An industry source told Euractiv that Germany will abstain from voting on another EU transport law, despite initially signaling agreement, as the liberal FDP blocks agreement on proposed new CO2 standards for trucks which would see a significant reduction in the number of diesel trucks. .
After reaching an agreement with the European Parliament, representatives of EU countries on Wednesday (February 7) want to vote on new CO2 standards for heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses.
However, it is unclear whether a majority will be reached in favor of the law, as Germany will abstain, according to industry sources.
Germany’s three-party coalition has internal rules stipulating that the government abstain from voting on every EU law as coalition partners, including the Social Democrats, the Greens and the liberal Free Democratic Party (Renewal), are unable to find a common position.
The source said that Germany’s abstention from voting was due to the Ministry of Transport led by the Free Democratic Party, while the Ministry of Environment led by Environment Minister Steffi Lemke supported the agreement.
Without Germany, the majority in favor of the law depends on Italy’s support, as some smaller countries are expected to vote against the law. Italy had previously called for the establishment of a mechanism for this It will see an increase in the number of trucks with combustion engines permittedHe also believes that the use of alternatives to fossil fuels should be reflected in the goals.
the agreement, It hit in Januarywill see average CO2 emissions of new trucks fall by about 90% by 2040, with average targets of -45% by 2030 and -60% by 2035.
In the bill, emissions are measured only at the tailpipe, meaning manufacturers would need to sell mostly electric or hydrogen trucks.
In the FDP’s view, this would not allow sufficient technological freedom, as the party supports the continuation of vehicles with internal combustion engines that they claim can run on synthetic fuels, known as e-fuels.
“As you know, we in the FDP are in favor of technological openness, and we want to make it possible to use alternative fuels – all those that are seen as alternative fuels under the Renewable Energy Directive – in heavy transport,” said Jean-Christophe Oetgen, a party member. Free Democrats in the European Parliament, Lioractiv.
“This is, so to speak, the line of the Free Democratic Party that we represent in the (European) Parliament,” he said, adding that the German government coalition was still conducting internal negotiations to reach a common position.
A spokesman for the German Environment Ministry told Euractiv on Monday that “the points made by Germany over the past few months have been largely taken into account and no points that contradict Germany’s position have been included.”
He added: “Since the outcome of the tripartite is consistent with the mandate given by the Council, approval can be assumed so far.”
Olivia Jeapong contributed reporting.
(Edited by Natalie Weatherald)
