Germany and France Back Away from Complete Ban on Internal Combustion Engine Cars
Berlin and Paris have agreed on a joint plan to revise European climate requirements for new cars.
Photo: Ebrahim Noroozi / AP
According to the compromise, carmakers will have to reduce the average CO₂ emissions of their new fleet by 90% compared to 2021 levels, instead of 100% as current EU rules stipulated, writes Bild.
This means that after 2035, manufacturers will be able to continue selling new petrol and diesel cars if they meet the average emission requirements for their entire model range. However, this does not mean allowing the production of any internal combustion engine vehicles without restrictions.
The European Commission had already proposed to ease the rules: reduce the target to 90%, but compensate for the remaining 10% through low-carbon steel and alternative fuels. Under the new Franco-German plan, the mandatory compensation for the remaining emissions is abolished.
In return, Germany agreed to support stricter 'Made in Europe' rules: state subsidies and other support measures are planned to be more closely linked to the production of cars and components in Europe. Under certain conditions, the UK could also be included in this category.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron expect that the compromise will help the European automotive industry preserve jobs and competitiveness.
However, for now, this is a common position of the two countries, not a final EU decision: the proposal must still be agreed upon by the remaining member states and the European Parliament.