‘Historic’ EU decision to end sales of new cars with internal combustion engines from 2035

It was approved on Thursday by European Union the end of the sale of the new ones cars with internal combustion engines in 2035. This is an agreement that aims to meet European commitments for climate neutrality.

French MEP Pascal Kanfen (Renew Europe), the chairman of the European Parliament’s Environment Committee, spoke on Twitter about a “historic decision by the EU on the climate”, after several hours of negotiations had been completed.

The approved text is based on the proposal submitted by the Commission in July 2021 and provides the zero CO2 emissions of new cars sold in Europe from 2035.

Which means the de facto end of sales of new petrol or diesel-burning light commercial vehicles in the European Union from this year, as well as hybrid cars (petrol or diesel + batteries), or in other words how they will be sold only 100% electric new cars.

With an eye on climate neutrality

As the car, the main means of transport for Europeans, accounts for just under 15% of total CO2 emissions in the EU, the new rule is expected to contribute to the achievement of the climate goals set by the old continent, namely the achievement of climate neutrality by 2050.

This is the first agreement on a measure included in the European climate package (“Fit for 55”), which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990. the EU member states.

Predict reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in 2030 by 55% for new cars and by 50% for new vans compared to 2021.

Exceptions are foreseen, in particular for car manufacturers that are characterized as “niche” (i.e. cover a specialized, small sector of the market) and those that produce fewer than 10,000 cars per year, until the end of 2035. This clause, also known as the “Ferrari amendment “, mainly concerns manufacturers of luxury and/or sports cars.

Negotiators also agreed to “begin the process of formulating a legislative proposal in 2025 to create a Just Transition Fund” for the automotive sector, Pascal Canfen added.

The creation of this fund was requested by the European Parliament to allow “to guarantee the comprehensive treatment of the social and economic costs” of the transition to “mobility with zero emissions”.

The European automotive industry employs, directly or indirectly, more than 13 million Europeansin other words it accounts for 7% of jobs in the EU, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).

A Commission proposal is expected in 2023 that will allow the acceleration of corporate car fleets with zero-emission vehiclesMr. Kanfen clarified.

The European Parliament and the European Council will have to formally ratify this agreement for it to enter into force.