Department of International Cooperation

According to a press release issued by the Council of the EU on October 27 this year, the Council of the EU reached an agreement with the European Parliament on the carbon dioxide emission standards for vehicles, with the goals to reduce carbon emissions to a level that is less than 55% of the 2021 emissions for new cars and 50 % for new vans by 2030, and to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2035.

Slovakia has a strong tradition in the automotive industry, and is one of the top 20 automobile producing countries in the world, with an annual production of more than 1 million vehicles. In 2018, Slovakia produced more than 1.08 million vehicles, which was a new record for the country. Currently, major automobile manufacturers in Slovakia include Volkswagen, KIA Motors, PSA Peugeot Citroen, and Jaguar Land Rover.

According to a report by the Slovak media TASR on November 14 this year, the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Slovakia declared that more than 3,000 EV charging points will be established by the end of 2026 in Slovakia, which is in accordance with the country's E-mobility Action Plan 2022-2026.

According to the Ministry, some 30 million euros from Slovakia's recovery and resilience plan will be allocated to the E-Mobility Action Plan, and 228 ultra-fast charging points will be added to the Trans-European Transport Network, with one or two charging spots for large trucks included and also the charging facilities in residential parking areas. In addition, the Ministry also plans to provide tax reliefs and subsidies for EV owners, in order to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles.

Compared with other EU member countries, Slovakia is lagging behind in respect of the sales of electric vehicles. In 2019, Slovakia only sold more electric vehicles than four countries - Bulgaria, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Given the fact that electric vehicles accounted for only 0.4% in Slovakia's auto market while the proportion has reached 15% in the Netherlands, it is hoped that promoting the use of electric vehicles will boost Slovakia's pace in achieving its energy goals.

Sources:
1. Economic Division, Taipei Representative Office, Bratislava
2. Council of the EU Press release- First'Fit for 55' proposal agreed: the EU strengthens targets for CO2 emissions for new cars and vans
3. Investment Guide to Slovakia