EU Commission ignored its own advice before weakening car CO2 rules

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on POLITICO or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: An internal European Commission briefing obtained by POLITICO reportedly advised against weakening the EU’s 2035 car CO₂ rules, arguing it was too early to conclude that the target was unattainable
• Despite that advice, the Commission later proposed allowing some combustion-engine vehicles beyond 2035 through a more flexible emissions framework

🔭 The context: The original 2035 regulation established a 100% reduction in tailpipe CO₂ emissions for new cars and vans
• In December 2025, the Commission proposed a 90% tailpipe reduction, with the remaining 10% compensated through low-carbon steel, e-fuels or biofuels. 
• The internal document reportedly questioned carmakers’ claims that they could face €15 billion in fines and pointed to growing EV sales and electrification as important to European competitiveness
• POLITICO reports that pressure from automakers and several member states subsequently contributed to the policy change

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Cars and vans account for around 19% of EU CO₂ emissions, according to the Commission
• Greater flexibility after 2035 could allow more hybrid and combustion technologies to remain on the market, potentially affecting the pace at which road transport emissions decline

⏭️ What’s next: The Commission’s proposal remains under negotiation between EU institutions
• The debate centres on how to balance emissions reductions, industrial competitiveness and technological choice, while maintaining investment certainty for Europe's automotive sector.

💬 One quote: “For our future industrial competitiveness, it is extremely important to continue providing certainty to the market and investors,” the internal Commission document reportedly said.

📈 One stat: 30% — the increase in EU EV sales in 2025 cited by POLITICO, reaching 1.88 million vehicles.

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