Get Europe’s car industry back in the race

The EPP Group is delivering on its promise to reverse the combustion engine ban. Under the EPP Group’s leadership and with the support from a broad centrist majority, today’s votes safeguard technological neutrality and give carmakers the freedom to innovate, while driving emissions down. 

“We promised carmakers the freedom to innovate, and today’s votes bring us closer to delivering that promise. Europe’s carmakers need a level playing field and the freedom to develop the best technologies, rather than be constrained by ideology.   

This is about protecting European jobs, strengthening our competitiveness and reducing emissions through innovation. Climate ambition must be a driver of technological progress rather than a barrier,” said Massimiliano Salini MEP, the EPP Group’s spokesman on the automotive industry. 

“13.8 million quality jobs in Europe and around 7% of EU GDP depend on the automotive industry. With today’s vote, we took an important step to protect those jobs and to make sure that this industry continues to have a future in Europe. The deal is agreed and the EPP Group is keeping its word. Together with our partners, we have agreed to reverse the combustion engine ban. This gives the car industry the flexibility it needs to transform and businesses greater certainty to plan and invest. We have also secured important new incentives for green steel made in the EU. This agreement shows that Europe’s political centre can deliver,” said Jens Gieseke MEP, the EPP Group’s spokesman on transport. 

Following these two votes, the Environment Committee is expected to vote on Wednesday, 4 November. If approved, the legislative proposal will likely be put to a vote in plenary in December.