CO₂ emissions: the EU pardons cars, not trucks. Conftrasporto: “Serious error”

The European Parliament has just approved an amendment to the regulation on CO₂ emissions for new cars and vans , introducing more flexibility for manufacturers. With 458 votes in favour, 101 against and 14 abstentions, the new regulation allows manufacturers to calculate average emissions over a three-year period (2025-2027) rather than annually.

However, this flexibility does not extend to heavy-duty vehicles , such as trucks and buses , which remain subject to penalties for failing to meet emissions targets.

A choice that is sparking criticism from the transport sector. According to Pasquale Russo , president of Conftrasporto-Confcommercio , it is a «serious legislative error» that risks damaging the entire logistics chain , from manufacturers to operators. «We expected a more realistic approach from the new European Parliament – ​​he explains – instead we continue to ignore the voice of those who keep the mobility of goods and people afloat every day»

Ecological transition, “sustainable rules are needed”

In addition to the failure to update the criteria on sanctions, Conftrasporto also fears the introduction of new constraints on the composition of company fleets . For Russo, "the picture remains complex also in terms of the economic sustainability of the ecological transition ." The risk, according to the association, is that of weakening a strategic sector for the Italian and European economy . Russo asks the Italian government and representatives at European level to start a constructive dialogue with the productive world to correct measures that, formulated in this way, could damage the entire economic system without guaranteeing the expected environmental results : "A real dialogue with the productive world is needed, otherwise environmental policies will miss the target and will only damage the country's competitiveness ."

The road freight transport sector in Italy is fundamental to the national economy, representing over 51% of total transport. In recent years, the sector has faced significant challenges , including rising operating costs and the need to comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations .