CO2 emission standards for cars: ETUC regrets the retreat by the European Parliament Industry Committee
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is disappointed over the outcome of the vote by the European Parliament Industry Committee because it weakens the proposals aimed at forcing vehicle manufacturers to reduce CO2 emissions from new passenger cars. ETUC still defends the entry into force of the system in 2012 and calls for a serious study on the possible impacts of such legislation on employment (see ETUC position on climate change and the energy package on 4 March 2008).
On 1 September, the European Parliament’s Industry Committee postponed for three years the introduction of CO2 emission standards established by the European Commission. This vote seems to be the result of considerations to safeguard employment in the automotive industry. However, as ETUC’s priority is defending jobs in the industry, it appears that the best way to protect the industry’s employment is to promote, as soon as possible, the development of fuel-saving vehicles which meet the needs of consumers with modest incomes.
In a declaration dated December 2007, ETUC’s trade union member organisations voiced support for the introduction of the regulation in 2012, noting that "considerable economic and social benefits can be expected of such legislation, in terms of investments in research and the development of low-carbon technologies, thus helping to create and maintain long-term jobs in Europe’s automotive industry".
One of the key elements is the definition of a long-term target for emissions from passenger cars. ETUC can therefore support the proposal by the Parliament’s Industry Committee to set this target at 95g of CO2/km by 2020.
"It’s time to stop trying to postpone over and over the automotive industry’s adaptation to the new energy situation. It is urgent for the Commission and the Member States to cooperate with the unions, industry and researchers to develop the new technologies and qualifications that will enable us to cope with both the challenge of climate change and depletion of natural resources, and increasing global competition", commented ETUC’s Confederal Secretary Joël Decaillon.
ETUC therefore calls on Parliament’s Environment Committee and on the Council of Environment Ministers to go back to the European Commission’s initial proposals and to launch without delay a study, with the participation of unions and the industry, on the possible impacts of such legislation on employment.
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