Filenews 9 September 2025
The European Parliament has approved the new rules that will govern the life cycle of vehicles, from design to final treatment.
The proposal was adopted by 431 votes in favour, 145 against and 76 abstentions, with the aim of promoting the circular economy in the automotive sector.
According to Parliament's communication, the measures aim to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production and recycling of end-of-life vehicles, as well as to support the European recycling industry.
The new rules will apply to all vehicles, with the exception of special purpose vehicles, those intended for the armed forces, civil defence, fire and emergency medical services, as well as vehicles of historical or cultural interest.
It is noted that "new vehicles should be designed in such a way that it is possible to easily remove as many components and components as possible from approved treatment facilities, with a view to replacement, reuse, recycling, reconstruction or refurbishment, where technically feasible".
"MEPs want the plastic used in every new type of vehicle to contain at least 20% recycled material within six years of the entry into force of the rules. They also want manufacturers to reach the 25% target within at least 10 years if enough recycled plastic is available at normal prices. They also ask the Commission to establish targets for recycled steel and aluminium and their alloys, following a relevant study," the communication reads.
Three years after the entry into force of the new rules, manufacturers will be subject to so-called extended producer responsibility, i.e. they will have to cover the costs of collecting and treating end-of-life vehicles. "MEPs want a better distinction between second-hand and end-of-life vehicles, with an export ban for those considered to belong to the second category," it is underlined.
Co-rapporteurs Jens Gieseke (EPP, DE) of the Committee on the Environment and Paulius Saudargas (EPP, Lithuania) of the Committee on the Internal Market said that "Parliament supports the circular economy in the automotive sector. We promote resource security, protect the environment, and ensure sustainability. To avoid overburdening the industry, we have secured realistic targets and ensured less bureaucracy and fair competition," they noted.
As the Council has already adopted its position in the summer, interinstitutional negotiations are expected to start without delay.
It is recalled that on 13 July 2023, the Commission proposed a new regulation on circularity requirements for vehicle design and improved end-of-life vehicle management, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan.
In 2023, 14.8 million motor vehicles were manufactured in the EU, while 12.4 million were registered. 285.6 million vehicles are on the EU's roads, and every year around 6.5 million reach the end of their lives.
