VDA on the EU climate target for 2040

"The VDA supports the Paris climate protection goals. However, they can only be achieved if climate policy and economic prosperity are driven forward together. Decarbonization must be a business model that is also internationally competitive. Only if Europe remains economically strong and the transformation is a success for the climate, people, the economy, and prosperity, other regions of the world will follow our example and implement a similarly ambitious climate policy. Against this background, the EU climate target for 2040 should be ambitious, but economically feasible and socially acceptable. How CO2 emissions can be reduced by 90% across Europe by 2040 - even taking into account the 2030 target of 55% reduction - is currently unclear.

Furthermore, it is crucial that the goals and the framework conditions necessary to achieve them are considered together. Brussels must do more than simply set or propose ever-new, ambitious goals. The EU must ensure that these can actually be achieved. Regulation alone is not policy.

The fact that emission reductions in third countries can be credited in the future according to the EU Commission's plans is generally to be welcomed, but it cannot disguise the fact that the 2040 target is too ambitious in view of the inadequate framework conditions necessary for its achievement.

In general, in order to achieve ambitious CO2 reduction targets, the focus in the transport sector, for example, must be on the Europe-wide refueling and H2 charging infrastructure. Brussels and the member states must do significantly more to expand the refueling infrastructure, as it is essential for the transition to a more sustainable powertrain. Consistent monitoring of the expansion is crucial here so that adjustments can be made if necessary.

In order to realize further CO2 reduction potential in Europe, emissions trading must also be further developed into a truly leading instrument for the transport and buildings sectors. This would entail a significant simplification of the regulatory environment, which would be welcome.

In addition, greater consideration must be given to the contribution that green molecules such as hydrogen, biogenic gases, and renewable fuels can make on the path to climate neutrality. Green molecules play a role in many areas, for example, in high-temperature industrial processes, energy storage, heavy-duty transport, and the defossilization of existing fleets through the use of renewable fuels.

Given the potential for defossilizing the existing fleet, we therefore need a Renewable Energy Directive (RED) that goes beyond 2030 and establishes a technology-neutral framework until 2050. Long-term, ambitious quotas for the use of renewable fuels are necessary, especially for road transport - as is the case for aviation and shipping.

Furthermore, access to competitive, clean energy is crucial. This requires the unbureaucratic expansion of domestic renewable energy and long-term, diversified energy partnerships. Raw material partnerships are equally crucial as a foundation for a successful transformation and to truly enable diversification and resilience, especially in the face of increasing geopolitical challenges. Only with an internationally competitive location the climate goals can be achieved in conjunction with growth, prosperity, and jobs—and thus also with public acceptance."