The European Parliament today opened discussions on new CO₂ rules for cars and vans. Alexandr Vondra, ECR shadow rapporteur on the file, warned that Europe risks undermining its automotive industry by pursuing climate targets that ignore market realities and restrict technological choice.

“For years, we were told that the EU’s approach was technology-neutral because it regulated emissions rather than specific technologies. In reality, the 2035 zero-tailpipe-emissions target leads to one outcome only: the phase-out of internal combustion engines, regardless of future innovation or the potential of renewable and low-carbon fuels,” Vondra said.

According to Vondra, the European Commission continues to build its policy on the assumption that consumers will switch to electric vehicles far more rapidly than current market trends suggest.

“If we continue down this path, we will only continue to feed the Chinese monster and deepen Europe’s dependence on technologies produced outside the EU,” he warned.

“Political ambitions cannot replace economic reality. If targets are disconnected from the market, European manufacturers will pay the price, while consumers will face fewer choices and higher costs,” he added.

Vondra welcomed the ongoing debate on revising the framework and supported efforts to bring climate policy back in line with industrial reality. He stressed that Europe should focus on reducing emissions while preserving competitiveness, technological openness and consumer choice.

“Competitiveness is not created through penalties and wishful thinking. It is built through innovation, affordable energy, industrial strength and openness to different technological solutions. The Salini report is not the ultimate goal, but an important first step toward correcting the mistakes of the previous term and putting an end to policies that weaken European industry in favor of competitors from third countries, particularly China,” Vondra stressed.

He also highlighted the need to recognise the contribution of renewable fuels and other low-carbon technologies, rather than relying exclusively on electrification as the only acceptable pathway to decarbonisation.

“Europe cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of recent years. If we want to reduce emissions while protecting jobs, industrial production and prosperity, we must support innovation instead of narrowing our options. Politicians should not decide in advance which technology wins and which one disappears,” Vondra added.

“The goal should be clear: lower emissions, a stronger European industry and more technological freedom. The future of transport must not be built on a ban on internal combustion engines, but on competition between the best available solutions,” Vondra concluded.

As ECR shadow rapporteur, Vondra will table amendments aimed at strengthening technological neutrality, supporting European manufacturing and ensuring that emissions reductions go hand in hand with industrial competitiveness and the protection of skilled jobs.