European Union ministers from the industry sector agreed to sign a political accord on Monday, laying out a framework for the Euro 7 regulation. This set of rules targets emissions from motor vehicles—cars, vans, trucks, and buses—along with engine durability, brake and tire wear, and the performance of batteries. The document from the council is now subject to negotiation with the European Parliament. The compromise reflects a deliberate shift by the European Commission, delaying certain entry-into-force dates to shield and sustain the European automotive industry while still aiming for forward progress in cleaner mobility.
“The goal is to maintain leadership in future mobility while adopting emission levels that are realistic for the vehicles of the next decade, and at the same time helping the industry take a clear step toward non-polluting cars by 2035,” summarized the deputy minister of industry, who presided over the meeting of the Twenty-Seven.
In his remarks, the minister underscored that the automotive sector faces unprecedented challenges due to the war in Ukraine, limited access to raw materials, and rising energy costs. The agreement signed by the Twenty-Seven is presented as a response to these pressures and a path forward for the industry amid a difficult global backdrop.
The discussion stressed the need to balance improved air quality and human health with safeguarding European industry, ensuring that the sector remains competitive on the global stage. The proposal has sparked considerable debate within the European auto industry, facing opposition from several manufacturing nations. Italy, France, the Czech Republic, and Poland ultimately backed the deal but warned about the impact a more stringent standard could have on a sector employing roughly 14 million people within the EU.
“We must begin this transition without placing a disproportionate burden on companies. Otherwise, investment will stall, and that would derail our ecological goals,” warned Italian business minister Adolfo Urso, highlighting the need for a practical path forward.
The industry welcomes the move
The European Union welcomed the agreement as a positive step, noting that the compromise devised during the Spanish presidency improves upon the original proposal from Brussels. The industry argues that Euro 7 represents a more comprehensive framework for new cars, light trucks, and especially heavy vehicles, demanding robust engineering and testing. With this shift, the sector anticipates substantial investments in coming years as it simultaneously channels resources toward decarbonization efforts.
Sigrid de Vries, chief executive of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, reiterated the needs shaped by the ongoing transition away from gasoline, diesel, and hybrid propulsion starting in 2035. The industry emphasizes the importance of aligning reforms with a realistic timeline that supports innovation and job security through the shift to cleaner technologies.
The EU began setting vehicle emission limits in 1992 and has progressively tightened these standards since. The newly reached agreement maintains current testing conditions and the Euro 6 limits for passenger cars and vans, while applying tighter controls to heavy vehicles such as buses and coaches. It also references a target for near-zero CO2 emissions for city buses and outlines how tests will be adjusted to reflect more stringent conditions.
Regulatory changes will also cover brakes and tires. For the first time, the rules will regulate particle emissions not only from the exhaust but also from wear-related sources, including brake and tire wear. The rules will align with international standards adopted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). The agreement sets out a timeline for implementing acts by the Commission to provide clarity and certainty for businesses and other stakeholders.
The European Commission’s initial plan submitted in November 2022 envisaged Euro 7 taking effect in 2022, with full implementation by July 1, 2025 for light vehicles and 2027 for heavy vehicles. Those dates were deemed overly ambitious by many member states, leading to a postponement. The presidency’s commitment, subject to parliamentary negotiations, proposes a phased-in approach: about 30 months after adoption for private passenger vehicles, and roughly 42 months for heavy vehicles, effectively delaying new standards beyond mid-2026.
Further details will be shaped through ongoing discussions between the Commission and the European Parliament, which has not yet finalized its position. The ongoing dialogue aims to provide a stable, predictable regulatory environment that supports innovation while protecting public health and air quality commitments.
Environmental authorities will publish further guidance as needed to ensure that the implementation path is clear for manufacturers and other economic actors to follow.