Brussels (ANSA) – The European Parliament in Strasbourg has approved a revision of regulations governing CO2 emissions from cars and vans, aimed at providing manufacturers with increased flexibility in meeting emission targets and avoiding penalties for non-compliance. With a vote tally of 458 in favor, 101 against, and 4 abstentions, the Parliament endorsed a targeted amendment introduced by the European Commission earlier this month that permits car manufacturers to assess compliance with CO2 limits based on a three-year average (2025-2027) instead of on an annual basis.
This change will allow manufacturers to achieve the fleet emissions target of 93.6 grams of CO2 per kilometer by compensating for any shortfalls in one or two years with better performance in other years. A key aspect of this initiative, which aims to prevent fines estimated at around 16 billion euros, was crafted by Ursula von der Leyen and her team as part of a broader strategy for the automotive sector introduced in March.
The significant majority in Strasbourg that supported this flexible approach reflects extensive lobbying efforts by government representatives and automotive manufacturers at the Berlaymont Palace. However, this decision has sparked a divide between the majority and opposition factions in Italy. To finalize the process, formal approval from all 27 EU member states is expected in the coming days. Nevertheless, discussions in Brussels regarding the relaxation of automotive regulations are set to continue.
By the end of this year, the Commission plans to initiate a comprehensive review of the regulation that will not alter the ban on thermal engines starting in 2035 but will emphasize the principle of ‘technological neutrality’ for fuels, which is particularly important to Italy. This could open the door for new technologies in the post-2035 market when the sale of internal combustion engines, including diesel and gasoline vehicles, will be prohibited.
This presents an opportunity for enhanced flexibility that may not only support the future of e-fuels, as advocated by Berlin, but also potentially revive the debate surrounding biofuels in Italy (May 8).
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