Automotive Action Plan is a first step, but more is needed

The EPP Group welcomes the Automotive Action Plan presented today by the European Commission. “The Commission is addressing the most pressing issue and provides the industry with the necessary flexibility to manage the current crisis,” says Jens Gieseke MEP, the EPP Group’s Lead Negotiator on the Automotive Industry.

Sales of electric vehicles are significantly lagging behind expectations, and many manufacturers simply cannot meet the 2025 targets. Given this reality, an important first step is to allow greater flexibility while maintaining the overall reduction targets.

"It would have been incomprehensible to the public if, at a time when some car factories are closing, and hundreds of thousands of workers are worried about their jobs, Brussels had imposed billion-euro fines on European manufacturers or forced them to buy expensive certificates from competitors in China or America," Gieseke continues. 

The Action Plan contains many positive elements and, above all, provides the necessary short-term relief. However, the Commission missed the opportunity to provide clarity on the issue of the internal combustion engine ban. 

“We, as EPP Group, expected much more in this regard and had hoped for a clear commitment to swiftly revising the internal combustion engine ban. Instead, it remains vague and non-committal. The Commission must act decisively. At EPP Group, we have clear expectations, as outlined in our Position Paper. If we want to achieve our goal of climate neutrality by 2050, we need all available technologies. We expect the Commission's promise of technological neutrality to be implemented swiftly,” stresses Gieseke, who is also the EPP Group Spokesman on Transport.  

“Unfortunately, the CO2 reduction targets for trucks and trailers play only a minor role in the action plan. Urgent adjustments are necessary here. If we do not act promptly, we could face even higher penalties in a few years that could plunge the industry into an existential crisis. The revision of the Regulation must take place as early as possible in 2026,” Gieseke stresses.  

For the EPP Group, today’s Action Plan on the Automotive Industry is a first step. It now needs to be translated into concrete action. The EPP Group is ready to swiftly address the proposals in the Parliament.