Several European Union member states are reportedly worried that the 27-nation bloc could water down its carbon emissions rules and allow gas-guzzling automobiles to stay on the road for longer than planned.
The countries — understood to include Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden — have written to the EU's executive arm, urging it not to weaken the CO2 standards.
Easing the rules would likely mean the continent will fail to meet its climate objectives, while also undermining its economic competitiveness and energy security, according to a document seen by the Euronews website.
"The electrification trajectory of the European light vehicle fleet can reduce our exposure to future geopolitical crisis and fossil fuel price shocks," Euronews quoted the document as saying.
"It is also a direct and sustainable response to increase affordability by shielding road users from rising fuel prices."
