Dalli says emissions proposals will create jobs, spur EU investment in clean cars

New emission standards for the European Union will lead to the creation of jobs and will urge Europe to invest more in clean vehicles, Miriam Dalli has said.

The Labour Party MEP is pushing ahead with ambitious proposals to cut carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles by at least 40% by 2030, with the vote on these scheduled to take place Wednesday in the European Parliament.

Speaking at a debate in the European Parliament this evening, Dalli said that it was necessary for the EU to move from measuring emission at cars’ tail pipes to keeping track of them through the life of the vehicle.

Dalli said that the proposals would lead to the creation of 69,000 new jobs if the European Commission undertakes serious efforts to attract electric vehicle battery providers to the EU.

“Moreover, if we manufacture batteries within the Union, we could create 92,000 jobs,” she said, stressing that there wasn't enough investment in clean cars in the EU, compared to other countries.

“This is the time to act and to show it is not a question of industry over the environment, but that we will address both together,” Dalli said..

Several MEPs who spoke at this evening’s debate indicated their support for the new targets. The MEPs showed concern that the EU might be at risk of losing its edge compared to other countries such as China when it comes to electric vehicle production, emphasising how essential it was to keep emissions in check to ensure the health of citizens across Europe.

Other MEPs, however ,said that the proposals were too ambitious. Responding to this, Dalli said that one should just look at the high targets countries across the world, such as Japan, were looking at.

“When we speak of a 40% emission reduction, we are speaking of a 10% electric vehicle share by 2030. We will not go completely for electric vehicles overnight.”

“Electric vehicles are more labour intensive, and will be creating jobs in this regard in the Union,” she said, adding that she was urging that MEPs at least agree to a 20% reduction in emission by 2025, and a 40% reduction by 2030.

While the support of other MEPs in tomorrow’s vote should be attainable for Dalli, there are concerns that the Commission will water down the proposals.