[French Finance Minister: Europe should invest money in new technologies such as batteries to abandon Euro 7 emission standards harmful to local automakers] French Finance Minister Lemerre pointed out that Europe should invest money in new technologies such as batteries instead of introducing costly new vehicle exhaust pollution regulations, the so-called Euro 7 emission standards. Speaking at the opening of a new battery factory in northern France, Mr Lemerre said the new rules would distract carmakers from developing electric vehicles and that "Europe must demonstrate its industrial strength".