Europe has proposed to weaken its 2035 all-electric vehicle sales target, replacing it with a less ambitious fleet emissions reduction goal, amid lobbying by automakers who favor slower progress and fear Chinese competition, potentially undermining climate efforts and industry competitiveness.
The European Parliament's environment committee has delayed a decision on whether to accept Wopke Hoekstra as the EU's next climate change policy chief. Hoekstra, a former Dutch foreign minister, sought lawmakers' backing in a three-hour hearing and outlined his plans, including setting science-based climate goals and cracking down on fossil fuel subsidies. The decision is now due on Tuesday afternoon, following a hearing for Maros Sefcovic, the nominee for coordinating the EU's overall green policies. Some lawmakers expressed the need for more information before approving Hoekstra, while tensions over climate action rise amid global warming and competition in green technology manufacturing.