EU grants three-year delay on car emission targets

The European Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, has proposed extending the compliance deadline for car manufacturers to meet CO2 emissions targets from one year to three, aiming to provide the struggling automotive industry with more flexibility amid economic challenges. This change, which still requires approval from EU member states and the European Parliament, is seen as an essential step to safeguard the industry's competitiveness, especially as manufacturers face fierce competition and declining electric vehicle sales. Stellantis and Volkswagen have both expressed support for the proposal, noting it offers a pragmatic approach to balancing climate goals with economic realities. The Commission emphasized that while the timeline is relaxed, the overall emissions targets will remain unchanged, ensuring long-term accountability. Critics, including transport think-tanks, argue that many manufacturers could already meet the original targets and caution against diluting emissions standards. This initiative forms part of the EU's broader strategy to bolster its automotive sector while transitioning towards greener technologies by 2035.