EU ministers have reached agreement on draft standards for new Euro 7 vehicle emissions rules, despite concerns by climate groups.

Environmental campaign group T&E said ministers’ position on Euro 7 was “a disaster for air quality”

The new regulation, which for the first time covers cars, vans and heavy-duty vehicles in a single legal act, aims to set more adequate rules for vehicle emissions and to further lower air pollutant emissions from road transport.

The softer proposals were agreed by ministers at the European Council this week and will form the foundation for forthcoming negotiations with the European Parliament regarding the next phase of regulations on vehicle pollutant emissions.

The general approach keeps the existing Euro 6 emission limits and test conditions for light-duty vehicles. In the case of heavy-duty vehicles, emission limits are lower and test conditions slightly adjusted.

Euro 7 sets limits for non-exhaust emissions such as particles from brakes and tyres. It additionally covers minimum performance requirements for battery durability in electric cars, and imposes stricter vehicle lifetime requirements. The regulation also provides for the use of advanced technologies and emission-monitoring tools.

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) said the agreement was a “step in [the] right direction” but warned that cost pressure remains high.

“The member states’ position is an improvement on the European Commission’s Euro 7 proposal – which was entirely disproportionate, driving high costs for industry and customers, with limited environmental benefits,” said ACEA director general, Sigrid de Vries.

“The council’s aim to continue the effective Euro 6/VI tests is sensible. However, compared to what is in place today, Euro 7 is much broader for new cars, vans and, in particular, heavy-duty vehicles, requiring significant engineering and testing efforts. As such, it will require huge additional investments from our industry at a time when it is pouring all its resources into decarbonisation.”

Amid concerns over global competitiveness, it’s called on member states, the European Parliament, and the Commission to work towards a Euro 7 regulation that “will enable us to focus on these dual objectives while keeping vehicles affordable and our sector competitive”.

The watered-down proposals were announced after eight states, including major car-producing nations such as Italy, France and the Czech Republic, had pushed for less stringent measures.

However, environmental campaign group T&E said ministers’ position on Euro 7 was “a disaster for air quality”.

Anna Krajinska, vehicle emissions and air quality manager at T&E, said: “Instead of reducing pollution it will greenwash today’s polluting Euro 6 cars as ‘clean’ Euro 7 vehicles. Policymakers in the Parliament have the final opportunity to set a meaningful Euro 7 regulation. They should not squander it for the sake of everyone’s health.”

The Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission will work on a final agreement on the new regulations.