Minister of Industry: Easing EU emissions standards for cars will help Czech companies

Prague – The easing of EU emissions standards for cars, which was approved today by the European Parliament, will protect the competitiveness of Czech companies and provide time for investments. This was stated in a press release by the Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček (STAN). According to the approved amendment, car manufacturers will have to report their compliance with targets over a three-year period, rather than annually. Thus, according to the European Commission, car manufacturers will avoid paying fines for failing to meet emissions targets this year.

“The Czech industry needed this change. The EU is postponing fines, giving companies time for investments while also protecting their competitiveness,” said Vlček. According to him, the decision stems from a joint Czech-Italian initiative. “I thank everyone who participated with us in promoting the proposal. We are proving that if we have a good proposal and are active in its promotion, we will achieve success,” he added.

The European Parliament approved the easing of emissions rules today, supported by all 20 present Czech MEPs. On Wednesday, representatives of EU member states agreed on the change to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions standards. The regulation now still needs to be formally approved by the EU Council at one of its upcoming meetings, and the standard will come into effect.

The aim of the proposed change is to support the European automotive industry, which is undergoing rapid technological changes and facing increasing competition. The automotive industry employs about 13 million people and accounts for 14 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in the European Union. (May 8)