BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Stricter CO2 regulations will apply to buses and trucks in the EU in future. On Monday, the EU member states gave their final approval to a law that will further reduce carbon dioxide emissions in road transport and introduce new targets for 2030, 2035 and 2040, the countries announced. The tightening of existing EU rules will help to increase the proportion of climate-friendly heavy-duty vehicles on the EU's roads.

The confirmation by the ministers was the last vote required for the regulations. CO2 emissions from new coaches and new trucks are to be reduced by 45% by 2030, by 65% by 2035 and by 90% by 2040 - compared to 2019. It is also planned that new city buses will be completely emission-free by 2035. By 2030, they should have reduced their emissions by 90 percent compared to 2019.

According to the Council of Ministers, heavy-duty commercial vehicles are currently responsible for more than 25 percent of greenhouse gas emissions from road transport in the EU. "The updated rules contribute to the EU's objective of reducing its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and achieving climate neutrality by 2050," the communication continued. Following adoption by the EU countries, the new rules must now be published in the EU Official Journal before they can enter into force./fsp/DP/jha