EU countries battled Tuesday over the bloc's new laws to fight climate change, arguing over the future of the combustion engine and how much cash was needed to aid the most vulnerable in the green transition.

Environment ministers from the EU's 27 member states are trying to agree a joint position on five legal texts that could bring a historic shift to the bloc's energy policy.

The texts are key parts to the EU's ambition to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 from 1990 levels, in line with the Paris climate accord.

Italy, home to car companies Fiat, Ferrari and Lamborghini, led a group of EU nations trying to win a five-year delay to the EU's plan to phase out cars powered by fossil fuels by 2035.

Auto export powerhouse Germany meanwhile was seeking to make room for carbon-neutral fuel, which is for now undeveloped, but could be given an exception when the ban kicked in.

The auto sector, like the oil industry, has great hopes for synthetic fuels. Although they are for the moment undeveloped, they could be exempted when the fossil fuels ban kicks in.

"We need a strong and rapid reduction in CO2 emissions, but we also need to remain open about technologies," said German Environment Minister Steffi Lemke.

But the use of this technology in cars is contested by environmental NGOs, which say it is expensive, energy-consuming and a potential source of toxic fumes

France holds the EU's rotating presidency, and is seeking to find a compromise position on the several pieces of legislation that will then face bruising negotiations at the European Parliament.

Another bone of contention is a so-called Social Climate Fund that would help shield consumers and companies from price shocks after the carbon market is expanded to heating and transport.

The carbon market is the centrepiece of the EU's CO2-cutting strategy, with consumers and firms expected to pay a price for their carbon footprint.

Eastern european countries are defending a bigger budget to help cushion the blow, while richer countries such as the Netherlands and Germany want a smaller fund and the spending targeted towards innovation.

France has proposed a compromise, reducing the fund from the European Commission's original proposal of 79 billion euros ($83 billion).

Related Links

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

'Greenwashing': a new climate misinformation battleground
Paris (AFP) June 27, 2022
Fossil fuel firms are misleading the public about their moves to cut greenhouse gases and curb climate change - and social media are hosting ads that perpetuate this "greenwashing", researchers say. AFP Fact Check took an in-depth look at how this is happening. The full report, including lobbying and communications fact boxes on 10 top oil and gas companies, is at http://u.afp.com/wDuA. - Talking the talk - Many companies have vowed to reach the "net zero" level of greenhouse gas emissions ... read more