Trade agreement: Soon dangerous US cars in Europe?

The European Cyclists Federation (ECF) is warning of a side effect of the trade agreement with the USA. It fears that more pick-up trucks from the USA will enter the EU. The framework declaration signed between the EU and the USA states: "With respect to automobiles, the United States and the European Union intend to accept and mutually recognise each other's standards."

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Dangerous vehicles for cyclists?

Until now, vehicles classified as dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists could only be registered in the EU with an individual licence. As a result, the number of imported pick-up trucks was low. Vehicles such as Tesla's Cybertruck are considered particularly dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians. One of the reasons for this is that the hard steel construction yields little in the event of a collision compared to conventional vehicles.

"This framework agreement is a betrayal of the EU's commitment to road safety," said ECF Director Fabian Küster. Antonio Avenoso, Executive Director of the European Transport Safety Council ETSC, also voiced his protest: "Europe is now at risk of being flooded by oversized, under-regulated US pick-up trucks and SUVs - vehicles that are heavier, more dangerous for other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists and completely out of line with Europe's vision for safer and more sustainable mobility."