Seven European Union member states have called on Brussels to maintain the core provisions of its upcoming Automotive Package, pushing back against efforts by several countries and political groups to further relax the bloc’s vehicle emissions regulations.
France, Spain, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden have jointly urged the European Commission to stay committed to a clear pathway toward vehicle electrification and preserve the planned 2035 zero-emission vehicle target.
Seven Countries Defend EU Electrification Strategy
In a joint letter obtained by AFP ahead of a meeting of EU environment ministers later this month, the coalition warned that any further weakening of automotive CO₂ regulations would undermine the credibility and predictability of Europe’s climate policies.
The countries argued that the automotive sector requires long-term regulatory certainty to support investments in electrification and clean mobility technologies.
“Electrification is not only a climate policy objective, but also necessary for our energy security.”
The letter also highlighted Europe’s ongoing energy challenges, arguing that reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels has become increasingly important for both economic and strategic reasons.
Debate Continues Over the Automotive Package
The intervention comes as the European Union continues negotiations over its Automotive Package, expected to be finalized in December.
Under the European Commission’s proposal, newly registered passenger vehicles would effectively be required to achieve zero tailpipe CO₂ emissions from 2035 onward.
However, the proposal includes mechanisms that could allow certain vehicles powered by internal combustion engines or hybrid powertrains to remain on the market if their emissions are fully offset through a credit system.
Potential offset measures include the use of synthetic fuels, low-carbon industrial materials such as green steel produced in Europe, and other approved emissions-reduction credits.
Opposition from Germany and Other Member States
Several member states, including Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic, have continued to seek additional flexibility within the framework.
Their proposals include more favorable treatment for plug-in hybrid vehicles, revisions to the planned emissions compensation mechanism, and more flexible compliance requirements for automakers.
The German government has also opposed some elements of the Commission’s package, including proposed supercredits for small electric vehicles under 4.20 meters in length and planned electric vehicle quotas for large corporate fleets.
Fleet Electrification Remains a Key Battleground
One of the most controversial elements of the Automotive Package concerns company car fleets.
The European Commission has proposed separate electrification targets for large businesses operating vehicle fleets, viewing corporate vehicles as a key driver of EV adoption across the region.
Supporters argue that accelerating fleet electrification would increase demand for battery-electric vehicles and help create a larger used EV market in the coming years.
European Parliament Divided
Debate is also intensifying within the European Parliament.
The European People’s Party (EPP) has called for modifications to the package, including a requirement for genuine 90% CO₂ reductions without relying on emissions credits.
Critics argue that such an approach could effectively preserve a future role for petrol and diesel-powered vehicles beyond 2035.
Meanwhile, supporters of the Commission’s proposal maintain that preserving the original framework is necessary to provide certainty for automakers investing billions of euros in electric vehicle production and battery supply chains.
Regulatory Certainty Seen as Critical
The seven-country coalition emphasized that Europe should avoid sending mixed signals to industry at a time when manufacturers are making long-term decisions about future technologies.
According to the signatories, weakening existing targets could delay investment, slow electrification efforts, and undermine Europe’s competitiveness in the rapidly evolving global automotive market.
The debate over the Automotive Package is expected to intensify in the coming months as EU institutions work toward a final agreement that could shape the future of Europe’s automotive industry well into the next decade.
Source: spiegel.de, terradaily.com
