The Council of the European Union has formally adopted its negotiating mandate on a targeted amendment to the regulation governing CO₂ emission standards for new passenger cars and vans, offering greater flexibility to manufacturers in meeting their 2025 emissions targets.
In line with the European Commission’s proposal, which the Council has endorsed without changes, the amendment allows carmakers to demonstrate compliance with emissions targets over a three-year average—2025, 2026, and 2027—rather than on an annual basis.
This shift is intended to give manufacturers more certainty and breathing space as they transition towards cleaner vehicle production.
The move forms part of the wider industrial action plan for the European automotive sector, unveiled by the Commission on 5 March 2025, which seeks to support the industry through regulatory clarity and flexibility amid the green transition.
The Council’s general approach now serves as its formal negotiating stance. The European Parliament is expected to vote on the proposal during its first reading on 8 May 2025. If MEPs adopt the Commission’s draft without amendment, and pending legal-linguistic review, the regulation will be formally enacted.
