Czechia plans to push for changes to EU car emission targets, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Transport Minister Martin Kupka (both ODS, ECR) announced on Friday, confirming that the focus will be on speeding up the review of the internal combustion engine ban and re-evaluating emission limits for new cars and vans for next year.
Fiala and Kupka also announced that Czechia will lobby for mechanisms to monitor the development of the car market to be included in the EU strategy.
“Some of the Green Deal targets have proven unrealistic, and we will try to adjust them. Without changes, we risk the future of the European automotive industry,” Fiala said.
Czechia has contacted other EU member states that may share similar concerns and, together with Germany and Italy, is working to form a joint initiative of like-minded nations.
Like Italy, Czechia’s main goal is to bring forward a review of the impact of the EU’s ban on new combustion engine vehicles in 2035.
The review is scheduled for 2026, but Fiala—like Italy—has stressed that the development of electric mobility is slower than originally expected and suggested that it be brought forward to next year.
Another key objective will be to reassess the planned reduction in passenger car emission limits in 2025. “Reality is different from what the EU targets anticipated. If they remain unchanged, European carmakers will face hefty fines and a further loss of competitiveness,” Fiala added.
Kupka, for his part, said that he had already contacted ministers from other member states in cooperation with the Czech automotive industry association AutoSAP with a proposal for a joint declaration that would later be submitted to the European Commission.
However, according to AutoSAP President and Škoda Auto Board Member Martin Jahn, it is virtually impossible to meet the emission targets for new cars under current market conditions. “Therefore, it is necessary to conduct an earlier review of the carbon dioxide goals,” said Jahn.
(Aneta Zachová | Euractiv.cz)
Source: euractiv.com
