Revision of the CO2 standards for cars and vans

Key points

The EESC:

• calls for a balanced and coherent EU framework for the automotive transition, combining a strong push for zero- and low-emission mobility with technological neutrality, a reinforced “Made in the EU” value chain, and the protection of quality jobs, industrial capacity and innovation;

• urges a pragmatic revision of CO₂ standards for cars and vans, aligned with market realities and climate objectives, to restore competitiveness while maintaining the long-term decarbonisation trajectory;

• advocates a stronger role for transitional technologies, including hybrid vehicles, sustainable renewable fuels and low-emission materials, and calls for reducing the exclusive reliance on tailpipe emissions to enable a more realistic and socially balanced transition;

• welcomes greater flexibility for 2030 targets, including multi-year compliance, and calls for targeted support for charging infrastructure, corporate fleet electrification and light commercial vehicles, where market uptake remains limited;

• recommends strengthening EU industrial leadership, through incentives such as “Made in the EU” content, support for low-emission steel and extended super-credits for electric vehicles, alongside a more comprehensive emissions methodology and a transition that remains affordable, inclusive and job-rich.

For more information please contact the INT Section Secretariat.