The European Parliament's Transport and Tourism (TRAN) committee on 3 June 2026 debated the draft opinion on CO2 emission performance standards for new light duty vehicles, revealing a split between those seeking more flexibility and those insisting on maintaining climate ambition. Rapporteur Jens Gieseke (EPP) proposed a 90% target for 2035 with credits for renewable fuels and green materials, arguing for technological neutrality and a pragmatic approach. S&D shadow Vivien Costanzo welcomed flexibility but insisted on protecting jobs and climate ambition. Roman Haider (PfE) called for deleting the combustion engine ban and adopting a well-to-wheel methodology, warning of job losses. Jan-Christoph Oetjen (Renew) supported technological neutrality and earlier averaging, including plug-in hybrids. Lena Schilling (Greens/EFA) opposed weakening targets, urging clear rules and rapid EV rollout. Merja Kyllönen (The Left) prioritised predictability and real emission reductions. Volker Schnurrbusch (ESN) criticised the 90% target as unrealistic. Oihane Agirregoitia Martinez (Renew) backed flexibility but stressed balance.
The Commission representative defended the proposal as balancing climate, competitiveness, and energy security, warning that Gieseke's changes could lower the 2035 target to 73%, weakening investment signals. Gieseke concluded by urging focused amendments. The committee also debated the Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement with Morocco; rapporteur Tomas Tobé (EPP) and Johan Danielsson (S&D) supported consent to extend the agreement to Croatia. Amendments for the CO2 file are due 8 June, and for the aviation protocol by 4 June.