· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euractiv or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Germany’s Economy Minister Robert Habeck has joined Italy’s call to accelerate the revision of the EU’s CO2 targets for cars
• Both nations want to move up the review of emissions standards from 2026 to 2025 to better align with industry shifts and economic challenges
🔭 The context: EU regulations require carmakers to reduce emissions by 15% by 2025, with further cuts leading up to a 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars
• Amid slowing sales in China and increased competition in electric vehicles, Germany and Italy are pushing for a faster revision to avoid financial penalties for the industry
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Revising CO2 targets is crucial for balancing industry competitiveness and climate goals, as the EU’s standards are key to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050
• The 2035 petrol car ban is vital for reducing transportation emissions
⏭️ What's next: The Italian government will propose this accelerated review at an upcoming conference, aiming to gather support from other EU countries, while the industry urges Berlin and Brussels to prioritize competitiveness
💬 One quote: “If you question [the petrol car ban], you question climate neutrality by 2050. I do not want that. Absolutely not,” said Robert Habeck
📈 One stat: German carmakers could face billions in fines if the 2025 emissions targets are not adjusted
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