COMPETITIVENESS COUNCIL : ELECTRIC CARS: DRAFT STRATEGY DUE OUT BY MAY.

The EU's industry ministers, meeting in San Sebastian (Donostia), on 9 February, urged the European Commission to establish a common strategy to develop electric cars, an expanding and highly competitive sector. This idea, encouraged by the Spanish Presidency of the Union, was accepted by the EU executive. Ministers and professionals from the sector discussed the issue at an informal Council on the future of electric vehicles, which are seen as an opportunity for economic recovery and an environmental necessity.

The Commission is to present a draft strategy, by May, which summarises initiatives between manufacturers and member states. Electric vehicles are one of the priorities of the EU2020 economic development strategy aimed at prosperity and sustainable development in Europe. Electric cars could represent 10% of Europe's motor vehicle fleet in 2020 if...