The largest party group in the EU Parliament says once again that they want to lift the ban on new cars with internal combustion engines that will come into force in 2035.
The largest party group in the EU Parliament, the European People's Party (EPP), again proposes to lift the planned ban on new cars with internal combustion engines, which is scheduled to come into force in 2035.
According to a draft to which the German media Der Spiegel has gained access, the party group wants the decision on the ban to be canceled before March next year. This would coincide with the start of the new EU Commission mandate.
The proposal marks a clear disagreement with the European Commission and its president Ursula von der Leyen, who has reiterated her support for maintaining the ban.
The EPP argues that the car industry is already under significant economic pressure and that the ban could further damage the sector.
As part of the proposal, the group also calls for a technology-neutral approach to reducing CO2 emissions, where electric cars are combined with alternative solutions such as biofuels and synthetic fuels.
A central part of the debate concerns burned-out electric cars, which raise new concerns about health risks.
When electric cars burn, a complex mixture of hazardous substances is released, including heavy metals from the batteries and toxic gases. These spills can pose serious health risks to both emergency personnel and nearby residents. The handling of such fires requires special equipment and long extinguishing procedures, which further burdens local emergency services.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is among the leaders who support the EPP's proposal and call the ban self-defeating. Germany, too, has long been skeptical of a complete ban on new cars with internal combustion engines.
In the coming week, the EPP will present their proposal for a vote in the EU Parliament. It is not yet known whether a majority can be obtained for the amendment. And how the European Commission will react if the political mood were to change. The outcome could have significant consequences for both the car industry and Europe's climate ambitions.
