Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and
Business Minister Adolfo Urso on Wednesday blasted the European
Union's decision to ban the sale of new carbon-emitting petrol
and diesel cars by 2035, after the move passed its final
legislative step with a vote in the European Parliament on
Tuesday.
"Italy is behind with the transition (to electric) of the car
sector and we must accelerate with investments," Urso told Rai
radio.
"But the time frames and procedures that Europe is imposing on
us do not match the European reality and, above all, they don't
match the Italian one.
"We cannot address reality with an ideological, partisan vision,
which is what seems to emerge from the European institutions".
Tajani, who is also deputy premier, echoed those sentiments,
saying the move was a "serious mistake".
"I am a great supporter of electric cars, but ambitious targets
have to be achieved in reality, not just on paper," Tajani told
Rai television.
"Italy will forward a counter-proposal of limiting the reduction
to 90%, giving industries the chance to adapt.
"It is necessary to combat climate change, but this means
setting achievable targets".
Deputy Premier and Transport and Infrastructure Minister Matteo
Salvini has also blasted the ban.
"It is a crazy, disconcerting decision that goes against Italian
and European industries and workers and in favour of Chinese
businesses," Salvini said on Tuesday.
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