Despite a surge in electric vehicle sales, the European Union has eased its emissions goals in response to pressure from the automotive industry.
On Friday, EV-focused outlet CleanTechnica reported that the European Parliament has accepted requests from automakers and decided to postpone the CO2 reduction target initially set for 2025 to 2027. The move is stirring controversy, as it comes at a time when EV sales are rapidly rising across Europe.
In fact, European automakers saw a 45 percent increase in EV sales in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year—suggesting that the original goal was well within reach.
Transport and Environment (T&E), a leading environmental advocacy group, criticized the decision as ironic, pointing out that delaying emissions goals amid booming EV sales could slow down the transition to electric mobility and reduce investment.
Concerns are also growing that this delay will widen the gap between Europe and China, which already leads in EV sales volume and market share. Critics argue that Europe is missing a crucial opportunity to lead the global EV transition.
With this decision now finalized, attention turns to how it may impact the future of the European automotive industry and the region’s climate policy.
