EU Talks Over Cutting CO2 Emissions Break Down

The European Union has stood divided over this issue for months, as some countries feel as though CO2 emissions should be cut by 30% before 2030, whereas others, such as the Netherlands and France, feel a 35% target is better.

Unfortunately, the EU was unable to reach a compromise this week with regards to these numbers, following a six hour debate which failed to yield results, as reported by Autonews Europe.

The initial plan was to cut emissions by 30% before 2030, compared to 2021 levels, a plan that even received German support. However, a push by several other EU countries such as the Netherlands and France raised that target to 35%. Then came a vote by European Parliament lawmakers who wanted a 40% reduction – a suggestion that encountered resistance from the automotive industry.

Now, diplomats say that the targets remain a problem, especially with eight EU countries (including the Netherlands and Sweden), wanting emissions to be cut by 40%. Furthermore, a majority of countries are said to be willing to move beyond a 35% cut, something that could possibly put carmakers in a bind.

One EU official claimed that Austria, which holds EU presidency and is negotiation for multiple other EU states, is actually waiting for Germany to agree to higher cuts.

These recent CO2 emissions talks are thought to be among the most important since the 2015 Paris deal on climate change, as far as the European Union is concerned – the main goal remains to limit the effects of global warming.