[WATCH] Miriam Dalli’s new EU car emissions regulation signed into law

A set of regulations aimed at reducing CO2 emissions across the EU which were spearheaded by Labour Miriam Dalli have been signed into to law.

In statement, Dalli said that more than 18 months of work had culminated in the signing the regulation yesterday. The legal framework will set a target of a reduction of 37% in CO2 emissions by passenger cars by 2030.

The law will come into force in January next year.

“The signing was the last step resulting in a law that reduces road transport emissions in all EU Member States, including Malta. I have no words to describe the satisfaction felt today when I know that, I departed from a situation facing a lot of resistance and today this law enjoys the strong backing of both the European Parliament and Member States,” Dalli said after the signing.

“I now look forward to its implementation by the Member States. Reaching this stage was not easy but I consulted everyone - from industry players and stakeholders to trade union and consumer organisation – for a law whose objectives can be met if everyone does their part.”

Dalli presided over the signing of the agreement that took place in Strasbourg between European Parliament President Antonio Tajani and Minister George Ciamba, President in office of the Council of the EU.

The law forms part of the Clean Mobility Package and is intended to help Europe reach the targets agreed to be world leaders in the Paris Agreement against Climate Change.

The regulation will apply automatically and uniformly to all EU member states without needing to be transposed into national law.

The aim is for the car manufacturing industry to invest in technology producing cleaner cars whilst encouraging Member States to implement policies that support this transition, Dalli said.

She added that in addition to resulting in environmental and health belefits for citizens, the law will also help to “increase innovation in a more competitive market, leading to more advantageous prices for consumers”.