Shortly before presenting its proposals for changes to the emissions standards for cars from 2035, the EU Commission is apparently examining a new compensation model, according to a media report.
16.12.2025, 02:27
SDA
The Commission is considering the introduction of fixed quotas to enable the registration of vehicles with combustion engines even after 2035, the Handelsblatt reported on Monday, citing high-ranking Commission circles. It went on to say that up to 30 percent of the required offsets could be provided by alternative fuels, while around 70 percent would have to be covered by the use of green steel. However, the exact offsetting mechanisms are still the subject of intensive discussions.
EU Commission to present proposals in Strasbourg
According to the report, the current target of a 100 percent reduction in emissions could officially remain in place. At the same time, however, new mechanisms should be introduced to compensate for CO2 emitted after 2035. This would effectively reduce emissions by 90 percent.
On Tuesday afternoon in Strasbourg, the EU Commission intends to present its proposals for changes to the emissions standards for cars from 2035. Under the current regulations, the average CO2 emissions permitted from car manufacturers' new car fleets will fall to zero by 2035. As cars with combustion engines always emit CO2 according to the current state of technology, manufacturers would have to pay penalties if they continue to sell combustion engines.
