Making the AdBlue system frost‑resistant

Question for written answer E-000615/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Katri Kulmuni (Renew), Merja Kyllönen (The Left)

The Commission has previously stated that it is aware of the problems and shortcomings of the AdBlue system with regard to frost-resistance at low temperatures. One of the solutions that has been proposed is an industry-led standard to improve the frost-resistance of reagents.

The Commission has since been asked about measures that would enable the effective use of diesel-powered vehicles in the northernmost regions of Europe (E-003503/2025[1]). In its answer of 28 October 2025, the Commission stated that account is taken in the Euro VI Regulation of the potential problems relating to the use of reagents at extremely cold temperatures and that the regulation allows vehicle manufacturers to apply for a derogation to disable the system monitors when the ambient temperature falls below -7°C.

Turning off the system monitors does not solve the problems, however. The systems within cars cannot cope with reagents that freeze in cold weather. Reagents that are more frost-resistant cannot necessarily be used in cars without EU-level type-approval. The AdBlue system's goal of reducing emissions is of course the right one, but the situation with regard to this issue in the northernmost regions of the EU is still unacceptable.

With the above in mind:

• 1.How will this problem - which has been recognised by the Commission - be resolved, and will the Commission put the solution into practice by means of an implementing regulation or, for example, in the context of an update of the Euro VII Regulation?
• 2.How can reagent that is more frost-resistant but that has non-standard characteristics be introduced into a type-approved fleet without causing an undue administrative burden?

Submitted: 12.2.2026

• [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-003503_EN.html