Agreement in the night of Wednesday in Luxembourg: According to the will of the EU countries, from 2035 only climate-neutral new cars may be sold in the EU. A final compromise must now be negotiated with the EU Parliament, which aims to put an end to all new combustion engine cars from 2035.
After hours of negotiations, EU countries agreed to reduce so-called fleet limits for cars to zero by 2035 – meaning the new cars should not emit any CO2 while driving. For conventionally powered new cars, that’s the end. Vehicles that have already been registered may continue to drive. In addition, the European Commission should investigate whether exceptions are possible for combustion engines that run on synthetic fuels. The EU parliament is clearer about the requirements and wants de facto an end to combustion engines.
Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) was happy with the agreement on Wednesday evening. “After 17 hours of the Council of Environment Ministers, we have an agreement! Combustion out by 2035, new climate targets for all member states, first targets for the land use sector, emissions trading strengthened and expanded, climate social fund on the way,” she emphasized on Twitter, writing: “Yesss!!
Habeck: “Largest climate protection package in 15 years”
German Economic Affairs Minister Robert Habeck also welcomed the agreement. “This is the largest climate protection package forged in Europe in 15 years,” the Green politician said on Wednesday evening. The decision, which includes the end of conventionally powered new cars with internal combustion engines from 2035, is a “bold exclamation point for climate protection in Europe”.
At their meeting, ministers decided on further climate protection targets based on the European Commission’s “Fit for 55” package. In addition to the new climate requirements for new cars and vans, EU countries have also agreed on a €59 billion climate social fund and a reform of the EU’s emissions trading system, whereby emissions of climate-damaging gases such as CO2 must be paid for.
Intense discussions
The system is now being extended to heating buildings and transport. This was in some cases hotly debated because it was feared that consumers would have to pay even more for heating and driving. In some EU countries a CO2 price already applies for these areas. Until now, the obligation to pay for the exchange of climate-damaging gases only applied to industry. The EU parliamentarians are in favor of only having to pay for company buildings and transport if CO2 is emitted.
By 2030, emissions of the climate-damaging gas from new cars must be reduced by 55 percent. The target for renewable energy is increased from 32 to 40 percent, as are the targets and specifications for ramping up “green” hydrogen.
Changes still possible
Now that ministers have reached an agreement, negotiations can begin with the EU Parliament to finalize the climate package. This is planned for the second half of 2022, the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of the Environment explained. Changes are therefore still possible. The aim is to limit climate change to 1.5 degrees Celsius if possible and to drastically reduce emissions of climate-damaging greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2). The EU has set itself the target of reducing emissions of climate-damaging greenhouse gases by 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 and becoming climate neutral by 2050.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
