Under the new proposal, tailpipe emissions will have to be reduced by 90 per cent by the middle of the next decade. Photograph: iStockThe European Union is set to propose softening emissions rules for new cars, scrapping an effective ban on combustion engines following months of pressure from the automotive industry. The commission will set a condition that carmakers need to compensate for the additional pollution by using low-carbon or renewable fuels or locally produced green steel. The stepback — to be unveiled Tuesday — is the result of intense lobbying from companies such as Stellantis NV and Mercedes-Benz Group AG. The European Commission declined to comment on the proposals.

Source: The Irish Times December 16, 2025 15:56 UTC