The European Commission group that determines emissions policy has met to discuss future standards, with new policy continuing to develop.

According to reports from the Association for Emissions Control by Catalyst (AECC) the group has now begun directing its attentions towards the 'key issues' to be considered regarding further regulations, and also whether EU member states believe there should be a 'fast track' approach to incentivise the take-up of diesel particulate filters.

Some members do favour such an attitude, which could, for example, lead to the setting of interim limits while the detail of EU V is discussed.

The process of deciding EU V (for light duty vehicles) and EU VI (for heavy duty vehicles) began in September, at a Joint Research Centre meeting at Ispra, Italy.

A proposal is due in spring 2005, with adoption planned for April and November that year (for light and heavy-duty vehicles respectively).

The Commission is also active in the area of shipping emissions, with a stakeholder workshop on low-emission shipping held early in September.