13/03/24 (Agence Europe) – At a plenary session in Strasbourg on Wednesday 13 March, MEPs approved by 297 votes to 190, with 37 abstentions, the provisional agreement reached on 19 December 2023 with the Council of the European Union on the ‘Euro 7’ Regulation (see EUROPE 13316/15). This text aims to tighten environmental standards for vehicles. The agreement maintains the test conditions and emission ceilings of the ‘Euro 6’ standard for cars and vans, while setting stricter limits for exhaust particulates. Stricter standards have also been set for exhaust emissions from buses and trucks, as well as specific limits for brake particles. Minimum performance standards for the durability of batteries in electric and hybrid vehicles have also been introduced. Finally, the text provides for an environmental passport for each vehicle. (NP)