# CE2004084EN.01046702.xml

| 3.4.2004 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 84/467 |
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3.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 84/467

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(2004/C 84 E/0542)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1306/03

by Bernd Lange (PSE) to the Commission

(7 April 2003)

Subject:   Further development of European legislation on car emissions

Subject:

Now that Directive 98/69/EC (1) has come into force and new cars are equipped accordingly, the question arises as to the further development of EU legislation on car emissions. Community air quality policy calls in particular for a further reduction in NOx and particles. It seems that the technology already exists for significantly reducing particle values in diesel engines. And the question of ultrafine particles in modern diesel-injection petrol engines seems to be developing into a new problem area.

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| 1. | What preliminary work has been down on a further stage in car emission legislation? |
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1.

What preliminary work has been down on a further stage in car emission legislation?

| 2. | Does the Commission plan a Euro V stage for 2008 with further reductions of NOx and particles, with particular attention being given to ultrafine particles? |
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2.

Does the Commission plan a Euro V stage for 2008 with further reductions of NOx and particles, with particular attention being given to ultrafine particles?

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| 3. | When will the Commission be presenting a proposal for a Euro V stage? |
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3.

When will the Commission be presenting a proposal for a Euro V stage?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 2003)

(7 May 2003)

The Commission is working towards the development of a Euro V standard for the light-duty vehicles covered by the scope of Directive 98/69/EC (2). The main emphasis will be on the reduction of Nitrogen oxides (Nox) and particulate emissions. The control of ultra-fine particulates, due to their perceived association with human health effects, is a priority, not only for diesel engines but also for gasoline direct-injection engines where there are concerns to be addressed. The development of new laboratory methods for measuring ultra-fine particulates is progressing well under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN-ECE) but there is still some way to go before a rigorous and reliable test method is available for the purposes of type-approving vehicles for their exhaust emissions.

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The impacts of measures aiming at a Euro V standard will also have to be assessed taking into account the elements of sustainable development.

The Commission intends that the Euro V stage would apply from the end of the decade for the various categories of vehicles within the scope of Directive 98/69/EC, respecting the same five-year period of legislative stability set by the institutions between the Euro III and Euro IV stages.

A proposal could be expected to be adopted by the Commission at the end of 2004.

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(1)  OJ L 350, 28.12.1998, p. 1.

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(2)  Directive 98/69/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 1998 relating to measures to be taken against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles and amending Council Directive 70/220/EEC, OJ L 350, 28.12.1998.

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