France, along with Denmark, Spain, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Sweden, have issued a joint letter to the European Commission, warning that deviating from the planned phase-out of combustion-engine cars would be a "strategic mistake." This action counters recent proposals, largely influenced by Germany's powerful auto industry, to soften the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales. The original Commission proposal suggested a 90% reduction in new vehicle exhaust emissions by 2035, but Germany is reportedly seeking even more flexibility for hybrid vehicles.
The seven signatory countries emphasize that electrification is crucial not only for climate policy but also for energy security, particularly in light of the ongoing energy crisis stemming from the Middle East war. They also expressed skepticism about the widespread use of biofuels for road transport, a solution favored by Italy, arguing that biofuels should be prioritized for sectors like aviation and maritime where electrification faces greater limitations. The French government, which initiated the joint letter, highlighted a "paradigm shift" towards electric vehicles spurred by the Mideast conflict, suggesting the EU must adapt to this change.
The countries are urging the EU to maintain a "clear and ambitious pathway towards electrification" and to expand charging infrastructure while providing incentives to boost consumer demand for EVs. They warn against any further dilution of the EU’s automotive decarbonization rules, stressing that such concessions would undermine investment certainty and slow the transition already underway in the European auto sector. They note that electric car sales in Europe increased by 33% in the first quarter of the year, demonstrating growing consumer adoption and underscoring the feasibility of ambitious targets. Should Germany or Italy press for further weakening of the Commission's proposal, these seven countries possess the potential to form a blocking minority.
