European Parliament approves more flexible CO₂ rules for carmakers

The European Parliament has approved on Thursday a new regulation that gives car manufacturers more flexibility in meeting carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission targets from 2025 to 2029. In Strasbourg, France, the vote passed with a clear majority: 458 in favor, 101 against, and 14 abstentions, writes Runfeng Huang.

The new rules don’t change the EU’s long-term climate goals, such as the target to reduce CO₂ emissions from new cars by 100% by 2035. Instead, they allow companies more time to adjust in the short term. Between 2025 and 2027, carmakers can meet their CO₂ targets based on average emissions over the three-year period, rather than being judged each year. From 2028, annual compliance will resume.

The updated law also lowers the benchmark for how many zero- and low-emission vehicles manufacturers need to sell to receive special credits, reflecting slower-than-expected electric vehicle (EV) sales across Europe.

Supporters of the change say it will help the industry stay competitive during a difficult transition period. Some lawmakers and environmental groups, however, worry it may slow down progress on clean transport. Peter Mock, Europe Managing Director at the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), criticized the new rules as a “step backward” in EU’s clean mobility strategy. He warned that delaying the shift to electric vehicles during this crucial phase of transition could hurt the EU’s long-term competitiveness and its ability to meet climate goals.

The Council of the EU is expected to formally approve the regulation soon. Once that happens, the new rules will become official across the bloc.

Sources: The Guardian, Reuters, European Parliament, Xinhua News Agency

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