EU-China Workshop focuses on combating air pollution and reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector

On September 13, the EU-China Environment Project hosted an EU-China Workshop on Air Pollution and Carbon Emission Reductions in the Transport Sector.
The primary aim of the workshop was to present the findings of a joint study on air pollution and carbon emissions reductions in the transport sector, comparing the efforts and challenges faced by both the EU and China. The event also served as a platform for sharing the latest policy developments and outlining future steps for cooperation between the two regions.

Over 30 participants attended the workshop, both in person and online, including representatives from the Chinese government, the EU and its Member States, business and industry associations, NGOs and think tanks. Notable attendees included officials from key Chinese government departments and agencies, such as the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science, and China Academy of Transportation Sciences.

Both sides highlighted a strong basis for collaboration in tackling pollution and reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector. As China and Europe face mounting pressure to address climate change, there is an urgent need to accelerate efforts to curb transportation-related pollution and carbon emissions. Participants also stressed the importance of aligning and integrating various policies to maximize synergies, highlighting the need for enhanced cross-sectoral cooperation given the involvement of multiple regulatory bodies. Furthermore, both regions underscored the need to deepen exchanges of expertise and share best practices in areas such as vehicle emission standards and carbon trading systems, which will be essential to advance the outcomes of the joint study and to drive the green transition in the transportation sector across both China and Europe.