European Union flags flutter outside the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium March 18, 2025. Photo: Reuters
In a statement, the council said its position was based on the extended producer responsibility (EPR) regime, an environmental policy under which producers are held responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including post-consumer waste management.
"The regulation in particular introduces a mandatory target for recycled plastics and opens the possibility to set future targets for recycled steel, aluminium, and critical raw materials," the council said.
In a statement, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) welcomed the council's position, adding it should not weigh on the sector's competitiveness.
"The new end-of-life vehicle recycling rules must be technically feasible and supported by a coherent framework. Transforming end-of-life-vehicle recycling will not happen overnight," said ACEA director general Sigrid de Vries.
The council will now start negotiations with the European Parliament on the definitive setting of the rules.
