[WATCH] Dalli’s emissions proposal approved by European Parliament

The European Parliament has voted in favour of an ambitious proposal by Labour MEP Miriam Dalli that is seeking to reduce CO2 emissions from cars by 40% by 2030.

At 40%, the proposed emissions cuts are greater than was originally proposed by the Commission, which initially set out a target of 30%. Dalli's original proposal was for a 50% reduction. 

The proposals faced opposition from the automotive industry, which fears a loss of jobs if the law were to be accepted.

“This is not a win for the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament,” Dalli said after the vote. “It is a win for a small country like Malta, which has succeeded in pushing forward such an ambitious position and finding support for it from a majority of those in the European Parliament.”

The proposal’s approval will give Dalli a mandate to start negotiations with the European Commission and the Council of the European Union.

Addressing a press conference following the vote, Dalli expressed her satisfaction at the parliament’s support for her proposal which was approved with 389 votes in favour and 239 against.

“It was a great satisfaction for me, that we succeed and also that bring the majority of the parliament behind us in a very satisfactory away, that the way forward is to be ambitious. This is a victory for our children, for our health, for workers, for competitively in the European Union and for our towns and villages" Dalli said.

In terms of provisions, Dalli stressed that while newspaper headlines will probably focus on emissions cuts, there were many other positive measures to the proposal.

These include realistic CO2 emissions testing using portable devices which will be implemented within two years. She said that up until now, CO2 emissions have only been calculated using data about car fuel consumption.

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

Moreover, she said the proposal also include a better understanding of cars’ fuel-cycle analysis with the aim of rewarding cleaner technologies.

She continued to say that “we are agreeing that an investment in recharging infrastructure is to be prompted and battery cell and battery cell manufacturing close to vehicle manufacturing sites should be supported”.

While Dalli looked towards the positives that would come out the proposal, she did add that there will be 12,000 jobs less in the motor industry until 2030, but explained that a gradual proposal was going to be put into place to make sure no one is effected. She pointed out that car manufacturers invest seven times more outside the EU than they do within it, mostly in battery-electric vehicles.

Furthermore, the Labour MEP argued that pushing back against change would not save jobs, nor would it make European industries more competitive.

“I want jobs for workers within the EU. It is great for car manufacturers to make profits, but they should invest and make their profits in the EU and not elsewhere,” Dalli said, adding that there should be a just transition for workers across the automotive supply change.

When asked about resistance to the proposal from other member states, like Austria, which had in 2013 stated that it was against such a measure, Dalli insisted that she would defend her position till the end.

“I know there is pushback from other member states, but I also know from figures that there are member states in favour of ambition, and I hope they fight for their position,” Dalli said.

READ MORE: European Parliament committee adopts Dalli’s 45% car emissions cut proposal