February 2023 changed everything. The European Parliament voted for Regulation (EU) 2023/851, mandating zero CO₂ emissions for all new cars and vans by 2035. This isn't some distant policy paper — it's the law that will reshape how Europeans drive. Here's what it means for Greek drivers, which loopholes exist, and how to prepare for the biggest automotive shift since the invention of the car.
What the EU 2035 Regulation Actually Says
Regulation (EU) 2023/851 sits at the heart of the "Fit for 55" package, unveiled by the European Commission in July 2021. The math is brutal: the EU must slash greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, then hit climate neutrality by 2050.
How the EU 2035 Vote Unfolded
- July 2021: European Commission proposes 100% CO₂ reduction for new cars by 2035
- June 8, 2022: European Parliament votes in favor
- June 29, 2022: After 16 hours of negotiations, all 27 Environment ministers agree
- February 14, 2023: Final approval — the law for "zero CO₂ emissions from new cars and vans by 2035" becomes reality
Critical Clarification
The ban only affects new car sales. Your existing gas and diesel cars will keep running normally. You can also buy used gas cars after 2035.
The E-Fuels Loophole That Almost Killed the Deal
Germany nearly torpedoed the entire regulation over e-fuels (synthetic fuels). Berlin initially refused to vote yes, demanding that combustion engines running on CO₂-neutral synthetic fuels get a pass.
Frans Timmermans, then Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, said he had an "open mind" about e-fuels but stressed that hybrids wouldn't cut it for hitting climate targets.
What's Allowed After EU 2035
- 🔋 Fully electric (BEV)
- ⚡ Hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV)
- ⛽ E-fuels (CO₂-neutral synthetic) — under review
What's Banned After 2035
- 🚫 New gasoline cars
- 🚫 New diesel cars
- 🚫 New hybrids (HEV/PHEV)
- 🚫 New LPG/CNG vehicles
How EU Countries Reacted to the 2035 Ban
While all 27 countries eventually voted yes, the reactions tell a different story:
| Country | Position | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Germany | Yes, with conditions | Demanded e-fuels exception |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | Critical | Meloni condemned "ideological madness" — wants revision |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | Hostile | Filed appeals to CJEU (August 2023) |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | Yes | Bound by EU regulation |
| 🇳🇴 Norway | Pioneer | Already 79.6% EV share (Q2 2023) — no formal ban needed |
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni called the ban a measure that would "condemn Europe to new strategic dependencies, like Chinese electric vehicles," stating: "Reducing polluting emissions is the path we want to follow, but with common sense."
Global Gas Car Ban Timeline
The EU isn't alone. Multiple countries have announced similar targets, while the Glasgow Declaration (COP26, 2021) saw 30 countries commit to phase-outs — notably, the US, China, Toyota, VW, Renault-Nissan, and Hyundai-Kia didn't sign.
| Country/Region | Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇪🇺 EU (27 countries) | 2035 | Regulation (EU) 2023/851 |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 2030/2035 | 2030 gas/diesel, 2035 hybrids |
| 🇨🇳 China | 2035 | Didn't sign Glasgow — strong EV market |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 2035 | Legislated |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 2035 | Hybrids continue |
| 🇳🇴 Norway | ~2025 | 79.6% EV sales already — achieving it in practice |
How Automakers Are Reacting to EU 2035
Major manufacturers are split. Some commit to full electrification, while others (mainly Japanese) prefer mixed strategies:
Already 100% electric — no change needed
Target 100% EV in Europe by 2030
Target 2030, with exceptions in certain markets
Target 100% EV by 2030
Target 2040 — slower transition
Target 2035 — aligned with legislation
No commitment — targets 3.5M EV/year by 2030
Target 2040 — slow approach
Job Losses Hit Hard
Between 2019-2023, the EU recorded over 853,000 job losses in manufacturing, including automotive. Unions warn the Green Deal threatens 11 million jobs, while studies estimate potential loss of 500,000 positions in automotive alone.
What the EU 2035 Ban Means for Greece
Greece, as an EU member, is fully bound by Regulation 2023/851. In practice, this means:
Current Situation
- EV share: ~12.4% (2024), up from 5.3% (Q2 2023)
- Athens: odd/even system — EVs exempt
- Zero circulation fees for BEV
- Free municipal parking until 31/12/2026
- "Move Electric 3" program with subsidies up to €8,400
By 2035
- Major charging network expansion
- New homes mandatory with charger
- Gradual reduction of incentives (as they go mainstream)
- Possible low emission zones in city centers
- Increase in used EV market
Practical Guide: What You Need to Do
Buying a car today?
Consider electric or plug-in hybrid. Resale value of gas cars will gradually decline.
Living in an apartment?
Learn about legislation (Law 4710/2020) that allows charger installation without general assembly permission.
Take advantage of subsidies
"Move Electric 3" offers up to €8,400 — but funds run out fast.
Don't rush — but plan ahead
You still have ~9 years. EV prices are dropping, models are multiplying, and charging networks are expanding.
The 2026 Review That Could Change Everything
The regulation includes a 2026 review to assess progress. Several countries, led by Italy (the Industry Minister called for earlier review in September 2024), are pushing for flexibility.
Possible scenarios:
Scenario 1: Stands
Regulation remains as is. More likely if EV sales continue rising (14.5% globally, 2023).
Scenario 2: Modified
Official e-fuels exception, possible small date shift for certain models.
Scenario 3: Cancelled
Extremely unlikely, but political pressures (853,000 jobs, farmer protests) can't be ignored.
Bottom Line
The EU 2035 ban is legally binding and applies to all member states, including Greece. It doesn't affect today's cars — only new sales. The transition is gradual: with EV prices dropping, charging networks expanding, and subsidies still running, 2035 doesn't have to scare you. It's an opportunity.
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