A coalition of eight European Union nations, comprising of France, Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, have raised concerns over the stringent EU emission regulations set to take effect in 2025. This group, accounting for nearly one-third of the EU’s 27 members, believes the forthcoming Euro 7 regulations are unattainable and have challenged the laws in a collective statement.
The joint paper opposes any fresh exhaust emission rules and the introduction of new testing requirements for cars and vans. This coalition’s collective voting power could potentially block the proposal, as reported by Reuters.
This isn’t the first opposition to the Euro 7 emissions regulations, which further tighten already rigorous standards. Earlier this year, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares criticized the rules for being ineffective and likely to harm the auto industry. He argued that they would unnecessarily increase costs for automakers, forcing them to invest in new engine designs that would only be relevant for a few years, thereby diverting funds from zero-emission development.
Echoing Tavares, Volkswagen’s CEO for Passenger Cars, Thomas Schafer, also voiced his disapproval, indicating that the shift towards electrification makes these new regulations redundant. Schafer highlighted that the majority of Volkswagen’s production is slated to be electric by 2030, rendering the redesign of engines for just a few years of use impractical. This could potentially inflate the prices of small cars such as the VW Polo or Skoda Fabia, making them unaffordable for many buyers.
The opposition to the EU emission regulations appears to be a prelude to the complete ban on internal combustion engines expected in Europe by 2035. This impending prohibition has stirred controversy and led to resistance from several EU nations, including many in the current coalition. Amidst the backlash, the EU is reportedly exploring synthetic fuels as an alternative to extend the lifespan of new combustion engines beyond 2035.
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