Maltese MEP Miriam Dalli said that the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament remain commited to continue working hard in favour of reducing emissions from vehicles. Miriam Dalli made this statement following the vote in the European Parliament on the European Commission’s proposal which will double the limits of vehicle pollution from what was decided back in 2007.

With 317 votes against 323 votes, the objection to the European Commission’s proposal was not approved by Parliament, however, the majority of the Socialists and Democrats MEPs voted against the European Commission’s proposal. Emissions from vehicles are responsible for air pollution across Europe, which is causing around 400,000 premature deaths per year.

“We remained consistent with our original stand, that it is unacceptable to approve a proposal that allows cars to pollute more than what was agreed back in 2007,” Miriam Dalli said. Dr Dalli represented the Socialists and Democrats in the discussions held about vehicle emissions’ limits.

Miriam Dalli emphasized that the decision allowing car to pollute twice what was decided upon 9 years ago undermines citizens’ confidence, particularly since citizens do expect that the EU protects public health.

‘Unfortunately, there are industries that made pressure so that the law is changes and many surrendered to the lobbyists’ pressure. I believe that it should be our duty as politicians, to make sure that laws are enforced and not changed for the benefit of those who simply do not respect them,” state Miriam Dalli.

‘Even though, the vote in Parliament was not favorable, the result that we attained means that there is a substantial amount of MEPs who are willing to stand up for our citizens’ health and want to keep the European Commission and the Member States accountable. From my end, I will remain committed to work pro-actively in favor of less pollution from vehicles and in favor of better vehicle testing procedures,” Dr Dalli added.

The Maltese MEP is also a member of the European Parliament’s car emissions inquiry committee. This committee is expected to begin its work this month and will be presenting the first draft of its report in 6 months’ time, while the work of the committee is expected to wrap up within a year.