After a disappointing proposal by the European Commission on new CO2 emission 2030 targets for cars, a shift to active modes and public transport, more than ever, has to be part of the solution if the EU wants to honour its climate obligations.

Coinciding with the COP 23 negotiations in Bonn, Germany, the European Commission yesterday introduced its new proposal for post 2021 CO2 emissions for cars and vans. Even after two years of Dieselgate the disturbing news is that, once again, the automotive industry managed to avoid strong regulation on emissions, watering down the proposals. 

What does the proposal include?

The 2021 objective says that the average emissions of new cars registered in the EU should not exceed 95 grams CO2/ km. The Commission’s draft law now requires CO2 emissions from new cars to fall by just 30 % between 2021 and 2030; with an intermediate target of 15 % for 2025. The European Parliament has previously supported a 18-28% cut by 2025 [1] Nine EU countries have written to the Commission supporting a cut of 40% by 2030.

According to calculations from our partner organisation Transport and Environment, the Commission’s proposal would cover less than a third of the road transport emission cuts that are needed by 2030. [2]

Adam Bodor, ECF’s Advocacy Director says: “Given the fact that the EU fails to properly address emissions from cars to honour its climate obligations, it absolutely needs to prioritise now a shift to active mobility and public transport as part of the solution. The EU Cycling Strategy Recommendations document that was formulated by a wide coalition of stakeholders and handed over to the European Commission in June 2017 outlines in full detail what the EU, but also national, regional and local authorities have to do in order to grow cycling by 50 % by 2030.” [3]

The Commission’s proposal also includes a non-binding target for zero emission vehicles of 30% of new sales in 2030 and provisions to better monitor real-world fuel consumption. It will now be considered by the European Council and Parliament. ECF will continue to advocate for e-bikes to be included in these proposals.

Notes to editors:

[1] Equals 68-78 gCO2/km (NEDC test) asked by the European Parliament in 2013.

[2] T&E: Juncker’s early Christmas present to the car industry undermines climate goals. Here

[3] ECF (ed.): EU Cycling Strategy. Recommendations for Delivering Green Growth and an Effective Mobility System in 2030. Here