Many countries are opting out of EU emissions regulations for 2025.

Euro 7 emissions regulations are due to come into effect in 2025, but there is growing opposition to strict measures that could see them delayed or revised. This time, it is not certain lobby groups or car manufacturers who are causing concern, but a significant part of the European Union countries believe that the restrictions are unrealistic.

In this case, a significant part means eight countries, which make up almost a third of the 27 EU members. Reuters reports that France, Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic signed a joint document against “any new rules on exhaust gas emissions” as well as new testing requirements for cars and vans. The letter was also sent to other EU countries and may not be just a symbolic gesture. According to Reuters, these eight countries would have enough voting power to block the proposal.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard opposition to upcoming rules that would make already strict regulations even stricter. In February, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares openly stated that he thought the internal combustion engine regulations were “useless” and would have a negative impact on the industry without affecting the environment. His argument went on to state that it would be costly for automakers, diverting funds from zero-emissions development to new engines that will only be available for a few years. This would lead to higher prices for vehicles with SUS engines, which would further burden customers.

Volkswagen offered a similar argument against the Euro 7 standard barely two months ago. VW Passenger Cars CEO Thomas Schaefer highlighted the shift to electrification, with the vast majority of new VW production slated to be electric by 2030. That would leave just a few years for redesigned engines would be required. This could drive up the prices of small cars like the VV Polo or Skoda Fabia to the point where buyers can’t afford them. In theory, of course.

All this leads to a complete ban on internal combustion engines in Europe in 2035, which is also not without controversy. Germany led another group of countries – many included in this latest group – opposing the ban. The move has led the EU to look deeper into synthetic fuels, which would likely allow new internal combustion engines to live on beyond 2035.