Source: European Parliament
The Commission undertook a thorough analysis of the economic, social and environmental impacts before proposing amendments to the CO2 emission standards for cars and vans in 2021[1] and considered the developments in other regions of the world, including China. The Commission continues to monitor the progress towards zero-emission road mobility and it will submit its first biennial report by the end of 2025.
On 5 March 2025, the Commission put forward an Action Plan for the European automotive sector[2], which builds on a Strategic Dialogue launched by the President of the Commission[3]. The action plan includes a package of measures to further support the EU battery industry, including financing under the Innovation Fund, looking into direct production support to companies producing batteries and non-price criteria for components such as resilience requirements. This complements the existing public support, which has been essential to the development of the EU battery industry, including the two battery-related Important Projects of Common European Interest[4], alongside the support provided by Member States through the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework[5].
During his hearing, the Commissioner for Energy and Housing highlighted the role of nuclear energy in supporting decarbonisation and competitiveness in Europe. Nuclear energy is, and will continue to be, an integrated part of the EU energy mix. The planned EU Clean Energy Investment Strategy will address the investment needs for nuclear energy and will be underpinned by a Nuclear Illustrative Programme. Moreover, the Commission facilitates the development and deployment of small modular reactors in Europe within the dedicated Industrial Alliance[6].
- [1] Impact assessment accompanying Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2019/631 as regards strengthening the CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles in line with the EU’s increased climate ambition.
- [2] https://transport.ec.europa.eu/document/download/89b3143e-09b6-4ae6-a826-932b90ed0816_en?filename=Communication%20-%20Action%20Plan.pdf .
- [3] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_378 .
- [4] https://www.ipcei-batteries.eu/.
- [5] https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/state-aid/temporary-crisis-and-transition-framework_en.
- [6] https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/industry/industrial-alliances/european-industrial-alliance-small-modular-reactors_en.