The Riigikogu supports more flexible emission standards for EU car manufacturers
At its today’s sitting, the European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) approved Estonia’s positions on the initiative to revise CO2 emission standards for new passenger cars manufactured in the European Union.
Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Peeter Tali noted that under current rules, all passenger cars manufactured in the European Union should be low carbon by 2035. “To support the sustainability of the European Union’s automotive industry and flexible transition, it is appropriate to review the standards. In doing so, it is necessary to take into account technological developments and the readiness of the infrastructure,” Tali said.
Last year, electric vehicles formed 27 per cent of new cars in the European Union. “It is important to promote the production of new electric vehicles in the EU so that we would be less dependent on fuel from third countries. It also helps mitigate the pressure that cheap electric cars produced in China have put on our car manufacturers – this is a serious problem for the European economy,” Tali underlined.
It was found at the sitting that car manufacturers had already made investments to transition to the production of low-emission vehicles, so it would not make sense to consider further lowering of the target. It was also noted that countries with automotive industries had not proposed a significant reduction in emission targets. The rules apply to new vehicles manufactured in the EU, not to those already on the market.
According to the approved positions, Estonia considers it important that the introduction of flexibilities would not impose an additional administrative burden on Member States. Flexibilities must support, and not limit or hinder, the availability of vehicles, including electric vehicles, on the European Union market. Therefore, solutions must be designed in a way that simultaneously supports the achievement of climate targets and the continuation of a functioning and competitive vehicle market in the EU.
The Government’s positions regarding the initiative to amend the CO2 emission performance standards for passenger cars and vans were presented by Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Climate Kristi Klaas. The European Union Affairs Committee approved the positions, taking into account the opinion of the Economic Affairs Committee and the Environment Committee.
Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
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