France Faces EU Funding Risk Over Proposed Repeal of Low Emission Zones
The French government warns of losing over €3 billion in EU subsidies as protests against ZFE policies gain momentum ahead of parliamentary deliberations.
- The proposed repeal of Low Emission Zones (ZFE) policies could cost France over €3 billion in EU subsidies tied to environmental commitments under the recovery plan.
- The French government has expressed strong opposition to the repeal, citing significant financial and political repercussions, including potential EU penalties.
- ZFE policies, introduced to combat air pollution responsible for 40,000 premature deaths annually, currently restrict older, high-polluting vehicles in urban areas with over 150,000 residents.
- Public opposition to ZFE policies is intensifying, with protests organized by groups like 'Les Gueux' and the Federation of Angry Motorcyclists (FFMC) planned for April 6, 2025.
- The National Assembly is set to begin deliberations on the repeal proposal starting April 9, 2025, marking a critical moment in France's environmental and social policy debate.
Sud Ouest 
Le Figaro 