Luxembourg supports ambitious CO2 reduction targets following the European Union's decision to ban new combustion-engine cars by 2035. The EU had previously decided that, as of 2035, no new cars with combustion engines would be allowed to be sold.
After Germany called for this rule to be postponed and potentially overturned, seven other member states have urged for the target to be maintained.
In a letter seen by the AFP news agency, which was signed by France, Denmark, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Sweden, and also Luxembourg, the signatories argue that watering down this regulation would be a strategic mistake.
The ongoing energy crisis, they say, clearly demonstrates how important it is for Europe to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. "Electrification is not only a climate policy objective, but also necessary for our energy security", they wrote.
According to the French Ministry of the Environment, the seven signatories could form what is known as a blocking minority, which would allow them to block or at least delay the adoption of the new text.
