Swedish Political Responses to EU's Revised Gasoline Car Emissions Proposal

The EU Commission has proposed dropping its total ban on new gasoline cars after 2035, opting instead for a requirement to reduce emissions by at least 90%, with remaining emissions offset by green steel and biofuels. This shift comes after pushback from countries including Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic, aiming to provide a lifeline to the European car industry, according to Industry Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné.

In Sweden, the proposal has sparked mixed reactions among political parties. The Christian Democrats (Kristdemokraterna) have welcomed the move, arguing that the previous ban was unrealistic and that innovation in climate-smart fuels should be supported. KD politicians Alice Teodorescu Måwe and Peter Kullgren stressed the importance of focusing on emissions from fossil fuels rather than combustion engines themselves and view the revised approach as more achievable for maintaining a fossil-free vehicle fleet.

Conversely, Åsa Westlund, Social Democrats' climate spokesperson, criticized the proposal, expressing concerns that the uncertainty caused by loosening the ban could deter investments in green technologies. She argued that this approach risks weakening Sweden’s and Europe’s commitments to climate goals.

The EU's proposal also introduces incentives for manufacturers producing small, affordable electric vehicles through 'super credits,' reduces emission targets for vans by 2030, and sets new goals for low- and zero-emission vehicles in company fleets. The plan is currently up for debate in the EU Parliament and Council of Ministers, signaling ongoing negotiations ahead.