the European Parliament calls for the end of sales of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars in 2035

This is one of the flagship measures of the European Union’s plan to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming. MEPs voted on Wednesday June 8 to end sales of new thermal and hybrid cars in 2035. In fact, only battery-powered electric cars will be authorized on the new market. This measure, proposed by the European Commission, was adopted with 339 votes for, 249 against and 24 abstentions. It must now be discussed with the Member States.

The objective of “zero emissions” was the subject of a bitter battle in the hemicycle, with an amendment from the EPP (pro-European right and leading force in Parliament) proposing to aim instead for a 90% reduction in emissions automobiles in 2035. This would have allowed the continued sale of hybrid cars. The amendment was ultimately narrowly defeated. Conversely, the Greens, who wanted to advance the ban on heat engines to 2030, were not convinced either.

“It’s kind of the only good news that results from the examination of this climate packagereacts to franceinfo the Europe manager of the Climate action network, Neil Makaroff. VS’is the guarantee of the bifurcation of the European car industry, which will have to offer low-emission vehicles to Europeans, it is a good thing for the climate”.

A little earlier, MEPs had failed to agree on a reform of the carbon market and the establishment of a tax at Europe’s borders. This text was rejected by 340 votes against (265 for, 34 abstentions), the Green and left-wing MEPs castigating the not ambitious enough proposals of the EPP (right) and Renew (centrist and liberals) on the timetable and the Goals.

These measures are part of the European Commission’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. These emissions, produced when we burn oil, coal or gas to move us, feed us or even heat, are the main cause, along with deforestation and land use change, of the ongoing global warming.