Today, the European Commission proposed a targeted amendment to the Regulation on CO2 emission performance standards for new cars and vans. The amendment introduces a flexibility measure for their CO2 targets between 2025 and 2027.
This measure is part of the Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector, adopted on 5 March 2025. This followed the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the Automotive Industry launched by President von der Leyen on 30 January 2025.
President Ursula von der Leyen stated: “Our innovative automotive industry is decarbonising to contribute to the fight against climate change and maintain its competitive edge. With this initiative, we provide more flexibility to this sector while staying committed to our climate goals.”
The proposed flexibility allows manufacturers to assess their CO2 targets for 2025, 2026, and 2027 over the entire period, instead of annually. This enables manufacturers to offset any excessive annual emissions by outperforming in the remaining years.
This additional flexibility helps secure the industrys capacity to invest in the clean transition, while maintaining the 2025 target and keeping the sector on track for the next round of emission reductions.
The Commission urges co-legislators to reach an agreement promptly on this amendment to ensure predictability and certainty for the automotive industry and investors.
For more information
Targeted amendment to the CO2 emission performance standards for new cars and vans
CO2 emission performance standards for cars and vans
Press release - Commission boosts European automotive Industrys global competitiveness
Communication: Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector
CO₂ standards for cars and vans – policy page