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EU ministers reconfirm emissions target by 2012 |
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The Environment ministers unanimously support a union-wide target of 120 g/km CO2 emissions for all new cars by 2012, urging the Commission to come up with concrete technology-based reduction measures, notably regarding Mobile Air Conditioning.
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2007-06-29
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Meeting in Luxembourg on 28 June, the EU Environment Ministers reconfirmed their support to the EU objective of 120 g/km for new cars sold in the EU by 2012, and the overall framework of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least a 20% by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. Acknowledging the urgent need to replace the car industry’s voluntary commitment with mandatory reduction targets, the ministers asked the European Commission to establish a legislative framework to reduce CO2 emissions from new cars as soon as possible.
Reactions
The ministers did not, however, specify through which measures emission targets should be achieved, leaving it up to the European Commission to come up with concrete proposals by the end of this year.
Energy-efficient air conditioning a key tool
Despite the ministers' failure to agree on how the burden of emissions reduction should be shared between manufacturers of small and large vehicles, their joint statement reiterates the central role of innovative technologies in reducing GHG emissions from road transport. Calling for a technology-based approach, the Environment ministers mentioned energy-efficient air conditioning systems as a key tool to achieve emission targets.
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"This sends a clear message to the car industry that current efforts to reduce emissions must continue and must be intensified and accelerated," praised Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas the ministers' statement.
German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel, currently representing Germany's EU presidency, however, pointed out that "the competition problem is a tough nut to crack," before adding that manufacturers of both small and large cars should contribute similarly to an EU emissions target.
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Next steps
By the end of 2007 or beginning of 2008, the European Commission will issue a draft legislation to implement the CO2 reduction strategy, after having consulted with stakeholders and presented a thorough impact assessment.
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More information:
 Environment Council Conclusions - EU CO2 strategy, 28 June 2007 (134 KB)
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