EPP Group seeks to fast-track fix for car fines in Parliament

With the European car industry facing significant challenges, the EPP Group will request an accelerated parliamentary procedure for the law to prevent fines for European car manufacturers. The EPP Group calls on all constructive political groups and Member States to act immediately to prevent further job losses and keep the automotive industry competitive.

"Manufacturers urgently need more flexibility. At a time when car factories are closing, and thousands of people fear for their jobs, multi-million euro fines from Brussels for car manufacturers would send the wrong signal that no one would understand. Manufacturers need this flexibility as soon as possible. This proposal tackles the most pressing problem facing the automotive industry. But it is only a first step. The Commission must deliver on its promise to review the fleet limits by the end of the year while ensuring full technological neutrality. The ban on combustion engines from 2035 onwards must be withdrawn, and CO2-neutral fuels must be taken into account," says Jens Gieseke MEP, the EPP Group Spokesman on Transport and lead negotiator on the automotive industry.

The EPP Group's calls for a revision is motivated by concerns over the competitiveness of the automotive industry and the impact on European jobs and workers.

We must, where possible, avoid penalties at a time when many employees in automotive companies and suppliers are already worried about their jobs due to the tense economic situation. In addition, European car manufacturers are already talking to Tesla or Chinese manufacturers about so-called pooling, which must be stopped quickly. We want to maintain climate targets, but not make Elon Musk richer through European legislation,” emphasises Peter Liese MEP, EPP Group spokesman on Environment and Climate.

In December 2024, the EPP Group presented a comprehensive plan to make Europe's car industry competitive.
EPP Group Position Paper: Securing the Competitiveness of the European Automotive Industry