The European Parliament has regularly called for ambitious measures reducing greenhouse gas emissions in road transport.

The EP has been pushing for the implemention of its 2030 goals to be in line with the targets set by the Paris Agreement. MEPs managed to push through a higher target for reducing EU fleet-wide emissions for new cars by 2030 (40% compared to the EU Commission’s 30%; year of reference 2021). There is an intermediate target of 20% by 2025.&nbsp; Similar targets are set for new vans as well.

Car emissions

Volkswagen, the German car manufacturer, has acknowledged that many millions of its cars sold worldwide have been specially equipped to trick emission tests, so as to appear less polluting.

Long before VW’s emissions test-cheating software was revealed, MEPs repeatedly urged that car emissions testing should take account of real-world driving conditions, so as to end obvious discrepancies between official and real consumption and emissions figures.

Car emissions - 8th parliamentary term

The European Parliament has been pushing for the implemention of its 2030 goals to be in line with the targets set by the Paris Agreement. MEPs managed to push through a higher target for reducing EU fleet-wide emissions for new cars by 2030 (40% compared to the EU Commission’s 30%; year of reference 2021). There is an intermediate target of 20% by 2025. Similar targets are set for new vans as well.

On 17 December 2015 the EP decided to set up the Committee of inquiry into Emission Measurements in the Automotive Sector (EMIS) to investigate in detail alleged breaches and maladministration in relation to emission measurements in the automotive sector. On 4 April 2019, the EMIS final report was discussed and legislation voted and approved during the plenary session in Strasbourg.

#EUelections2019 - Car emissions

Parliament debate and vote on a targeted change to CO2 emission performance standards for new cars and vans.

Plenary decides on Tuesday whether to apply its “urgent procedure” to proposed draft legislation that would allow car manufacturers comply with emissions obligations for the years 2025, 2026 and 2027 by averaging their performance over the whole three-year period, rather than being assessed on each year’s emissions individually. Ahead of the vote, political groups’ representatives will hold one round of short interventions.

If approved, MEPs are expected to vote on the substance of the proposal on Thursday. The aim of the proposed change is intended to provide support for Europe’s automotive sector, which is experiencing rapid technological changes and increasing competition.

The proposal is part of the Commission's industrial action plan for the European automotive sector, announced on 5 March 2025. It followed the strategic dialogue on the future of the automotive industry launched by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 30 January 2025, which involved an open public consultation and discussions with the industry and other stakeholders to address the most pressing challenges facing the sector.

CO2 emission performance standards

MEPs address the ongoing crisis in the EU’s automotive industry, focusing on enhancing competitiveness and preventing potential plant closures. This discussion arises as the sector grapples with challenges stemming from the shift to low-carbon technologies, supply chain disruptions, heightened competition from Asia, and a decline in demand for electric vehicles. MEPs will engage with representatives from the Commission and the Hungarian Presidency to explore measures aimed at revitalizing the automotive sector.

The EU automotive industry, a historically significant sector employing 13.8 million people and contributing 8% of European manufacturing value, is currently at a pivotal moment. The transition towards electrification, with all new vehicles mandated to be zero emissions by 2035, alongside digitalization and global competition, necessitates a swift adaptation of business models. In 2023, while the EU produced 14.8 million vehicles, the industry faces the challenge of competing against emerging leaders like China. MEPs are expected to propose a resolution in a future session to address these urgent concerns and secure the future of this vital sector.

The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry

Voting session

New EU rules to reduce emissions from passenger cars, vans, buses, trucks and trailers is debated and voted by MEPs.

The regulation governing the type-approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles (Euro 7), provisionally agreed with the Council in December 2023, aims to support the EU’s transition towards clean mobility and improve air quality.

For passenger cars and vans, the current Euro 6 exhaust emissions limits and test conditions will be maintained, while stricter limits would be applied for buses and trucks. The Euro 7 standards also tackle non-exhaust emissions (microplastics from tyres and particles from brakes) and include requirements concerning battery durability.

Plenary Debate - Euro 7

EP Plenary session - CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles for 2025 to 2027

EP Plenary session - The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry, potential plant closures and the need to enhance competitiveness and maintain jobs in Europe

EP Plenary session - Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7)

Press conference rapporteur on CO2 emission performance targets for new heavy-duty vehicles

EP Plenary session - Strengthening the CO2 emission performance targets for new heavy-duty vehicles

Press conference on Euro 7 emission standards for cars, vans, lorries and buses following the votes

ENVI - Euro 7 regulation for cars and vans

Fuel Station, renewable E85 fuel , Fit for 55..

Illustration pictures: various shots of an electric car.

Plenary session - Emission performance standards for new passenger cars and for new light commercial vehicles

EP plenary session -  CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles  - Report: Bas Eickhout (A8-0354/2018)

ENVI committee meeting. Vote on CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles

EP plenary session - Emission performance standards for new passenger cars and for new light commercial vehicles - Report:Miriam Dalli

EP Press conference on ' CO2 emissions from cars '

Plenary session

Damiano ZOFFOLI in plenary session - CO2 emissions from and fuel consumption of new heavy-duty vehicles

MEPs vote on the following files: Arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania, Return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia, Violations of religious freedom in Tibet, Ninth report on economic and social cohesion, CO2 emission performance standards, The protection status of the wolf (Canis lupus), The role of gas storage for securing gas supplies ahead of the winter season, The screening of foreign investments in the Union and repealing Regulation (EU) 2019/452 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Suspending certain parts of Regulation (EU) 2015/478 as regards imports of Ukrainian products into the European Union, Competition policy – annual report 2024, Banking Union – annual report 2024, Objection (ENVI) Genetically modified soybean, Old challenges and new commercial practices in the internal market.

Votes on requests for urgent procedure (Rule 170): CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles for 2025 to 2027 / The protection status of the wolf (Canis lupus) / Amendments to the Capital Requirements Regulation as regards securities financing transactions under the net stable funding ratio / Pascale Piera (JURI A10-0077/2025) - Request for waiver of the immunity of Petr Bystron / Pascale Piera (JURI A10-0078/2025) - Request for waiver of the immunity of Petras Gražulis / Dainius Žalimas (JURI A10-0081/2025) - Request for waiver of the immunity of Grzegorz Braun

MEPs decide whether to apply its “urgent procedure” to proposed draft legislation that would allow car manufacturers comply with emissions obligations for the years 2025, 2026 and 2027 by averaging their performance over the whole three-year period, rather than being assessed on each year’s emissions individually. Ahead of the vote, political groups’ representatives hold one round of short interventions.

CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles for 2025 to 2027: one round of political group speakers

Closing statement Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission. MEPs address the ongoing crisis in the EU’s automotive industry, focusing on enhancing competitiveness and preventing potential plant closures. This discussion arises as the sector grapples with challenges stemming from the shift to low-carbon technologies, supply chain disruptions, heightened competition from Asia, and a decline in demand for electric vehicles. MEPs will engage with representatives from the Commission and the Hungarian Presidency to explore measures aimed at revitalizing the automotive sector.

The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry, potential plant closures and the need to enhance competitiveness and maintain jobs in Europe: Closing statement Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission

MEPs address the ongoing crisis in the EU’s automotive industry, focusing on enhancing competitiveness and preventing potential plant closures. This discussion arises as the sector grapples with challenges stemming from the shift to low-carbon technologies, supply chain disruptions, heightened competition from Asia, and a decline in demand for electric vehicles. MEPs engage with representatives from the Commission and the Hungarian Presidency to explore measures aimed at revitalizing the automotive sector. Third part of MEPs debate.

The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry, potential plant closures and the need to enhance competitiveness and maintain jobs in Europe: MEPs debate (part 3)

MEPs address the ongoing crisis in the EU’s automotive industry, focusing on enhancing competitiveness and preventing potential plant closures. This discussion arises as the sector grapples with challenges stemming from the shift to low-carbon technologies, supply chain disruptions, heightened competition from Asia, and a decline in demand for electric vehicles. MEPs engage with representatives from the Commission and the Hungarian Presidency to explore measures aimed at revitalizing the automotive sector. Second part of MEPs debate.

The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry, potential plant closures and the need to enhance competitiveness and maintain jobs in Europe: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs debate on the challenges faced by the automotive sector in the EU, and how to restore the competitiveness of European manufacturers. As the European automotive sector experiences a crisis sparked by the transition to low carbon technologies, the degradation of supply chains, increased competition from Asia, and decreased demand for electric models. After the statement of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, MEPs discuss possible measures to restore the sector's competitiveness and prevent factory closures. A resolution will be put to a vote in a future session.

The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry, potential plant closures and the need to enhance competitiveness and maintain jobs in Europe: extracts from the debate

MEPs address the ongoing crisis in the EU’s automotive industry, focusing on enhancing competitiveness and preventing potential plant closures. This discussion arises as the sector grapples with challenges stemming from the shift to low-carbon technologies, supply chain disruptions, heightened competition from Asia, and a decline in demand for electric vehicles. MEPs engage with representatives from the Commission and the Hungarian Presidency to explore measures aimed at revitalizing the automotive sector.

The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry, potential plant closures and the need to enhance competitiveness and maintain jobs in Europe: MEPs debate (part 1)

Opening statements. MEPs address the ongoing crisis in the EU’s automotive industry, focusing on enhancing competitiveness and preventing potential plant closures. This discussion arises as the sector grapples with challenges stemming from the shift to low-carbon technologies, supply chain disruptions, heightened competition from Asia, and a decline in demand for electric vehicles. MEPs engage with representatives from the Commission and the Hungarian Presidency to explore measures aimed at revitalizing the automotive sector. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry, potential plant closures and the need to enhance competitiveness and maintain jobs in Europe: Opening statement by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission

MEPs vote on the following topics: Laying down additional procedural rules relating to the enforcement of Regulation (EU) 2016/679; New Regulation on Construction Products; Amending Directive 2013/34/EU as regards the time limits for the adoption of sustainability reporting standards for certain sectors and for certain third-country undertakings; Methane emissions reduction in the energy sector; Mercury: dental amalgam and other mercury-added products subject to manufacturing, import and export restrictions; Strengthening the CO2 emission performance targets for new heavy-duty vehicles; Foodstuffs for human consumption: amending certain 'Breakfast' Directives; European environmental economic accounts: new modules; Union certification framework for carbon removals; Standards for equality bodies in the field of equal treatment and equal opportunities between women and men in matters of employment and occupation; and other topics.

Voting Session

MEPs debate and vote on new EU rules to reduce emissions from passenger cars, vans, buses, trucks and trailers and to set battery durability requirements for them. The regulation governing the type-approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles (Euro 7) aims to support the EU’s transition towards clean mobility and improve air quality. Closing statements by Elisa FERREIRA, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, and Alexandr VONDRA (ECR, CZ), Rapporteur.

Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7): Closing statement by Elisa FERREIRA, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, and Alexandr VONDRA (ECR, CZ), Rapporteur

MEPs debate and vote on new EU rules to reduce emissions from passenger cars, vans, buses, trucks and trailers and to set battery durability requirements for them. The regulation governing the type-approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles (Euro 7) aims to support the EU’s transition towards clean mobility and improve air quality.

Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7): MEPs debate

MEPs debate and vote on new EU rules to reduce emissions from passenger cars, vans, buses, trucks and trailers and to set battery durability requirements for them. The regulation governing the type-approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles (Euro 7) aims to support the EU’s transition towards clean mobility and improve air quality. Opening statements by Alexandr VONDRA (ECR, CZ), Rapporteur, Massimiliano SALINI (EPP, IT), ITRE Committee, Elisa FERREIRA, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Antonius MANDERS (EPP, NL), IMCO Committee, and Marian-Jean MARINESCU (EPP, RO), TRAN Committee. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7): Opening statement by Alexandr VONDRA (ECR, CZ), Rapporteur, and Elisa FERREIRA, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms

Christian EHLER (EPP,DE), Rapporteur, holds a press conference on Net-Zero industry act during the plenary session. The "Net-Zero industry act" sets a target for Europe to produce 40% of net-zero technologies based on National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) and to capture 25% of the global market value for these technologies. MEPs want to broaden the scope of the rules to encompass the entire supply chain, including components, materials, and machinery. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Christian EHLER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur on Net-Zero industry Act

Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA,NL), Rapporteur, holds a press conference on CO2 emission performance targets for new heavy-duty vehicles. The Parliament's proposal put forward the targets should be set at 45% for the period 2030-2034, 70% for 2035-2039 (compared to 65% proposed by the Commission) and 90% as of 2040. They also agree that newly registered urban buses should be zero-emission vehicles from 2030. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA,NL), Rapporteur on CO2 emission performance targets for new heavy-duty vehicles

MEPs debate and vote on on strengthening requirements for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs), such as buses, trucks and trailers, to reduce their CO2 emissions. They propose that the targets should be set at 45% for the period 2030-2034, 70% for 2035-2039 (compared to 65% proposed by the Commission) and 90% as of 2040. They also agree that newly registered urban buses should be zero-emission vehicles from 2030. Background: On 14 February 2023, the Commission tabled a legislative proposal to set CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles from 2030 onwards to help reach the EU’s objective to be climate neutral by 2050 and lower the demand for imported fossil fuels. Heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks, city buses and long-distance buses, are responsible for more than 25% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from road transport in the EU and account for over 6% of total EU GHG emissions.

Strengthening the CO2 emission performance targets for new heavy-duty vehicles: closing statements by Wopke HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner for Climate Action and by Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), Rapporteur

Strengthening the CO2 emission performance targets for new heavy-duty vehicles: MEPs debate

MEPs debate and vote on on strengthening requirements for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs), such as buses, trucks and trailers, to reduce their CO2 emissions. They propose that the targets should be set at 45% for the period 2030-2034, 70% for 2035-2039 (compared to 65% proposed by the Commission) and 90% as of 2040. They also agree that newly registered urban buses should be zero-emission vehicles from 2030. Background: On 14 February 2023, the Commission tabled a legislative proposal to set CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles from 2030 onwards to help reach the EU’s objective to be climate neutral by 2050 and lower the demand for imported fossil fuels. Heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks, city buses and long-distance buses, are responsible for more than 25% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from road transport in the EU and account for over 6% of total EU GHG emissions. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Strengthening the CO2 emission performance targets for new heavy-duty vehicles: opening statements by Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), Rapporteur, Miapetra KUMPULA-NATRI (S&D, FI), Andris AMERIKS (S&D, LV) and Wopke HOEKSTRA, EC for Climate Action

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