Both countries call for “made in Europe” incentives to support struggling carmakers amid green transition.
France and Spain have called on European Union leaders to stay firm on the 2035 deadline to phase out sales of new petrol and diesel cars, warning that rolling back the measure would undermine the bloc’s 2050 climate neutrality target.
In a joint letter seen by Euronews, Paris and Madrid said that zero-emission vehicles are “indispensable” for meeting the EU’s climate goals and cautioned against favouring plug-in hybrids beyond 2035 — a position contested by several member states, including Germany, Italy, and Slovakia.
A united front amid industry backlash.
The letter, addressed to EU leaders ahead of this week’s European Council summit in Brussels, argues that the automotive industry has already invested “tens of billions of euros” to align with the 2035 target and that this “founding choice must not be called into question.”
Both countries acknowledge the severe challenges facing Europe’s car manufacturers, including soaring costs, global supply pressures, and growing competition from China’s electric vehicle sector. Still, they insist that “the future of the European automotive industry will be electric.”
Germany, Italy push back.
Germany — home to automakers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen — has lobbied against the phase-out, warning of damage to one of Europe’s most vital industries. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has repeatedly described the EU’s climate law as “madness ideology,” while Slovakia’s Robert Fico criticised what he called “green utopias” threatening national jobs and production.
Flexibility and European-made incentives.
Paris and Madrid propose that the upcoming review of the CO₂ emissions law should include incentives to keep production inside Europe. They argue that flexibility should be introduced for carmakers that invest in local electrification and source their components domestically.
“The transition to electricity must not lead to the relocation of jobs and increased dependence on third countries,” the letter reads. “The revision of the CO₂ regulation is the opportunity to support manufacturers that produce electric vehicles and source their components in Europe.”
Under current legislation, adopted in 2023, between 50% and 80% of new vehicles sold in the EU must be zero-emission — either fully electric or hydrogen-powered — before reaching 100% by 2035.
Von der Leyen accelerates review.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed in an internal letter dated 20 October that she intends to “accelerate the review” of the regulation on car and van CO₂ standards.
The Commission has said the revision aims to balance Europe’s climate pledges with industrial competitiveness, while maintaining “technology neutrality and cost efficiency.” It will also examine the potential role of low-carbon fuels, such as e-fuels and advanced biofuels, beyond 2030.
The formal review of the 2035 car ban is expected to be announced by the end of this year.
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COMMENTS