The European Commission has put forward a proposal that is already generating significant debate: a retreat from the total ban on internal combustion engines planned for 2035. This represents a step back from the “zero-emissions” trajectory, driven by mounting pressure from the European automotive industry and by a rapidly evolving market landscape.

👉 What would actually change?

• A target of –90% CO₂ emissions by 2035, instead of full zero emissions
• Approval for plug-in hybrids, extended-range vehicles and alternative fuels
• Greater flexibility in meeting the 2030 interim targets
• Incentives for green steel, e-fuels and biofuels

For German and Italian manufacturers, this is widely seen as a pragmatic decision, deemed necessary to remain competitive with Tesla and Chinese producers at a time when demand for electric vehicles is weaker than expected.
By contrast, for the climate and clean mobility community, it represents a “tragic victory of the past over the future”, with the risk of slowing investment and innovation.

⚠️ The broader context is clear:

• Europe is losing ground to China in the electric vehicle sector
• Automakers are calling for flexibility rather than penalties
• Ford is scaling back its EV strategy; Volkswagen has closed its historic Dresden plant
• The transition is no longer linear and is entering a phase of strategic reset

📌 The key question is therefore not only environmental, but industrial:

Without a clear and credible direction, will Europe be able to remain competitive in the new global mobility landscape?

Is the transition being slowed in order to protect industry…
or is there a risk of slowing industry in order to protect the transition?

💬 Where do you stand?

#Automotive #EnergyTransition #SustainableMobility #GreenDeal #EuropeanIndustry #ElectricVehicles #EU2035 #Competitiveness