Plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from passenger cars and vans by 2030, which were already informally agreed with the Council, were voted on this week by the EU Parliament. CO2 reduction targets: 37.5% for new cars and 31% for new light trucks by 2030.

Measures will also be taken to address the social impact of the transition towards low carbon emissions. Manufacturers whose average emissions exceed the limits will have to pay an excess emissions premium. By 2023, the European Commission will have to evaluate whether or not to allocate these amounts to a specific fund in order to transition towards zero-emission mobility, and to support skills formation for workers in the automotive sector. In addition, actions will be taken to develop comprehensive life cycle analysis methodologies.

MEPs and EU ministers agreed on a stricter emission reduction target (37.5%) for the whole new Union fleet compared to the 30% target proposed by the Commission.

Transport is the only sector in the EU that did not record any significant decline in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 1990. Figures from the European Environment Agency show that of all means of transport in the EU, road transport generates the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions (72.9 % in 2016), and is responsible for around 20 % of the EU’s total GHG emissions.

The legislation was adopted with 521 votes in favor, 63 against and 34 abstentions. The text requires adoption by the Council prior to its publication in the Official Journal.