Environment ministers from the EU’s 27 member states have reached a landmark agreement that, by 2035, all new vehicles sold in the EU will need to be zero carbon.
The move comes as part of the European Union’s goal to reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 as part of its Fit for 55 goal.
A transitionary target of zero emissions 55% for cars and 50% for vans was also agreed for 2030.
French energy transition minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher said: “Thanks to this agreement, Europe is putting itself at a leading position in terms of addressing climate challenges and technology.
“We’re also ensuring a just transition for each member state, each territory and each citizen.”
EU governments will now begin negotiations with the European Parliament and the European Commission on how the final Fit for 55 package will look.
