MDespite fierce opposition from the right, Brussels’ proposal to reduce emissions from new cars to zero from 2035 was approved by the European Parliament on Wednesday, de facto only allowing the sale of electric vehicles. MEPs, meeting in plenary session in Strasbourg, validated the text on the regulation of CO emissions2 cars and vans, which is part of the EU’s ambitious climate plan, by 339 for (249 votes against, 24 abstentions).
This tight vote determines the position of MEPs before their negotiations with member states to finalize a compromise. Cars account for 12% of CO emissions2 in the EU. The objective of “zero emissions” was the subject of a bitter battle in the hemicycle, with an amendment from the EPP (pro-European right and leading force in Parliament), proposing to aim instead for a 90% reduction in automotive emissions in 2035.
This would have made it possible to continue selling hybrid cars. The amendment was ultimately narrowly defeated. Conversely, the Greens, who wanted to advance the ban on heat engines to 2030, were not convinced either. The right, which called for also taking into account the carbon emitted for the production of a car, also failed to pass an amendment promoting the use of “synthetic fuels” potentially more ecological than fossil fuels.
“An important and consistent victory”
“We are setting a clear course for the industry by supporting the end of thermal engines in 2035, an important victory consistent with the objective of carbon neutrality for 2050”, since a car runs on average fifteen years, welcomed Pascal Canfin (Renew, Liberals), Chairman of the Environment Committee in Parliament. With thirteen years to change the most important industry in terms of jobs in Europe, “the entry into electromobility is a way of protecting both the climate and the jobs in this sector over time”, confirms the German MEP Michael Bloss (Greens).
A dramatic turn of events and climate change at the Parliament of Strasbourg
In addition, “the phasing out of combustion engines is a historic opportunity to end our dependence on oil”, while the increased production of electric vehicles will help to lower the price, welcomes Alex Keynes, of the NGO Transport & Environment.
The right, which logically voted against the entire text, is however alarmed by the industrial consequences. “Imposing ‘zero emissions’ would amount to condemning a whole section of industrial activity and would strongly penalize consumers”, believes Agnès Evren (PPE). She criticizes a text which “will prevent the marketing of high-performance hybrid vehicles or vehicles using biofuels”, the production of which could prove to be cheaper and less carbon-emitting than electric vehicles.
