What's happened
The European Union is considering relaxing its 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, amid lobbying from automakers and geopolitical pressures. The move aims to support the auto industry but risks undermining the EU’s climate goals, with proposals for a less ambitious emission reduction target and continued sales of hybrids and alternative fuels.
What's behind the headline?
The EU’s shift signals a significant retreat from its climate commitments, driven by economic fears and industry lobbying. This move risks prolonging reliance on internal combustion engines and delaying the transition to fully electric fleets. The proposed relaxation, including allowing hybrids and alternative fuels beyond 2035, undermines the EU’s climate targets, especially as road transport accounts for a substantial share of emissions. The EU’s strategy should instead focus on boosting infrastructure, incentives, and a clear, consistent policy framework to maintain leadership in green mobility. The current proposals threaten to weaken investor confidence and slow technological innovation, ultimately harming Europe’s long-term competitiveness in clean transport.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that Brussels proposals to water down the 2035 ban reflect industry lobbying and geopolitical pressures, signaling a loss of EU climate resolve. The Japan Times highlights that automakers are pushing for less ambitious emission targets due to high costs and infrastructure gaps, with some EU countries supporting continued hybrid sales. France 24 notes that critics warn this move could undermine the EU’s green agenda and delay EV adoption, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clear, consistent policy. The articles collectively reveal a tension between economic realities and climate commitments, with industry interests increasingly influencing EU policy decisions at a critical juncture for global climate leadership.
How we got here
Originally, the EU’s 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars was a key part of its Green Deal, aiming for net zero emissions by 2050. The policy faced resistance from automakers citing high costs and infrastructure gaps, and from political factions wary of economic impacts. Recent lobbying has prompted proposals to water down the ban, reflecting economic and geopolitical challenges, especially competition from Chinese EV manufacturers and internal industry pressures.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km² and an estimated total population of about 447 million.
-
The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the EU treaties and managing the day-to-day business of the EU.