EC acknowledges cities and regions efforts for a more ambitious EURO 7 without delay
The European Commission (EC) formally responded to the joint POLIS/EUROCITIES letter expressing concerns about the lack of ambition on upcoming EURO 7/VII Air Quality standards and acknowledged the need for more immediate and effective action.
In this response, the EC acknowledges our cities and regions' support for an ambitious and effective EURO 7/VII proposal and pledges to fully take into account the recommendations jointly raised by both networks.
These recommendations include:
- Regulating cold start emissions;
- Expanding vehicle durability to its full life cycle;
- Taking into account new emerging pollutants and non-exhaust emissions from brakes and tires.
The good news comes after another successful joint effort of POLIS with several other relevant organisations which called on the Commission to publish the EURO 7/VII proposal without delay. As a result, the adoption of the EURO 7/VII proposal has now been anticipated from 30 November to 12 October 2022.
These are steps in the right direction - the Commission's ambition must be in line with the needs of our cities and regions. Electrification and decarbonisation of the transport sector are key to achieving the EU’s climate targets under the European Green Deal, but we should not forget about the current ICE vehicles that will keep circulating on our roads until we have 100% zero-emissions vehicles. Making sure that the new Euro 7/VII regulations come into force by 2025 will ensure that the stringent and effective exhaust air pollution limits will impact our air quality for at least 10 years, benefitting millions of Europeans.
Scroll below to read the EC's response and the original joint POLIS/EUROCITIES letter.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Ivo Cré (Director Policy & Projects - Coordinator Access) and/or Pedro Gomes (Project Manager - Coordinator Clean Vehicles & Air Quality Working Group) from POLIS Network.
