Response to interpellation 2023/24:234 on historical vehicles and the ELV Regulation
Translated from Swedish by AI; the translation may contain errors. The Swedish text is the original.
Summary AI, written in advance
The debate concerns the EU regulation for historical vehicles. L believes that the regulation protects the environment and reduces raw material dependency 1, and that it is good that vehicles of historical interest are exempted to balance environmental protection with the owners' interests 1. L wants to minimize negative consequences through dialogue 2. SD argues that the proposal creates concern 3, that there is uncertainty regarding the valuation 3 and that Sweden must act forcefully against the EU to avoid forced scrapping 4. S argues that authorities must not classify vehicles as waste arbitrarily 5, that ownership rights must be protected 5, that vehicles needing repair should not be scrapped 6 and that vehicles older than 30 years should be exempted 7. S also demands that the trade with used car parts remains open 7. L wants to protect the vehicle hobby and preserve older vehicles 8. The Government wants to limit negative consequences by reviewing the definition of historical vehicles and protecting ownership rights 8.
Written by AI in advance and may contain errors. The numbers lead to the speech a statement builds on; check against the text below.
Statsrådet Romina Pourmokhtari (L)
Madam Speaker! Isak From has asked Minister for Culture Parisa Liljestrand whether the Minister intends to take any measures so that owners of historical vehicles shall not be deprived of their property due to the ELV regulation. The work within the government is distributed such that it is I who shall answer the interpellation.
The purpose of the Commission's proposal is to protect the environment, reduce carbon emissions in production, and reduce raw material dependency. The Commission's proposal implies that the new EU regulation on end-of-life vehicles shall not apply to vehicles of historical interest. The definition of vehicles of historical interest used in the new EU regulation comes from the European Parliament and Council Directive 2014/45/EU of 3 April 2014 on the periodic technical inspection of motor vehicles and their trailers. The Commission's proposal also implies that the criteria used to determine whether a used vehicle is an end-of-life vehicle are clarified.
Regarding the historical vehicles, Sweden's position is that it is good that vehicles of historical interest are exempted from the provisions and that the upcoming EU regulation should not counteract our will to protect the preservation of these.
Overall, the government intends to work towards legislation with high environmental and climate ambition. The government wants to see a balance between effective environmental protection, administrative burden, the business sector's competitiveness, and a consideration of vehicle owners' interests. Consideration shall be taken of the fact that vehicles are a complex product that is part of global value chains.
In order, among other things, to ensure that the government can take the interests of vehicle owners into account in the negotiations, views have been collected by referring the Commission's proposal for a new EU regulation. In addition to the referral, the Government Offices have held talks with, among others, several vehicle enthusiast organizations with the aim of obtaining further information and proposals in order to be able to develop well-founded proposals before detailed negotiations on the issue are initiated within the EU.
Isak From (S)
Madam Speaker! Welcome, Minister Pourmokhtari, to the chamber! This question is engaging. I received the question from an interest organization about whether I should not have the leather vest on today, but it had to be the suit vest. I unfortunately do not think the chamber rules allow for a leather vest. Or perhaps I should have had the workshop overalls on?
Madam Speaker! Christmas is approaching. Another rolling issue is that the interpellation debate has its origins in an engaged popular movement. I know, and I hear in the answer, that many interest organizations have contacted the Government Offices and put forward their views. However, I do not quite hear that these are being taken into account in the Minister's answer.
When I read some of the views from the referral bodies, I become quite concerned, especially when I read the views from the agency that Romina Pourmokhtari has in her area of responsibility, Naturvårdsverket. Naturvårdsverket considers that the regulation should be even more far-reaching and include more, and that the exceptions in the current regulation are too many.
When I read the Swedish Transport Agency's response, however, I see a completely opposite position, where the Swedish Transport Agency advises against the regulation being implemented in its current form because there are too many question marks.
Madam Speaker! The automotive industry in Sweden is, as history shows, quite experienced. There is a case where the County Administrative Board of Västra Götaland classified three imported American cars as hazardous environmental waste to be destroyed, i.e., destroyed. These were cars worth several hundred thousand. An authority can therefore arbitrarily classify a vehicle as decommissioned and cause it to be locked up. It is that type of action that worries the automotive industry.
There are many question marks in the regulation, and what is perhaps most important is Sweden's position. A regulation is implemented directly in the member states when it is enacted. It will therefore be the authorities that are to classify this, and when there are so many question marks like this, one simply cannot proceed with the proposal.
Historical vehicles should be exempt, but it also states very clearly that the historical vehicles must be in strict condition. They must, therefore, be in original condition. Those of us who are out in the community during the summers all know that there is one car or another candy-painted car that needs repair. These are Cadillac 59s with both candy paint and air suspension that might be decommissioned. Should these cars then be compulsorily scrapped without the right to compensation? It is actually completely horrible.
Romina Pourmokhtari should, as a liberal, stand up for the right to property, which is constitutionally anchored in Sweden. The right to property is also established in the European Convention on Human Rights, and it must be particularly protected. When a regulatory framework is now introduced that enables a property to be seized without the right to compensation, everyone must say no. This is not reasonable.
Mattias Eriksson Falk (SD)
Madam Speaker! Thanks to the Minister, who is here tonight and answering the interpellation! It is with great concern that I stand here in the speaker's chair to participate in this debate on a directive from the EU Commission. It is a directive that tries to hit the mark but which in large parts lands completely wrong and which creates stress and anger out in the country among motor enthusiasts of various kinds.
I understand the concern that exists very well. If you have ever owned a vintage vehicle, you understand the feeling of saving money, looking for the right vehicle for yourself and then, with all your love and care, refurbishing the vehicle. It involves many evenings and weekends of searching for spare parts, welding, grinding and pulling cables.
I know exactly how it is, because I myself have previously owned a 1966 Pontiac Bonneville, a four-door HT, or hardtop as HT stands for. For me, it was important to have the right vehicle and that it should be exactly an HT, because it means that there is no pillar between the two windows along the side of the car, but it is completely open when the windows are down. Perfect for a lovely summer evening!
For six months I worked on it myself and renovated it. It took time; I put in many hours. I have the advantage of being a trained mechanic, and I took advantage of that. I replaced the generator, springs, and exhaust system. I pulled new cables and installed a new cooling fan, something that was strongly needed to handle many long hours at Power Meet in Västerås. To be able to do all this, the car had to be partially dismantled internally.
But enough about me, I mostly wanted to give a little perspective on what it is like to feel this affection for a vehicle. Because it is not just ownership, but it is a feeling of something fantastic and wonderful.
Both car owners and motorcyclists are concerned about the new directive. Sveriges Motorcyklister, for example, write in their consultation response: "One criterion for a motorcycle to be classified as scrap-ready is that the cost of getting the motorcycle into drivable condition exceeds the motorcycle's value. Which authorities shall check and assess the motorcycle's condition? Which criteria shall the authority work according to?"
For an enthusiast, the cost of obtaining a vehicle, whether it is a car or a motorcycle, in drivable condition is not decisive. When you take on the renovation of a vehicle, the value in itself may be low, but with a renovation, whether costly or cheap, the vehicle's value will be raised and likely increase with age. But what may be important for an enthusiast is that one has wanted to own a certain vehicle for their entire life and then saved up for it, which can take a very long time - for many 10-20 years.
What should the value of a vehicle then be assessed through? Should it be based on the vehicle's condition then or its potential after a renovation? It is also not certain that it will be enough; a renovated vehicle can bring in large amounts if the right buyer is found.
As the Sweden Democrats see it, there is far too much uncertainty surrounding this proposal for it to be executable in practice. For me and many others in Sweden, this is further proof that the EU does not understand Swedish society, the people who live here, or the enormous interest in vehicles that exists. I hope that the government, in its continued handling, clearly shows the EU that the parts of the EU's proposal that threaten cars and motorcycles should be thrown in the bin.
My question to the Minister is: Will the Minister for Climate and Environment act so that the EU scraps the proposal that threatens Swedish vehicles and the expertise we have in repairing them?
Statsrådet Romina Pourmokhtari (L)
Madam Speaker! There are many points to address in the members' speeches. Let me begin with something fundamental that is of great importance for the outcome even in this negotiation, namely that the EU is not "someone else." The EU and all decisions made there are also influenced by the Council, and the Council consists of ministers from all countries. The Swedish government is therefore also the EU in this context and has to a large extent the possibility to influence the outcome of proposals that first arrive in a certain form and are then negotiated.
I look forward to negotiations being initiated regarding this as well. So far, they have not started, and I have also not received any concrete information as to when that will occur.
One should also keep in mind that the majority of this proposed regulation is not about when the dismantling of vehicles shall take place, but about how the dismantling and recycling of end-of-life vehicles shall take place, how future cars shall be constructed to facilitate material recycling, and how we shall prevent the spread of environmental toxins.
There are, in fact, problems with the spread of environmental pollutants from end-of-life vehicles. Because our union functions as it does with its open borders and its free movement, EU-wide rules emerge to handle the problems that arise.
The European Commission estimates that approximately one-third of the registered vehicles within the EU disappear from the statistics. There is also a large amount of vehicles that are not roadworthy which are exported from the EU annually. Regardless of the reason why these vehicles are missing from the statistics, this means that a significant proportion of the vehicles were likely not handled in a proper manner when they became waste. This implies unfair competition against the authorized vehicle dismantlers who follow all the requirements set by the EU.
The export to countries outside the EU of used cars that are not judged to be roadworthy and which have high exhaust emissions involves both environmental and social challenges. In 2020, 870 used vehicles were exported from the EU, and according to an estimate from the Netherlands, approximately 60 percent are estimated not to meet the EU's emission requirements.
The drivers behind these problems are very interesting. It is so, Madam Speaker, that there are economic incentives to sell vehicles as used instead of handing them in to authorized dismantlers. There are also economic incentives to sell decommissioned vehicles to unscrupulous vehicle dismantlers instead of handing them in to authorized vehicle dismantlers who follow the regulations, with the costs that entails.
This regulation therefore intends to clarify when a vehicle should be considered decommissioned. It will make it more difficult for unscrupulous actors to incorrectly export waste as used cars. Instead, we will be able to strengthen the recycling of decommissioned vehicles, while the design of future vehicles will be adapted to favor material recycling.
The government, therefore, stands behind the intention of the proposal for a new ELV regulation. I will, however, as I said, through my officials, conduct an active dialogue with all interest organizations affected by the side effects of the regulation. We want to review how we can, in different ways, minimize the negative consequences as far as is possible.
Isak From (S)
Madam Speaker and Minister! There is a great deal of commitment in the Riksdag regarding these issues. I also believe that the Minister is fully aware that it is the Riksdag that gives the Minister the negotiating mandate in the Council. When the question is to be raised there, it will be of the utmost importance that the uncertainties, which are quite many and which the Transport Agency, among others, point out, are eliminated. It will be a requirement from many in this chamber that they actually are.
I submitted a written question to Romina Pourmokhtari in October. The Minister did not answer my question then, and I do not think she is doing so now either.
Who is it that is to decide the definition of what constitutes a vehicle of historical interest? That is part of the core issue. Who is it that has the mandate to decide if a vehicle is of historical interest? Which authority shall establish if a vehicle is of historical interest? Many vehicles today can have a fairly high insurance value. Should that then be counted as it being established that they are historically valuable vehicles?
Not least the motorsport has also come forward with quite strong objections. Many of the motorsport vehicles change parts quite frequently, and many of them are also not always registered and can also need to be repaired for longer periods. There are also questions here that one needs to have answers to.
And what happens with a newer vehicle that one wants to repair oneself? The vehicle hobby is a popular movement today. There are very many out in the country who repair their vehicles entirely by themselves. We are a handy population who fix things and stuff ourselves, not least out in the country. In the countryside, one simply repairs the car oneself when it breaks down. Should that be possible?
If one has a 2008 Ford Mustang that receives collision damage that needs to be repaired but does not manage to repair and inspect it within the time limit suggested by the regulation, even if it were two years, should that then be a reason for the car to be seized and scrapped? It is not reasonable - not reasonable in any way at all.
Madam Speaker! I agree with Romina Pourmokhtari. I stand up for EU membership and believe that, by virtue of membership, we should also engage more clearly in what is happening. When the Commission or Parliament then presents such proposals, which in many parts are good but in some parts risk making the entire sea start to storm and cause one to lose the entire issue, it is not reasonable. Then one must actually say: No, this is not okay. We must do something about this.
Mattias Eriksson Falk (SD)
Madam Speaker! Thank you, Minister for the Environment and Climate, for the answer!
That the EU lacks understanding for Swedish needs has been clear for some time. Many times, the proposals from the EU are based on some kind of norm that stems from how things look in Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. In that sense, I simply have to see myself as critical of the norm.
It is not strange that the Sweden Democrats have for many years criticized the EU's lack of understanding for Swedish needs and what our Swedish conditions look like. It is recurring. If it is not vehicles, as it is now, then it concerns the costly forced renovations of small houses that they are trying to force through, forest policy, or immigration.
Both I and the Minister know that the EU is not built on an understanding of individual nations, but entirely on the elite who envision a United States of Europe – something that the citizens in Europe do not want. We are different countries that can cooperate but who must also be allowed to be unique – something the EU does not want.
For the Sweden Democrats, it is obvious that the government needs to act forcefully against the EU, with the support of the Riksdag. Here, the Sweden Democrats and a majority in the Riksdag seem to be in agreement. The question will ultimately be tested in the responsible committee and in the EU Committee. There, Sweden's view on the proposal shall be anchored, and all parties need to declare their colors on this issue. Does one choose Sweden or the EU?
Now we have a chance to stand up for Sweden, Swedish needs, and all the commitment that exists among vehicle and engine enthusiasts all around our elongated country. For the Sweden Democrats, it is clear that the EU must not scrap our vehicles by force, but rather that Sweden must scrap the EU's proposals.
Statsrådet Romina Pourmokhtari (L)
Madam Speaker! Let me begin at this end: For me, it is very important to protect the vehicle hobby. These are activities characterized by strong civic roots and that evoke great engagement, which has been mentioned by the members. There is extensive voluntary work that is also primarily financed by associations and their members. Preserving older vehicles is also consistent with our view on, for example, circular economy.
Regarding the matter of whether the cost of renovation should stand in some particular proportion to the vehicle's value, that is precisely such a question that the government is following very closely. Another question that the government is following very closely is the model that is painted in the proposal for the assessment of historical value.
Madam Speaker! Let me also mention that the government will in various ways attempt to limit the negative consequences of the proposal, not least by reviewing the definition of historical vehicles. During the course of the negotiations, when they are finally commenced, we will also review the various possibilities that may arise to ensure that the negative consequences of a proposal do not affect Sweden and the activities conducted here on a very good basis.
As Minister for Climate and Environment, I have the ultimate responsibility to ensure laws and regulations that prevent pollution and that toxic waste is not spread in our nature. To manage the climate transition, I want to transition our economy to a greater extent towards utilizing material recycling and a wise use of our resources.
As a result of open borders within our union, we must have EU-wide legislation on many fronts. This involves, for example, ensuring that we take care of decommissioned vehicles, recycling what we can, and ensuring that parts are not dumped in nature or become tools for organized crime, which is also something this proposal intends to address.
My perception, however, is that there is a risk that the exceptions for historical vehicles in the proposal are not designed well enough to protect either our transport historical cultural heritage or the vehicle owners' property rights. But the negotiations have, as stated, not yet begun, so I cannot comment on exactly which formulations, exceptions, and changes Sweden will attempt to introduce into the regulation before it enters into force.
In EU negotiations, 27 different countries must reach an agreement, and one must be prepared to compromise. But I must, of course, also constantly remember my fundamental values in the political work we carry out.
Madam Speaker! I can finally assure the House that the government and I, as the Liberal Minister for Climate and Environment, will safeguard the individual's right to dispose of their property.
Isak From (S)
Madam Speaker! The last part sounded almost like a small Christmas present to the automotive industry. I think perhaps the Minister needs to clarify that in the final statement.
Madam Speaker! Sweden probably needs to be very clear here. A minimum requirement is that all vehicles older than 30 years are exempted, that vehicles connected to motorsport are exempted, and that it is established - just as the Minister says - that it is the owner through the right of ownership who decides when the vehicle is worn out.
Then, of course, we need recycling systems that make it easy for the vehicle owner to hand it over and that it does not become costly. But that is somewhat another question.
The proposal must also not mean that the possibilities to trade with used car parts are restricted. That trade should, of course, be open, follow all regulations, be legal and not linked to gang crime.
Madam Speaker! With this, I wish the Speaker, the Minister, and my colleagues here in the chamber a very Merry Christmas. We hope that this keeps moving forward. When the Minister comes here and requests a mandate, she can be completely certain that a vehicle-engaged Riksdag will scrutinize the proposals very closely.
Statsrådet Romina Pourmokhtari (L)
Madam Speaker! Thanks to the member for the discussion! It is important for all of us to safeguard the fantastic activities in Sweden surrounding the vehicle hobby. I am very grateful that the Chamber and the members are engaged in this issue. I look forward to the dialogue we can have when the negotiations begin in this matter. I also look forward to having more dialogue with the vehicle hobby and hearing the input of their interest organizations regarding this proposal. We all want to reach those who exploit the situation for illegal activities and, of course, also strengthen the fantastic voluntary activities that are ongoing in Sweden surrounding historical vehicles.
I thank you for the debate and the commitment and also wish the House, the Speaker and others present a Merry Christmas.
Source: The Swedish Parliament. The speeches come from the open data of the Riksdag, translated into English by AI, which may contain errors.