Meet truck CO₂ targets without punishing manufacturers

Today, the EPP Group fast-tracked a fix to EU truck CO₂ rules to give European truck manufacturers the flexibility they need to meet climate targets without unfair penalties.

"European truck manufacturers are facing major CO₂ compliance milestones under rules that do not yet reflect market realities. The zero-emission truck market is growing, but slower than previously expected. The answer is not to hit European manufacturers with fines while their Chinese and US competitors operate under no such pressure in their respective countries. That would not save the climate; it would only destroy European jobs and the competitiveness of our heavy-duty vehicle industry," said Jens Gieseke MEP, EPP Group spokesman for Transport and Tourism, after today’s vote.

The European Parliament today voted to speed up changes to the calculation of CO₂ emission credits for heavy-duty vehicles for the 2025-2029 reporting periods. The EPP Group supports the Commission's legislative proposal without any amendments.

The changes correct how emission credits are calculated, leaving all long-term CO₂ reduction targets fully intact. Urban buses are explicitly excluded from the changes, and the EPP Group continues to support the 100% zero-emission target for new city buses by 2030. 

"We are moving fast because the industry cannot wait. EU Member States have already backed the proposal, and the EPP Group supports it without any changes. However, this is not the end of the story. The Commission needs to commit to a full revision of the heavy-duty vehicles regulation, and we need it as soon as possible in 2026," Gieseke added.