The European Parliament (EP) has backed a 20% reduction of CO2 emissions from light vehicles by 2020, and a 40% cut by 2030. Member states' environment ministers will meet on 9 October to agree a position on the matter, with the Austrian presidency reportedly advocating a 35% target. The European Commission had proposed a 30% reduction by 2030. In an interview with German newspaper Die Welt, EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik said that he was "convinced" that Europe could achieve its target without any additional measures.
The European Parliament (EP) has backed a 20% reduction of CO2 emissions from light vehicles by 2020, and a 40% cut by 2030. Member states' environment ministers will meet on 9 October to agree a position on the matter, with the Austrian presidency reportedly advocating a 35% target. The European Commission had proposed a 30% reduction by 2030. The Parliament has also reinstated a penalty system for carmakers who fail to reach the target, which had been removed by the Commission on the urging of the German car lobby.