The European Union (EU) has announced a new law to effectively ban the sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles after 2035 throughout its 27 nation members.

According to the new law, auto manufacturers must achieve a 100% cut in CO2 emissions by 2035, essentially making it impossible to sell new fossil fuel-powered The measure is the EU’s latest effort, and the first deal in the EU’s “Fit for 55” CO2 emissions-reduction package, to accelerate the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) and tackle climate change.

In addition, the agreement requires automakers to cut new car emission by 55% below 2021 levels by 2030. The EU had previously targeted a 37.5% reduction by the same period.

“With these targets, we create clarity for the car industry and stimulate innovation and investments for car manufacturers, said Parliament lead negotiator Jan Huitema. “This deal is good news for car drivers... new zero-emission cars will become cheaper, making them more affordable and more accessible to everyone.”

The agreement is “crucial to reach climate neutrality by 2050 and make clean driving more affordable,” Huitema added.

The EU Parliament and Council must formally approve the agreement before it can be enforced.