The European Parliament has backed a proposal to delay the EU’s 2025 CO2 reduction target for carmakers, a move that has been criticized by environmental group T&E as an “unnecessary gift” to the auto industry. The delay, which was also supported by EU member state ambassadors, comes despite a significant surge in electric car sales in Europe. In the first three months of the year, European car manufacturers sold 45% more battery electric cars compared to the same period in 2024. T&E’s cars director, Lucien Mathieu, said the delay would “allow the industry to take the foot off the gas for the EV roll-out while also slowing down investments.” The EU Commission proposed the delay in response to pressure from the European car industry, giving automakers until 2027 to comply with their 2025 EU emissions reduction targets. Mathieu noted that the recent boom in EV sales was thanks to new, more affordable models launched by carmakers to comply with the original EU target. T&E has called on the EU to stand firm on its future CO2 targets for carmakers, warning that Europe cannot afford further delays in catching up with China.
