In an unexpected turn of events that has shaken up the European environmental landscape, France has taken the first step towards eliminating its Low Emission Zones, urban areas designed to restrict the circulation of polluting vehicles and improve air quality. On 27 March 2025, a special commission of the National Assembly approved, with 26 votes in favour, 11 against and 9 abstentions, an amendment that seeks to abolish these zones throughout the country. Although the decision has yet to be ratified by the full Assembly and the Senate, the message is clear: the Low Emission Zones are in the firing line because of their social implications.
Reasons for abolishing the Low Emission Zones
The main argument for this measure is that the Low Emission Zones disproportionately penalise households with fewer resources. These zones, which prohibit the circulation of old or high-emission vehicles, particularly affect those who cannot afford to renew their cars with more ecological models, such as hybrid or electric vehicles. Parties such as the Agrupación Nacional and Los Republicanos, together with some deputies from the Macronist bloc, have argued that Low Emission Zones are ‘classist’ and generate an economic gap in the ecological transition.
Despite the efforts of Emmanuel Macron’s government to highlight the environmental benefits, such as the reduction of one third of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in cities such as Paris and Lyon, social and political pressure has prevailed. The vote reflects a growing public unease with measures which, although they seek to combat pollution, are perceived as unfair to the working classes.
A domino effect in Europe?
The French decision has not gone unnoticed on a continent where green policies are a fundamental pillar. If it is consolidated, it could encourage neighbouring countries to rethink their own strategies, especially in those where Low Emission Zones are also controversial.
- Germany: in Germany, Umweltzonen (environmental zones) have been a model for years, with more than 60 restricted areas in cities such as Berlin and Stuttgart. However, there have recently been signs of backtracking. Some cities have relaxed their restrictions following protests from drivers and small businesses affected, suggesting that the French example could fuel a similar debate. Germany, a pioneer in these policies, could opt for adjustments that balance ecology and social equity.
- Spain: Low Emission Zones are mandatory from 2021 in municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants, according to the Climate Change Law. Cities such as Madrid and Barcelona have already implemented them, but not without controversy. The attempt by the government of José Luis Martínez-Almeida to repeal the Low Emission Zones of Madrid Central met with opposition from Brussels, which shows the European pressure to maintain these measures. However, the French vote could give wings to political parties and citizens who criticise Low Emission Zones as a burden on low incomes, especially in areas with insufficient public transport.
- Italy: Limited Traffic Zones are present in cities such as Milan and Rome, but their application varies greatly between regions. Italy has not shown such outright rejection as France, although criticism of their impact on workers and small businesses is recurrent. If France succeeds in eliminating its Low Emission Zones, Italy could be tempted to relax its regulations, especially in the industrial north, where car dependency is high.
The dilemma between ecology and social justice
The French case raises a key question: how can we move towards decarbonisation without leaving the most vulnerable behind? While the European Union is pushing for climate targets to be met, decisions like the one anticipated in this vote could clash with EU legislation, opening up a legal conflict. In France, even if the elimination of Low Emission Zones is approved, the Macron government has already warned that it would seek to reintroduce them in a more progressive way.
In neighbouring countries, the impact will depend on the ability of their governments to respond to social demands without sacrificing sustainability. Germany could opt for more exceptions, Spain for economic incentives to renew vehicles, and Italy for a more lax application. What is clear is that France has lit a fuse that could change the course of green policies in Europe, forcing a rethink of how caring for the planet and social justice can be reconciled.