| If the EU gives in to calls from carmakers to delay its 2025 CO2 emissions limits, because of the poor state of the automotive industry, it will risk setting a precedent that could undermine the heart of its climate policy. European carmakers are undeniably facing tough times. The sector never recovered from COVID-19 and the subsequent supply chain, energy, and inflation crises, resulting in 27% fewer cars produced in 2023 than in 2018, with multiple firms cutting jobs or considering doing so. The industry has reacted by taking aim at EU rules, forcing it to reduce average emissions of new cars by 15%, compared to 2021, already as of next year. If carmakers do not comply with the targets, they have to pay a fine of €95 for every excess gram of CO2, which the industry fears could add up to “multi-billion-euro fines”. Meanwhile, carmakers do not feel responsible for the sluggish uptake of electric cars, blaming insufficient charging points and a lack of consumer demand. Politicians have heard the call. “Made in Italy” Minister Adolfo Ursu wants a quick revision of the law, and even Germany’s Green Economics Minister, Robert Habeck, said that changed market conditions should be “factored in”. Which can only mean a change or delay, even though he did not say it explicitly. The Commission has so far resisted the pressure, arguing that carmakers have had enough time. But pressure is mounting on the EU executive, which holds the exclusive right of initiative. | 