Independent Member of the European Parliament Luis-Vicențiu Lazarus (NI) has tabled a set of amendments to the European regulation on CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, according to a press release.
The European Commission’s proposal, registered under number COM(2025)0995, amends Regulation (EU) 2019/631 and is currently under debate in the European Parliament.
- The committee responsible for this dossier is the Committee on the Environment (ENVI), while the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN), of which the MEP is a member, is drafting an opinion. The amendments were submitted as part of this opinion.
According to a press release, the main change requested by Luis Lazarus (NI) concerns the 2035 target. Where the Commission proposes a 90% reduction in emissions compared to 2021 levels, the MEP advocates for a more realistic 2035 target, below the level proposed by the Commission, applicable to both cars and vans. His argument is simple: a steeper reduction, imposed before alternative technologies are ready in time, would put pressure on manufacturers and jobs in the industry, without a guaranteed environmental benefit.
A second set of amendments expands manufacturers’ flexibility. Lazarus proposes increasing the share that sustainable renewable fuels, biofuels, and low-carbon steel can contribute toward meeting the targets. In his view, electrification cannot be the only acceptable path, and Europe needs more solutions to maintain its competitiveness and avoid remaining dependent on imports.
Through the package he has submitted, the MEP argues that the transition to cleaner cars must be made without ordinary drivers and European industry bearing the cost. His amendments move in this direction, maintaining the environmental goal while providing more time and more technological options.
The regulation is set to be voted on first in committee, then in the European Parliament plenary.
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