EPP Group victory: Combustion engine ban is gone

The EPP Group has always spoken out clearly against the ban on the internal combustion engine in cars. With today's legislative proposal, Europe is finally getting a more realistic, technology-neutral policy that takes climate protection and industrial competitiveness into account in equal measure. In doing so, the EPP fulfils its election promise, supporting thousands of workers in a critical time.

“The previous approach of the Green Deal was well-intentioned but misguided in key areas – technological openness was replaced by ideology and industrial reality by symbolic politics. The ban on combustion engines was a mistake that is now being corrected. The sector is facing profound structural changes and massive global competitive pressure. This is precisely why it needs technology-neutrality and reliable, long-term and internationally competitive framework conditions. The departure from the combustion engine ban is a decisive contribution to this," says Jens Gieseke MEP, EPP Group spokesman on the automotive industry. 

“But despite all the positive elements, there is still room for criticism. There is still considerable uncertainty surrounding the regulations on local vehicle requirements. We need a realistic, low-bureaucracy approach that strengthens production sites in Europe while also taking sufficient account of the international supply chains of European manufacturers. We also reject mandatory national electric car quotas for fleet operators,” adds Gieseke.

Today's proposal marks the starting point for a definitive change of course in EU climate and industry politics. The aim must be to effectively reduce CO₂ emissions while securing jobs and industrial value creation in Europe. It is now important to ensure that the package presented today is made practicable in the legislative process.