Large majorities in favour of EU climate package
Following the EU Council, the European Parliament has now also backed the compromise on reducing the CO2 emissions from cars. The central element of the compromise is that average CO2 emissions of new cars must be limited to 120 gram per kilometre in future. This new provision will become binding for all new cars in four stages from 2012 to 2015. A tightened limit value of 95 gram per kilometre will become legally binding in 2020. Progressive fines of up to 95 euro per gram and vehicle will be charged if these limit values are exceeded. Federal Environment Minister Gabriel welcomed the Parliament's backing.
"During the preparation and negotiations, the dossier to reduce CO2 emissions from passenger cars was hotly debated as hardly any other Commission proposal before. With this agreement, the Community has proven once more that it can reach consent and find viable compromises", Gabriel said.
With the agreement on the EU regulation setting emission performance standards for new passenger cars, the EU has created the most important tool for reducing climate damaging emissions from transport. It is the measure with the greatest impact on CO2 reduction, no other measure is as far-reaching. At the same time, the interests of the various car manufacturers are fairly balanced. Furthermore, the long-term objective for 2020 provides planning and investment security. Minister Gabriel added: "Of course, German car manufacturers too will have to massively step up their climate protection efforts. Efficient vehicles are the future - in Europe and worldwide."
The EU climate package, too, was adopted with a large majority by the European Parliament. The package includes the expansion of renewable energies and climate protection measures which the European Heads of State and Government agreed on at their meeting on 11 and 12 December 2008.