Seven EU countries push Brussels to resist further weakening of car emission targets

Seven EU Countries Call for Stronger Car Emission Regulations

Seven EU countries push Brussels to resist - A coalition of seven European Union member states has called on Brussels to maintain the current CO2 emission targets for vehicles, arguing that any further relaxation of these rules could jeopardize Europe’s climate goals, economic resilience, and energy security. The document, obtained by Euronews, highlights the growing concern among these nations about the potential consequences of weakening the EU’s decarbonization strategy for the automotive sector.

EU Leaders Softened the 2035 Combustion Engine Ban

Earlier this year, EU leaders had adjusted a proposed European Commission directive that initially aimed to phase out new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035. In response to lobbying from several governments and automotive industry players, the policy was revised to target a 90% reduction in car CO2 emissions by 2035 rather than a complete ban. This decision has sparked debates about the balance between environmental ambition and industrial adaptability.

Electrification as a Geopolitical Imperative

The seven countries—Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden—reaffirm their belief that rapid vehicle electrification is essential for both climate and energy security. They emphasize that a transition to electric vehicles (EVs) not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also safeguards the EU against future geopolitical tensions and volatile fuel prices. "Electrifying the European light vehicle fleet can mitigate exposure to energy crises and fossil fuel price fluctuations," states the document, underscoring the strategic importance of the shift.

Political Backing for the Revised Emissions Plan

The centrist European People’s Party (EPP), backed by Germany and Italy, has played a pivotal role in shaping the revised emissions framework. The party advocates for technological neutrality in EU law, allowing member states to tailor their approaches to cutting emissions while preserving economic competitiveness. This principle has been central to the EPP’s support for the 2035 plan, which they argue provides a flexible yet effective pathway for decarbonization.

Manfred Weber, the EPP’s chairman and a prominent German politician, recently hosted a high-level car industry summit to strengthen support for the revised legislation. At the event, he reiterated that the EPP had previously opposed the 2035 combustion engine ban, promising during the last election campaign to eliminate it. "The European Commission’s revised proposal aligns with our campaign promises," Weber explained at a press conference, noting that the EPP’s role was critical in ensuring the law remained adaptable without compromising its environmental goals.

Concerns Over Further Easing of Targets

Despite the EPP’s efforts, the seven countries are now warning against additional concessions that could dilute the EU’s emissions targets. A recent draft report by the Parliament’s leading negotiator, Massimiliano Salini (Italy/EPP), suggests even more lenient measures, such as extending deadlines for compliance and reducing specific CO2 reduction requirements. These changes, they argue, risk slowing the momentum of the automotive sector’s transformation and undermining long-term investment in clean technology.

According to the document, the push for stricter regulations is driven by the understanding that electrification has evolved beyond an environmental priority to a necessity for energy independence. The countries point to the surge in electric vehicle sales as evidence of consumer demand and market readiness. In the first quarter of 2026, EV sales in Europe rose by 33% compared to the previous year, the report notes, reinforcing the argument that the shift is both practical and popular.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Regulatory Certainty

While acknowledging the need for some flexibility, the seven capitals insist that any adjustments to the emissions targets must be tightly controlled and tied to concrete environmental and industrial objectives. They warn that excessive leniency could erode investor confidence and delay the transition to a low-carbon transport system. "Flexibilities for manufacturers should be conditional and carefully designed to ensure the long-term investment signal for electrification remains strong," the document stresses, calling for a framework that balances innovation with accountability.

Manfred Weber’s ongoing efforts to secure support from other political groups, including the Socialists and liberals, reflect the complexity of the legislative process. Although the EPP is expected to rally backing from right-wing factions like the Patriots for Europe, the coalition’s success depends on uniting diverse stakeholders around a shared vision for the EU’s automotive future. The document underscores the urgency of this collaboration, citing the need to prevent a fragmented approach that might weaken the bloc’s collective climate ambitions.

Pathways to a Sustainable Automotive Sector

The seven countries also highlight the importance of expanding charging infrastructure and implementing targeted incentives to accelerate the adoption of EVs. They argue that these measures are crucial for addressing the practical challenges of electrification, such as range anxiety and upfront costs. "Investing in charging networks and consumer incentives will drive demand and ensure the transition is both inclusive and efficient," the report adds, emphasizing that the EU’s success hinges on supporting the infrastructure needed to sustain this shift.

As the debate continues, the document serves as a rallying cry for maintaining the EU’s commitment to reducing car emissions. The seven nations stress that while flexibility is necessary, it should not come at the expense of long-term sustainability. They envision a future where the EU’s automotive industry leads global efforts in decarbonization, supported by robust policies and international cooperation. The document concludes by urging Brussels to act decisively, ensuring that the 2035 targets remain ambitious enough to achieve the bloc’s environmental and economic goals.

"Flexibilities for manufacturers to meet their CO2 targets must remain strictly limited, conditional, and carefully designed so as not to dilute the long-term investment signal towards electrification, weaken regulatory certainty, or slow down the industrial transition already under way across the European automotive value chain," reads the document.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the EU’s broader climate strategy, which relies on the automotive sector as a key player in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With electric car sales on the rise and public sentiment increasingly favorable, the seven countries argue that now is the time to reinforce rather than roll back the progress made. Their call for consistency in policy aligns with the need to create a stable environment for businesses and consumers alike, fostering confidence in the EU’s ability to lead the global green transition.

In the face of growing pressure to prioritize short-term industry interests, the seven capitals remain steadfast in their support for a strong emissions framework. They believe that the current 90% reduction target, though adjusted, still provides a clear roadmap for achieving net-zero goals by 2050. By emphasizing the interconnectedness of climate action, economic resilience, and energy security, the document positions the EU as a model for sustainable development. The challenge now lies in maintaining this balance as political and economic forces continue to shape the future of the automotive industry.