The Auto Oil Programme: An Interim Critical Assessment

Abstract

The Auto Oil I Programme, as published by the Commission, consists of proposals for directives on fuel and car emission standards and a communication on a future strategy to control atmospheric emissions from transport. It was initially praised as a great success by both the Commission and the oil industry, as well as by the automobile industry, although to a much lesser degree. However, the Auto Oil I Programme has been fiercely criticised by the European Parliament and by environmental and consumer NGOs. In its common position, the Environment Council adopted considerably more stringent fuel standards than those put forward by the Commission. The European Parliament remained dissatisfied, and, following the adoption in its second reading of most of the amendments it had tabled during the first reading, remains in disagreement with the Council. Consequently the conciliation committee will now have to be set up to find compromise solutions. This article presents a critical analysis of the Auto Oil I Programme.