One and a half years since the VW and ensuing Dieselgate scandal erupted, continuing inaction by Europe’s 28 car regulators have resulted in almost 35 million dirty diesels on Europe’s roads.
These will continue to pollute the air for decades to come and already result in nearly 7,000 premature deaths annually which could have been avoided if the EU air pollution limits were met. This briefing explain’s T&E’s analysis of the data, how the car approval system has been discredited, and how member states are falling short in their ambition for reform. It also outlines the position of Germany; the champion for dirty diesel.
Europe must stand firm over its future targets for carmakers as it cannot afford to fall further behind China.
The decision to create a Europe-wide carbon price was right but creates significant political risk. The good news is it can still be fixed.
It's about time the EU requires parts of key products to be made locally – and nowhere is this more urgent than in the battery sector.