EU countries are ready to approve the phase-out of cars with CO2 emissions in 2035

EU energy ministers "today will finally approve the bloc's law on ending the sale of new cars with CO2 emissions in 2035," reports Reuters. The news portal notes that the vote will take place three weeks later than planned after Germany's transport ministry raised a last-minute objection. It adds: "The European Commission agreed a settlement with Germany over the weekend, offering assurances that internal combustion engine cars that run on e-fuels alone will be exempt from the ban in 2035. Separately, it said the exemption had been "criticised by climate activists" , while automakers say it's "too expensive, rushed and unnecessary." Bloomberg is also covering the story.

In other European news, Reuters reports that the EU has reached a tentative agreement to "introduce more filling stations for electric and alternative fuel cars." Elsewhere, the news portal reports that the EU "plans to hold early carbon market auctions from July to raise additional funds to help countries transition away from Russian gas and reduce emissions." Separately, Bloomberg reports that the EU is "looking at a way to give member states the ability to effectively ban Russian liquefied natural gas supplies without imposing new energy sanctions."

Finally, Reuters reports on the first-ever climate case to reach the European Court of Human Rights, in which more than 2,000 "elderly women" are suing the Swiss government for their "climate lockout." It says: "This filing, followed by two more this year, could result in an emissions reduction order that goes beyond even the 2015 Paris Agreement commitments, setting an important precedent." Separately, the report states: "As a sign of importance, eight other governments (Romania, Latvia, Austria, Slovakia, Norway, Italy, Portugal and Ireland) have joined the case."

Kate Abnett, Reuters, 'Carbon Brief'