In a significant move that could reshape European environmental policy, Germany is formally urging the European Union to reconsider its planned 2035 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
German Chancellor Takes Action
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed he will send a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen this Friday, requesting Brussels to maintain technological flexibility for automobile manufacturers. The controversial ban, scheduled to take effect in just over a decade, represents a cornerstone of the EU's strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Merz stated the German government aims to protect the climate in a technology-neutral manner, emphasising that his letter would request several crucial exemptions from the proposed legislation.
The Battle for Automotive Future
The German initiative hardens the emerging conflict between the country's powerful automotive sector and environmental advocates pushing Brussels to maintain its flagship green policy. Germany's car industry currently faces multiple crises, including substantial investment requirements for electric vehicle development and intensifying competition from Chinese manufacturers that is eroding sales.
Speaking alongside coalition partners, Merz revealed his specific demands: I will ask the commission, even after 2035, to continue to allow battery-electric vehicles that also have a combustion engine. His proposal specifically includes permission for continued production of plug-in hybrids, battery hybrids where driving charges the battery, and electric vehicles equipped with highly efficient combustion engines as backup for long journeys.
Political Unity and Industry Support
Remarkably, Merz has secured support from his centre-left Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners for this challenge to EU policy. SPD Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil stood alongside Merz, stating that the future viability of the German automotive industry and securing jobs represents the key argument for their position.
Klingbeil added: We agree that the future of the industry is electric but we need to be open to more technologies, we need flexibility.
The German government further demonstrated its support for the domestic automotive sector by announcing a new subsidy of up to €5,000 (approximately £4,380) for purchasing electric or hybrid vehicles predominantly manufactured with German components.
EU Response and Industry Division
European Commission officials have indicated potential willingness to show flexibility in how the combustion engine phase-out is achieved. Commission Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné made these comments ahead of an expected announcement on 10th December.
However, the German position faces strong opposition from certain automotive manufacturers. Swedish carmaker Volvo, its all-electric spin-off Polestar, and hundreds of businesses that have already invested heavily in electric vehicles and battery production vehemently oppose any softening of the 2035 deadline.
Paula Pinho, the EU Commission's chief spokesperson, responded cautiously to Germany's stance, noting that this very important proposal has big implications around Europe and that the Commission would carefully study Germany's position alongside other submissions.
