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The European Commission is set to propose a strategy on clean
and fuel-efficient cars by May, followed later by an action
plan to help introduce green vehicles to the market.
EU Industry Commissioner Antonio Tajani met with ministers
in charge of industry last month to discuss the economic challenges
facing the European car industry. The ministers identified
green technologies as a strategic medium-term perspective
for the industry to help it recover from the crisis and improve
its competitiveness.
"A European strategy on Clean and Energy-Efficient Cars should
be developed and implemented that sets out the necessary actions
to encourage market introduction of green vehicles, including
electric cars," the Commission said in a statement, issued
after the informal meeting.
The communication should be published in time for a 25-26
May meeting of EU ministers in charge of competitiveness.
An action plan is expected to follow the initiative at a later
date.
While electric cars have been much discussed, one diplomat
said that the EU executive's communication would remain technology-neutral
and address all technologies - including hydrogen and biofuels.
The Commission's aim is to make sure that, whatever the technology,
EU member states coordinate their initiatives and ensure smooth
functioning of the internal market.
The communication and action plan could thus trigger debate
on European standards related to new technologies, as well
as on harmonised infrastructure.
While the diplomat did not want to speculate on possible
new funding for the initiative, he said the strategy could
be used to "re-channel" existing funding programmes for green
cars. These include a €5 billion Green
Cars Initiative launched in 2008 as part of the EU's
economic recovery plan.
The Commission also said that the CARS
21 High Level Group would be re-launched to
structure the discussions. First launched in 2005, the group
brings together commissioners, ministers, MEPs, industry
representatives and trade unions to improve the regulatory
framework for the car industry and prepare it for future challenges.
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