15:35 27 September 2025
German Chancellor Urges EU to Scrap 2035 Combustion Engine Ban
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on the European Union to abandon its planned 2035 ban on new combustion-engine cars, arguing that the struggling automotive industry requires a more flexible path to climate neutrality.
Merz’s remarks, among the strongest yet on the issue, come ahead of EU leaders’ talks on tightening 2040 climate targets. He pledged to present his proposal at the October 1 informal EU summit in Copenhagen and later in Brussels. The chancellor advocates allowing technologies such as range extenders and leaving space for hybrids.
The EU regulation adopted in 2023 requires all new cars sold after 2035 to be zero-emission. Germany previously supported the rule after securing an exemption for synthetic e-fuels, mainly benefiting Porsche.
Merz faces divisions within his coalition: conservatives push for easing restrictions, while Social Democrats favor the current framework. Meanwhile, German carmakers warn that strict rules threaten jobs as they battle Chinese competition and trade frictions with the U.S.
