nder the Radar is a weekly special series bringing you compelling, under–the–radar stories from around the world, one region at a time. This week in Europe, European vehicle manufacturers warn EU policymakers about the feasibility of the 2035 zero–emission vehicle target. Other noteworthy under–the–radar stories from the region include Albania’s appointment of an AI government minister, a new Belgian association hoping to spur prison reform, and a Swedish city relocating its buildings.
European carmakers are calling for action from EU policymakers as the plan to require all new cars and vans sold in the EU to be zero–emission vehicles by 2035 is falling short. Other industry stakeholders such as automobile industry associations and trade unions are urging policymakers to change the 2035 target. They say that not only is the production of electric vehicles lagging, but so is the development of battery supply chains and charging infrastructure.
The chairman of the Commercial Vehicle Board of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association emphasized European car manufacturers’ desire and preparedness to become more carbon neutral. The problem? Electric vehicle sales are falling short of expectations across Europe, primarily due to a lack of infrastructure, such as charging points, and a lack of buyer incentives.
According to reports, the European automotive industry is on track to meet 2025 CO2 reduction targets, despite concerns around the upcoming targets. A September 2025 study found that five out of seven of the largest truck manufacturers in Europe are on track to meet the 2025 CO2 reduction goal of 15%. Two of the truck manufacturers (Scania and Volvo Trucks) had already achieved this goal by 2023, and the researchers suggest that manufacturers not on track can use technology and compliance flexibilities to make up ground. Similarly, another September report suggests that all European carmakers, excluding Mercedes–Benz, are on track to meet 2025–2027 emission targets. This success is partly due to a decrease in battery price, which allows manufacturers to sell more affordable electric vehicles.
While many manufacturers do not believe the 2035 goal is achievable for zero–emission vehicles, over 150 electric vehicle industry personnel signed a letter to EU policymakers, asking them not to change the goal. The letter suggested that delaying the implementation of only selling zero–emission vehicles would harm the environment and Europe’s competitiveness in the electric vehicle industry. The European vehicle industry is already contending with U.S. tariffs, and China has cemented itself as a leader in electric vehicle sales, with its electric vehicle manufacturers accounting for over half of global sales. Thus, European vehicle manufacturers want to solidify their competitiveness in the global market without delays that could possibly decrease investor confidence.
EU policymakers are taking action, having met with several car manufacturers on 12 September, and are set to review the zero–emission 2035 goal.
Here are some other under–the–radar stories from Europe:
- Albania has appointed a new government minister, an AI agent named Diella, to root out government corruption.
- Belgium has been struggling with severe crowding in its jails for years, but the 9m² association is hoping to create prison reform by turning an empty prison into a “multiperspective meeting space.”
- Sweden’s northernmost city is relocating many of its buildings over the next decade to avoid losing them to the expansion of a local ore mine.
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EU falling short of 2035 zero–emission vehicle goal
Photo by Oxana Melis on Unsplash
September 19, 2025
Diplomatic Courier’s Stephanie Gull brings you weekly under–the–radar stories from around the world. This week in Europe: automobile manufacturers, industry associations, and trade unions warn the EU will miss its ambitious zero–emission vehicle goals.
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nder the Radar is a weekly special series bringing you compelling, under–the–radar stories from around the world, one region at a time. This week in Europe, European vehicle manufacturers warn EU policymakers about the feasibility of the 2035 zero–emission vehicle target. Other noteworthy under–the–radar stories from the region include Albania’s appointment of an AI government minister, a new Belgian association hoping to spur prison reform, and a Swedish city relocating its buildings.
European carmakers are calling for action from EU policymakers as the plan to require all new cars and vans sold in the EU to be zero–emission vehicles by 2035 is falling short. Other industry stakeholders such as automobile industry associations and trade unions are urging policymakers to change the 2035 target. They say that not only is the production of electric vehicles lagging, but so is the development of battery supply chains and charging infrastructure.
The chairman of the Commercial Vehicle Board of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association emphasized European car manufacturers’ desire and preparedness to become more carbon neutral. The problem? Electric vehicle sales are falling short of expectations across Europe, primarily due to a lack of infrastructure, such as charging points, and a lack of buyer incentives.
According to reports, the European automotive industry is on track to meet 2025 CO2 reduction targets, despite concerns around the upcoming targets. A September 2025 study found that five out of seven of the largest truck manufacturers in Europe are on track to meet the 2025 CO2 reduction goal of 15%. Two of the truck manufacturers (Scania and Volvo Trucks) had already achieved this goal by 2023, and the researchers suggest that manufacturers not on track can use technology and compliance flexibilities to make up ground. Similarly, another September report suggests that all European carmakers, excluding Mercedes–Benz, are on track to meet 2025–2027 emission targets. This success is partly due to a decrease in battery price, which allows manufacturers to sell more affordable electric vehicles.
While many manufacturers do not believe the 2035 goal is achievable for zero–emission vehicles, over 150 electric vehicle industry personnel signed a letter to EU policymakers, asking them not to change the goal. The letter suggested that delaying the implementation of only selling zero–emission vehicles would harm the environment and Europe’s competitiveness in the electric vehicle industry. The European vehicle industry is already contending with U.S. tariffs, and China has cemented itself as a leader in electric vehicle sales, with its electric vehicle manufacturers accounting for over half of global sales. Thus, European vehicle manufacturers want to solidify their competitiveness in the global market without delays that could possibly decrease investor confidence.
EU policymakers are taking action, having met with several car manufacturers on 12 September, and are set to review the zero–emission 2035 goal.
Here are some other under–the–radar stories from Europe:
- Albania has appointed a new government minister, an AI agent named Diella, to root out government corruption.
- Belgium has been struggling with severe crowding in its jails for years, but the 9m² association is hoping to create prison reform by turning an empty prison into a “multiperspective meeting space.”
- Sweden’s northernmost city is relocating many of its buildings over the next decade to avoid losing them to the expansion of a local ore mine.
