The top of the so-called ‘skeptical countrieswhich took place in Strasbourg, dealt a further blow to the EU’s ecological transition process. The participants indeed shared a pragmatic vision of the environmental issues threatening to block the three legislative proposals which have a direct impact on the future of mobility in Europe (the end of the registration of ICE cars from 2035, the new Euro 7 standard for light vehicles and the new regulations on CO2 emissions for heavy goods vehicles) if the measures they will not be modified. Strong diplomatic action will therefore be necessary in the coming months to pursue the Fit for 55 policy.

WHO ARE THE SKEPTIC COUNTRIES ABOUT THE EU’S ECOLOGICAL TRANSITION

The Strasbourg table took place in the presence of Martin Kupka, Transport Minister of the Czech Republic and promoter of the meeting, his colleagues from Italy (Matthew Salvini) Germany (Volker Wissing) Poland (Andrzej Adamczyc) and, by video link, the representatives of the governments of Hungary, Slovakia, Romania And Portugal. A politically heterogeneous group (ranging from Polish and Hungarian sovereignists to Portuguese socialists) but very compact and above all capable of forming an unsurpassable blocking minority. This means that without the votes of these countries, no measure will be approved.

EURO 7: “THE NEW NORM IS NOT REALISTIC”

The Czech Minister Kupka notably pointed the finger at the introduction of the new Euro 7 standard for light vehicleswhich imposes the development of cleaner engines from 2025 by providing for an additional reduction of pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and fine particles: “the proposal on Euro 7 is unrealistic and must be changed. We are also concerned about the potential negative effect on the environment because, as the cost of cars increases, it will penalize replacement of the fleet in circulationbecause fewer and fewer people will be able to afford to change cars”.

The Germans have instead concentrated on their “strong point”, i.e. the production and sale of engines capable of running on e-fuel even after 2035with cautious optimism: “I am convinced that progress will be made on electronic fuelssaid Minister Wissing after the meeting. Adding however that without agreement the impasse will not be released.

Is it Italy? Matteo Salvini reiterated once again the line adopted by the Italian government, which remains in favor of the green transition as long as it is realistic and based on common sense and on environmental, economic and social sustainability, for the defense of businesses and jobs. Our Executive confirms its opposition to the new Euro 7 standard and the CO2 dossier for light and heavy vehicles if biofuels and e-fuels are not included.

Our commitment continues, to respect the environment by protecting jobs and companies: great satisfaction after the meeting in the Parliament of Strasbourg with the eight European countries which say no to the total shutdown of traditional engines from 2035 and to the regulation Euro7.
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— Matteo Salvini (@matteosalvinimi) March 13, 2023

EUROPEAN COMMISSION: EURO 7 NECESSARY TO REDUCE POLLUTION

For her part, from Brussels, the spokesperson for the European Commission, Sonya Gospodinova, responded to the considerations of skeptical countries, recalling that the current legislation Euro 6 dates from 2012 and that the industry has evolved since and already now manufacturers are very close to the levels required by the new standard: “the proposal is certainly ambitious but realistic. We must first think that the reduction in polluting emissions envisaged by Euro 7 limits air pollution and therefore serves to protect the health of citizens. This must be our priority”.