On July 1, multiple sources reported that the European Union is willing to accept a trade arrangement with the U.S. that includes a 10% universal tariff on many of the bloc’s exports, but wants the U.S. to commit to lower rates than that on key sectors including pharmaceuticals, alcohol, semiconductors and commercial

On June 27, the European Commission announced plans to exempt zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles from tolls and road charges, aiming to increase sustainable road transport.
As part of its Industrial Action Plan, the commission proposes extending the current toll exemption from December 2025 to June 2031. This aims to

On June 19, the EU Council approved its position on a proposal to delay new battery-related due diligence rules by two years. The goal is to give businesses more time to prepare, supporting EU competitiveness.
The proposal forms part of the so-called ‘Omnibus IV’ package adopted by the Commission on 21 May 2025 to si

On June 17, the European Council adopted its stance on new end-of-life vehicle (ELV) rules aimed at improving vehicle reuse, recycling, and recovery. The regulation sets a mandatory target for recycled plastics and may add future targets for recycled steel, aluminium, and critical raw materials.
The updated rules exp

On June 11, Rock Tech Lithium Inc. announced that it has been selected for funding under the KAVA (Knowledge and Innovation Activities) grant program by EIT RawMaterials. It is the first funding awarded after Rock Tech's Lithium Hydroxide Convertor Guben (LHCG) project has been recognized as a strategic project under

On June 8, China’s Ministry of Commerce, in a social media update, stated that Commerce Minister Wang Wentao held a discussion with EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič in Paris, France on June 3.
Wang explained China’s export control policies to Šefčovič, emphasizing that implementing expor

Mercedes-Benz is looking to help the U.S. and EU work out a deal that would avoid it paying tariffs on most of its popular cars and SUVs like the GLC-Class. A proposal where tariffs and duties are waived on a car-for-car basis, instead of hefty fees on both vehicles, could help the automaker (and the industry) hammer

On June 5, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) expressed serious concern over the lack of progress in revising the EU's Weights & Dimensions Directive.
The revision is key to helping zero-emission trucks and buses enter the market in large numbers. Updating rules on vehicle weight, axle weight,

On June 4, the European Commission adopted the first list of 13 Strategic Projects on strategic raw materials located outside the EU, including in overseas countries and territories. The projects will diversify the EU’s supply sources and enhance economic security, while also promoting local value creation in third c

On June 4, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) reported significant disruption in Europe’s automotive supply industry due to China’s recent export restrictions on rare earth elements and magnets. These restrictions have led to the shutdown of several production lines and plants across Europe, wit

On May 30, VW CEO Oliver Blume said the company wants to make more big investments in the U.S., adding that recent tariff talks with the U.S. government have been "fair" and "constructive."
“So far, we have had absolutely fair, constructive discussions,” Blume said in an interview. “I was in Washington myself and we

On May 27, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) issued a statement welcoming the EU adoption of the three-year CO2 emissions averaging mechanism. This measure provides essential flexibility for car and van manufacturers during this critical junction in the transition to zero-emission mobility.
Ho

On May 27, the European Council adopted a targeted amendment to the regulation on CO2 standards for new passenger cars and vans, which aims to grant car manufacturers the flexibility required to meet their emissions targets for 2025. This is the last step in the decision-making procedure.
The amended regulation provi

On May 19, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) announced that it is calling for stronger cooperation, standardisation, and an industry-led framework to improve access to vehicle data for artificial intelligence (AI). This move aims to support the digital transformation of Europe’s automotive sec

On May 15, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) advised that the EU's fast-paced green transition will fail unless policymakers adjust their approach. Automotive suppliers, caught between political goals and market realities, are struggling with bankruptcies, site closures, and falling investments

On May 14, the European Commission announced that it is investing over EUR 7.3 billion through its newly adopted Horizon Europe work program for 2025 to strengthen Europe's research and innovation engine and global edge.
For automotive research and innovation, the 2025 work program aims to support the transformation

On May 14, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) stated that the implementation of the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) places increased burdens on companies, such as through investments that are needed to comply with implementation, setting up technical support and so on. This all comes with an im

On May 8, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) welcomed both the European Parliament’s and Council’s support for a three-year averaging mechanism for emissions compliance for cars and vans.
ACEA Director General stated that while this provides some necessary flexibility for manufacturers in the s

On May 8, the European Parliament adopted a targeted change to CO2 emission performance standards for new cars and vans. With 458 votes for, 101 against, and 14 abstentions, members supported the Commission’s proposal to support Europe’s automotive sector. To speed up its adoption, Parliament agreed to deal with the

On May 8, the European Commission proposed countermeasures on up to EUR 95 billion (USD 108 billion) of U.S. imports if negotiations with President Donald Trump’s team fail to remove the series of tariffs applied by U.S. President Trump. The new measures would target U.S. cars and car parts, machinery, aircraft, chem