Automotive associations warn that the current European emissions targets for 2030 and 2035 are no longer sustainable. The heads of major industry associations (e.g. ACEA for manufacturers and CLEPA for suppliers) in their In a letter to the Commission, they argue that achieving a CO₂ reduction of 55 % by 2030 (compared to 2021) and 100 % by 2035 (which would essentially ban the sale of new cars with combustion engines) is “no longer possible in today’s world”[1][2]. Their main arguments include Asia’s heavy lead in battery production, insufficient charging infrastructure, high production costs and customs barriers (e.g. US tariffs). In a letter to Commission President Von der Leyen, they stress the need for “space” for hybrid vehicles, hydrogen cars and alternative fuels, not just pure battery electric vehicles[2]. With the current share of electric vehicles at around 15 % (and only 9 % in the delivery segment), they argue that the legal limits without changes threaten to result in drastic fines and economic shocks.

Reaction of the EU and European officials

The European Commission responded to these calls with a partial concession, but confirmed the maintenance of the long-term objectives. President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the Commission would propose the possibility of meeting the 2025-2027 target in an average of three years instead of one[3][4]. “The targets remain, they will be met, but they will give industry more time,” said von der Leyen (the so-called “breathing space”). The European Parliament and the Council subsequently approved an amendment that measures manufacturers’ performance on average over the years 2025-2027[5][6]. Commission representatives emphasize that the zero-emissions target by 2035 (and the intermediate target of 55 % reduction by 2030) remains firmly established by law – part of the “Fit for 55” package. In addition, the Commission announced an Action Plan for the Automotive Industry (announced on 5 March 2025) with further proposals supporting the transition to clean transport. Some MEPs and Member States (especially conservative ones) are even proposing to lift the complete ban on internal combustion engines after 2035[7], but officially neither the Commission nor Vice-President Teresa Ribera admits such steps.

The view of environmental organizations and analysts

Environmental groups and experts warn that any weakening of the rules will worsen the climate crisis. For example, the Transport & Environment association notes that “weakening the rules rewards lagging behind” manufacturers and puts Europe behind China in electric cars[8]. Experts say that while slightly easing short-term targets (such as the proposed three-year instalments) can help carmakers spread out the adaptation, they should not jeopardise the long-term transition to clean transport. The European consumer organisation BEUC warns that scrapping the 2035 target would send a “bad signal to consumers” and slow down the availability of affordable electric cars[9]. At the same time, statistics from the European Environment Agency show that CO₂ emissions from new vehicles have fallen by around 28 % since 2019, thanks to the growing share of electric cars[10]. Environmental analysts therefore stress that the EU must meet its climate commitments and continue to significantly reduce transport emissions.

Context of the “Fit for 55” package and the ban on combustion engines

Let us recall that the decision of the European Parliament and the Council of the EU from the beginning of 2023 (part of the "Fit for 55" package) stipulated that from 2035 all new passenger cars and vans in the EU will be climate neutral. This means reducing CO₂ emissions from new vehicles by 100 % compared to 2021, i.e. practically switching to electric vehicles completely[11]. The interim target for 2030 is a reduction in emissions by 55 % for cars and 50 % for vans[11]. This legislative framework is linked to the wider EU objectives: carbon neutrality by 2050 and a significant share of green vehicles by 2030. The aforementioned three-year compromise for the years 2025–2027 thus changed only the way in which the already set targets were met, not their amount. Some politicians across the EU are calling for a restructuring of the legislation – for example, a time shift between targets or amendments allowing the use of synthetic (decarbonized) fuels – but there is no consensus on further changes yet.

Possible compromises and next steps

The public debate is now seeking compromises between industry concerns and climate commitments. In addition to extending the “transparent” period for meeting interim targets, the proposed solutions include support for infrastructure development: cheaper electric cars, faster charging networks and investment in battery research in Europe. Carmakers are also calling for the acceptance of technologies such as hydrogen or e-fuels (green synthetic fuels) that would complement electric drive[2]. The Parliament and the Council are considering the possibility of partially “turning a blind eye” to non-compliance with targets in the event of increased prices or shortages of components – for example, “freezing” fines for 2025. On the other hand, opposition parties and environmentalists insist that any later shift cannot mean the cancellation of climate ambitions. So far, European leaders are talking more about “adjusting the pace” of transitional measures than about changing the final targets. The coming months will bring a strategic dialogue aimed at balancing the needs of carmakers with the imperative to achieve climate neutrality in transport. Co2AI

Sources: Official EU press releases[6][5], Reuters and Guardian reports[1][8], expert analyses and statements from industry and civil society representatives[12][2].

[1] [2] [7] EU auto groups press for change to 'no longer feasible' car CO2 emission targets | Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/eu-auto-groups-press-change-no-longer-feasible-car-co2-emission-targets-2025-08-27/

[3] [4] EU gives automakers 'breathing space' on CO2 emission targets | Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/eu-propose-giving-automakers-three-years-meet-co2-emission-targets-2025-03-03/

[5] CO2 emissions: EP adopts flexibility measures for carmakers | News | European Parliament

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20250502IPR28225/co2-emissions-ep-adopts-flexibility-measures-for-carmakers

[6] CO2 emissions in cars: Council gives final approval to additional flexibility for carmakers – Consilium

https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/05/27/co2-emissions-in-cars-council-gives-final-approval-to-additional-flexibility-for-carmakers/

[8] [9] [10] [12] EU gives carmakers 'breathing space' on pollution target as EV sales slump | Electric, hybrid and low-emission cars | The Guardian

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/03/eu-gives-carmakers-breathing-space-on-green-targets-as-ev-sales-slump

[11] Fit for 55: zero CO2 emissions for new cars and vans in 2035 | News | European Parliament

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20230210IPR74715/fit-for-55-zero-co2-emissions-for-new-cars-and-vans-in-2035