizens. Parliament is set to adopt its position on eight proposals that are part of the “Fit for 55 in 2030 package”. This is the EU’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and have net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (climate neutrality) by 2050, in line with the European Climate Law. The texts approved will be Parliament’s mandate for negotiations with EU governments on the final laws. Closing statements by the rapporteurs and by Chrysoula ZACHAROPOULOU, French Minister of State for Development and Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the Green Deal.

Fit for 55: closing statements by Chrysoula ZACHAROPOULOU, French Minister of State for Development and Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the Green Deal

Fit for 55: MEPs debate (part 4/5)

Fit for 55: MEPs debate (part 5/5)

Fit for 55: MEPs debate (part 3/5)

Fit for 55: MEPs debate (part 2/5)

MEPs debate and vote on key EU draft laws to combat climate change by drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to protect jobs and citizens. Parliament is set to adopt its position on eight proposals that are part of the “Fit for 55 in 2030 package”. This is the EU’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and have net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (climate neutrality) by 2050, in line with the European Climate Law. The texts approved will be Parliament’s mandate for negotiations with EU governments on the final laws. Opening statements by the rapporteurs.

Fit for 55: opening statements by the rapporteurs

Fit for 55: MEPs debate (part 1/5)

MEPs debate and vote on key EU draft laws to combat climate change by drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to protect jobs and citizens. Parliament is set to adopt its position on eight proposals that are part of the “Fit for 55 in 2030 package”. This is the EU’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and have net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (climate neutrality) by 2050, in line with the European Climate Law. The texts approved will be Parliament’s mandate for negotiations with EU governments on the final laws. One round Poltical group leaders.

Fit for 55: one round Poltical group leaders

MEPs debate and vote on key EU draft laws to combat climate change by drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to protect jobs and citizens. Parliament is set to adopt its position on eight proposals that are part of the “Fit for 55 in 2030 package”. This is the EU’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and have net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (climate neutrality) by 2050, in line with the European Climate Law. The texts approved will be Parliament’s mandate for negotiations with EU governments on the final laws. Opening statement by Chrysoula ZACHAROPOULOU, French Minister of State for Development and by Frans TIMMERMANS, executive vice-president of the European Commission in charge for the Green Deal.

Fit for 55: opening statements by Chrysoula ZACHAROPOULOU, French Minister of State for Development and by Frans TIMMERMANS, executive vice-president of the European Commission in charge for the Green Deal

MEPs debate and vote on key EU draft laws to combat climate change by drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to protect jobs and citizens. Parliament is set to adopt its position on eight proposals that are part of the “Fit for 55 in 2030 package”. This is the EU’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and have net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (climate neutrality) by 2050, in line with the European Climate Law. The texts approved will be Parliament’s mandate for negotiations with EU governments on the final laws. Statement by Peter LIESE on the Revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) report.

Fit for 55: Revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS): statement by Peter LIESE (EPP, DE), rapporteur

MEPs debate and vote on key EU draft laws to combat climate change by drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to protect jobs and citizens. Parliament is set to adopt its position on eight proposals that are part of the “Fit for 55 in 2030 package”. This is the EU’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and have net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (climate neutrality) by 2050, in line with the European Climate Law. The texts approved will be Parliament’s mandate for negotiations with EU governments on the final laws. Statement by Jan HUITEMA on the CO2 emission standards for cars and vans report.

Fit for 55: CO2 emission standards for cars and vans: statement by Jan HUITEMA (Renew, NL), rapporteur

This infoclip illustrates the challenges and the perspectives for the application of the Green Deal, in the perspective of the SOTEU 2021 (effect of the Climate Change, pollution and CO2 emissions, use of renewables and unspoiled nature).

Infoclip: Green Deal

Infoclip: European Mobility week - Car-Free Days

This infoclip shows e-car and e-motorbike sharing in Madrid, Spain. Many European companies have developed sharing systems that can be accessed through smartphone apps. E-car or e-motorbike sharing systems allow everyone to travel with low emission impact and it can be expected that those sharing systems will expand over the years in the EU.

Infoclip: Car and motorbike sharing

Antonio TAJANI, EP President, and George CIAMBA, Romanian Minister Delegate for European Affairs and President in office of the Council of the EU, participate in the Lex signing ceremony for serveral legislative acts (Directives on Copyright in the Digital Single Market, SatCab regulation, Amendment of Protocol No 3 on the Statute of the Court of Justice of the European Union, Cybersecurity regulation, Regulation on food labelling, Regulation on car emissions, directive on combating fraud and counterfeiting of non-cash means of payment, Non-performing loans regulation, European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS-TCN system), Competition in air transport regulation and the regulation of the European citizens' initiative.

Lex signing ceremony in the presence of Antonio TAJANI, EP President, and George CIAMBA, Romanian Minister Delegate for European Affairs and President in office of the Council of the EU

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