Proposals for new Euro 7 pollution rules, due to come into effect in the summer of 2025, have sparked outrage from the car industry and some EU member states with significant car industries. On Monday, EU ministers voted for a new proposal to make Euro-7 rules less strict. Terms are still to be agreed in the coming months.

EU member states largely ruled out further tightening of car emissions standards on Monday, saying tougher rules could slow manufacturers’ investment in electric cars.

Romania is among the eight states that have opposed the EU’s proposals until 2022, along with countries such as Italy, France and the Czech Republic.

The fear of the opposing states is that investments will go to heat engines instead of electric ones. Spain, which presides over the EU, presented a compromise text approved by the EU Council.

The final agreement will be negotiated by the EU Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission.

Euro 7 rules are due to come into effect on July 1, 2025 for cars and vans, and the European Commission says the rules will reduce polluting emissions and keep the vehicles affordable for consumers.

On November 10, the European Commission proposed new Euro-7 standards to reduce polluting vehicle emissions. In 2035, Euro-7 standards will reduce total NOx emissions from cars and vans by 35% compared to Euro-6 and by 56% compared to Euro-6 for buses and trucks.

Several carmakers have strongly criticized the proposals linked to the Euro 7 rules and do not believe that car prices will rise by only 300 euros on average, the amount put forward by the EU. Many people in the automotive industry believe that there is no point in introducing Euro-7 standards when a lot is being invested in electrification anyway.

Car prices are estimated to rise by several thousand euros, and industry executives have said the strictest application of the rules would also lead to job losses.

Member state ministers have now voted in favor of slightly less stringent Euro 7 rules, rules that do not force carmakers to make huge investments in internal combustion engines, given that from 2035 they will only be able to sell new electric cars and probably some with synthetic fuel

The industry does not want to invest in engines that will disappear, and is under pressure from electric cars and the Chinese, who offer low-cost models.

Sources: Reuters, AFP

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