Innovation can help shift towards low-emission mobility, says Miriam Dalli

An irreversible shift to lowemission mobility is the way forward for the years to come. This can result in cleaner air for citizens and investment in innovation, research and development for the economies, Labour MEP and S&D spokesperson for the environment, Miriam Dalli said.

On Thursday, the European Parliament voted in favour of a European Strategy for low-emission mobility. The ambitious strategy aims to achieve a lowemission mobility based on three pillars: improving efficiency of the transport system, scaling up the use of alternative energy and moving towards zero-emission vehicles.

MEP Miriam Dalli welcomed the increasing number of countries considering ending the sales of new diesel and petrol cars. The Netherlands and Norway are looking at a target date by 2025, Austria by 2030, France and the UK by 2040.

“This is the time for further investments that can support a proper transition to a low-carbon economy and to low-emis- sion alternatives in transport for the years to come,” Dalli urged.

The Labour MEP stated that citizens are becoming increasingly aware of the health impacts of air pollution. Through the Paris Agreement, countries have committed themselves to reducing greenhouse gas emission.

She reiterated that the much- needed behavioural change can only be brought about through proactive action.

“Let us be the game changers. Let us push for improved consumer information. Proactive action is what we need at this point in time if we want to help boost the demand for zero emission vehicles across the EU,” Dalli said.