The EU postpones its review of the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales to December 16 amid industry pressure and internal divisions
BRUSSELS: The European Commission has postponed a crucial review of the EU’s 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales.
A commission spokesperson confirmed the announcement is now scheduled for December 16, delaying an expected decision this week.
The 2035 ban is a flagship policy of the EU’s Green Deal, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050.
European automakers have lobbied intensely for the ban to be relaxed, citing fierce competition from China and a slower-than-expected transition to electric vehicles.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has championed the industry’s call to allow sales of plug-in hybrids and highly efficient combustion engines after 2035.
Italy is pushing for new cars running on biofuels to remain legal beyond the deadline.
France, however, opposes any major changes to safeguard its carmakers’ massive existing investments in electric vehicles.
Road transport generates about 20% of Europe’s total planet-warming emissions.
According to EU data, 61% of those transport emissions come from car exhaust pipes. – AFP
