France and Germany agree to ease EU car emissions rules in new deal

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on France24 or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: France and Germany have reached a provisional agreement to loosen EU car emissions rules, prioritising support for Europe's struggling automotive industry
• The deal would remove the requirement for automakers to compensate for the final 10% of emissions under the European Commission's proposed 90% reduction target and make it easier for manufacturers to meet CO₂ limits
• It also opens the door for vehicles using renewable fuels to qualify as “zero-emission”

🔭 The context: The European Commission had proposed replacing the planned 2035 ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars with a requirement to cut new-vehicle exhaust emissions by 90%
• Germany pushed for greater flexibility for manufacturers, while France sought to preserve climate ambition and limit “Made in Europe” rules to EU countries
• The compromise also extends proposed “super credits” for small electric cars to vehicles of all sizes

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Relaxing emissions requirements could weaken incentives to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and reduce pressure on automakers to cut transport emissions
• The climate impact will depend on the final rules, the fuels used and how quickly electric vehicles replace combustion-engine cars

⏭️ What’s next: The agreement remains provisional and awaits final sign-off from Berlin
• It would also allow the UK and certain other non-EU partners, including Norway under specified conditions, to qualify for the automotive “Made in Europe” scheme, supporting integrated supply chains and regional manufacturing.

💬 One quote: The UK Prime Minister’s office said the proposed inclusion of Britain “would be good news for the British automotive industry and the jobs and investment it supports across the UK”

📈 One stat: 90% — the proposed reduction in new-car exhaust emissions under the European Commission’s plan, which the Franco-German agreement seeks to make more flexible

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