before the end of the year
A stalled path marks the ongoing push to update emissions rules for motor vehicles — cars, buses, and trucks. After the political agreement was reached three weeks ago, EU industry ministers moved to safeguard the European auto sector by scaling back the European Commission’s Euro 7 proposal. This Thursday, the European Parliament’s Environment Committee adopted its own stance with votes from mainstream conservatives, liberals, and pro-business factions, while socialist, green, and left parties opposed the move.
Popular, liberal and far-right push their stance to postpone the Euro 7 standard to 2030 and 2031 despite rejection by socialists and greens in the Environment Committee
In line with broader national policies, a majority of Members of the European Parliament lean toward relaxing the Commission’s proposed regulation. The automotive industry across Europe even advocates further concessions: the Environment Committee’s text on Thursday proposes delaying Euro 7’s entry into force and easing the current Euro 6 limits. The environmental window would extend to July 1, 2030 for passenger cars and light trucks, and July 1, 2031 for buses and trucks.
Under the Commission’s plan, Euro 7 was to start earlier, in 2025 and 2027 for the two dates. The ministers’ preliminary agreement then moved the introduction of emissions controls back by two years for cars (to 2027) and trucks (to 2029). The parliamentary approach pushes the timeline even further, to 2030 and 2031 respectively.
The preliminary agreement of the European Parliament members was welcomed by ACEA
The Parliament’s report advances once it is aligned with the governments, setting the stage to revise particle and nitrogen oxide limits. The vote tally stood at 52 in favor, 32 against, with one abstention. The discussion continues toward final approval in the plenary session of the European Parliament.
before the end of the year
Nothing is final yet. The text from the Environment Committee still awaits a vote in the Parliament’s plenary. Once the general assembly signs off, interinstitutional negotiations could begin to secure a formal deal between the Council (the EU member governments) and the Parliament. During Spain’s Council Presidency, a final agreement is hoped to allow Euro 7 to be ratified before year-end, or at least to lock in the final details. Belgium, with its interest in the matter, will hold the EU Council presidency, as explained by a Member of the European Parliament from Ciudadanos and an industry observer. The document from the Environmental Committee is viewed as environmentally ambitious yet realistic for European industry and employment.
Critics argue the Commission’s initial proposal could have forced the closure of many smaller combustion-vehicle plants in Spain. The industry’s focus remains on emissions reductions achieved through durable technologies, ensuring ongoing investment in the shift toward electric vehicles while keeping regulation practical and affordable.
The Association of European Automobile Manufacturers (ACEA) welcomed the MEPs’ preliminary agreement, noting that it better reflects the sector’s concerns about the Commission’s original plan. However, ACEA calls for further refinements, saying the current draft falls short in key areas. ACEA’s leadership has long argued for Euro 7 targets and testing conditions that keep vehicles affordable and maintain industry competitiveness while delivering environmental benefits, according to Sigrid de Vries.
Rejection of socialists and greens
The notable aspect of the proposal is its inclusion of tire and brake emission limits and a framework for battery life. Yet it keeps Euro 6 testing conditions for vehicles, avoiding further immediate investments in combustion engines slated for 2035. Socialist negotiators lament that the Parliament’s agreement does not deliver meaningful gains for air quality. Christel Schaldemose remarks that the Greens and socialist left faced a setback, while the conservative camp, including Alexander Vondra, sees value in preserving affordable cars and safeguarding auto jobs within the EU. Vondra is a member of the European Conservatives and Reformists group, which cautions against any outcome that could threaten the continent’s core industry.
Conservative and liberal support
The report also drew backing from the Renew bloc and the EPP. Critics argue that the Greens and Socialists aimed to ban new internal combustion engines by 2035, and that Euro 7 risks raising vehicle prices and redirecting investment toward technologies that may be prohibited in the near future. The opposing view emphasizes that the green and social agenda might jeopardize affordability and industry vitality. Advocates say the environmental committee’s stance would improve air quality and sustain the sector, while resisting costly, premature transitions.