TonFor a long time, EU commissioners have been arguing with each other on the issue that the auto industry should reduce the emissions of new cars in the next few years. They finally reached an agreement on Tuesday night, just a few hours before the European Commission formally proposed a climate package for “55 years old”.It is expected to start selling new cars with internal combustion engines in 2035 I the end.
Before that, as FAZ learned from the committee, manufacturers must reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of the new fleet to zero. Then only allow the sale of electric cars or other cars that do not emit carbon dioxide. By 2030, emissions are expected to be 55% lower than in 2021. By then, the new fleet will be allowed to emit an average of 95 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer. So far, the EU has only required manufacturers to cut 37.5% by 2030.
Are there any reservations for the 2035 target?
Choosing 2035 as the end date for the internal combustion engine was a success for the responsible vice chair of the committee and the climate commissioner Frans Timmermans. From the beginning, he insisted on ending early. On the other hand, French Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton and European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis have been trying to postpone the end of the internal combustion engine until 2040.
However, they can ensure that the 2035 target is retained to a certain extent. If it turns out that the manufacturer cannot achieve the goal, it can be adjusted. In addition, they can ensure that the savings target for 2030 is below Timmermans’ requirements. He actually hopes to force manufacturers to reduce emissions by 65% by then.
Through the “Fit-for-55” package, the Commission hopes to ensure that the EU achieves its goal of reducing total greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. The climate package contains more than ten recommendations on various aspects of climate protection. Transport, which accounts for about a quarter of EU emissions, plays an important role in this regard. The package also provides for the introduction of new emissions trading schemes for transportation and construction, which Germany has already done this year.
This also caused controversy in the committee and was strongly opposed by member states and the European Parliament. In order to offset the impact of rising gasoline or heating oil prices on poor households and member states, the committee hopes to establish a climate society fund that will use 20% of emissions trading revenues for transportation and construction.
The industry and energy sectors will have to overcome difficulties while reducing carbon dioxide rights. In order to protect the industry from competitive disadvantages, the committee hopes to impose a border tax on carbon dioxide on certain sectors such as steel. They should pay for imported products to competitors who do not have comparable climate requirements. After Wednesday’s presentation, the committee’s proposal still needs to be discussed by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers of State Institutions. They can only take effect if both agencies agree. As part of the legislative process, you can change the proposal in advance.
