U2 used to sing: “I can’t live with or without you”. US and European automakers are asking themselves a similar question: whether they can live with or without access to Chinese rare earths, as they are caught in between the need to transition to EV motors and the need to overcome the geopolitical disruptions that
Forthcoming EU Measures on Greening Corporate Fleets and the 2035 CO₂ Standards Revision
As part of the automotive competitiveness package expected to be published on 10 December 2025, the European Commission is finalising two major initiatives with direct implications for vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, fleet operators and mobility providers: the Greening Corporate Fleets proposal and the revision of the 2035 CO₂-emission standards for cars and vans.
European Parliament Rejects Omnibus I Mandate Ahead of Plenary Vote
The European Parliament has rejected the Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) mandate to enter trilogue negotiations on the Omnibus I Simplification Package, which seeks to revise the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The vote concluded with 309 in favour, 318 against, and 34 abstentions, revealing a rare
EU–Mercosur Agreement – Sustainability Provisions Subject to Member State Ratification
In December 2024, the European Union (EU) and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur, i.e. Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) concluded negotiations on an EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement. The Agreement includes a Trade and Sustainable Development Chapter, as well as a Trade and Sustainable Development Annex. We have previously provided explanations on the sustainability aspects of
EU and US Publish Trade Joint Statement, With Sustainability Implications
On 21 August 2025, the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) published a Joint Statement setting out the Framework on an US-EU Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade (“the Framework Agreement”). The Framework Agreement will greatly affect transatlantic economic relations, while also having implications for the implementation of the EU’s sustainability rules.
EU Launches Call for Evidence on Revision of Combustion Engine and Vehicle Emissions Regulations
As previously reported on our blog, in January 2025, the European Commission launched a Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the Automotive Industry, aimed at addressing the challenges facing the sector. The initiative featured direct engagement by the industry with over 100 organizations, including automotive manufacturers, suppliers, NGOs, and regional representatives. One of
Latest Updates on Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS)
- Progress on PFAS restriction proposal –The Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) continue evaluating the universal PFAS restriction proposal on a sector-by-sector basis. In their June meetings, the committees reached preliminary conclusions regarding medical devices and lubricants. RAC estimates show nearly 12,000
ESG Regulatory Divergence: EU CSDDD targeted by the PROTECT USA Act
While the EU’s Omnibus Simplification Proposals is under legislative scrutiny towards possible changes and simplification of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), those milestone achievements of the EU Green Deal are facing significant opposition from the US.
The US, through Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), has introduced the PROTECT
EU Sets Definitive Countervailing Duties on Imports of Chinese Electric Vehicles
On 29 October 2024, the European Commission (EC) confirmed the imposition of definitive countervailing duties (CVDs) on imports of Chinese battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for the transport of persons. The CVDs are due from 30 October.
The definitive CVDs conclude an almost 13-month investigation by the European Commission. They consist of ad valorem duties ranging