Briefing

Decisive moment for the EU’s clean car rules

May 8, 2022

As a key parliamentary committee votes on the revision of the EU's car and van CO2 standards on 11 May, this briefing looks at what is at stake for the European Green Deal and Europe’s climate ambitions.

The EU’s vehicle CO2 standards are the main tool to decarbonise cars in Europe. Following the entry into force of the 2020/21 targets, electric cars entered the mass market much faster than previously expected, reaching 18% of new sales last year. Getting to 100% zero-emissions mobility is now within reach and – to ensure Europe can meet its own Green Deal goals – must be the ultimate objective of the new car and van CO2 regulation.

On Wednesday (11 May), the Environment Committee of the EU Parliament will vote on the revision of the car and van CO2 standards. This short briefing looks at what is at stake for the European Green Deal and Europe’s climate ambitions, and explains the next steps for the new targets to become law.

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