The European People’s Party (EPP), the largest bloc in the European Parliament and a political ally of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, has taken a sharp turn against the EU’s bold green agenda.
By pushing to weaken the 2035 ban on new combustion engine vehicles, the EPP has aligned itself with automakers and national governments advocating for business-as-usual policies in Europe’s faltering car industry.
The EPP’s latest proposal, expected to be unveiled today, argues for reversing the planned phaseout of CO2-emitting cars. Instead, it suggests keeping combustion engine vehicles on the road, provided they run on biofuels or alternative fuels like natural gas. Plug-in hybrids, which combine an electric motor with a combustion engine, also make the cut under their proposal.
This stance is a blow to the EU’s climate ambitions and signals growing resistance to policies designed to decarbonize the auto sector. The EPP also wants to soften the stricter CO2 emission limits set to take effect next year, claiming the rules unfairly burden carmakers compared to other industries. The group is pushing for delays or watered-down regulations to protect Europe’s automotive sector.
Automakers have long grumbled about the transition to cleaner technologies, arguing that they lack sufficient market support. Luca de Meo, president of the European carmakers’ association, even blamed the EU for failing to provide the infrastructure and incentives needed to meet climate targets. “Those that have set the rules have not provided the necessary market conditions,” he said, warning of potential €15 billion fines that could stifle innovation.
But let’s call this what it is—a race to the bottom. While automakers complain about short-term challenges, they overlook the long-term benefits of transitioning to green technologies. Delaying these rules only perpetuates Europe’s reliance on fossil fuels, undermining both climate goals and the EU’s competitiveness in a global shift towards clean energy.
Meanwhile, the costs of inaction are mounting. Volkswagen, for example, announced factory closures, layoffs, and frozen salaries—decisions that stem not from ambitious climate policies but from years of stagnation in adapting to a greener future. The auto industry’s woes can’t be blamed solely on emissions standards; they reflect a lack of foresight and investment in sustainable solutions.
Although the EPP wields significant influence, their proposal faces resistance from EU leaders committed to the green transformation. Climate chief Wopke Hoekstra has stood firm, emphasizing that the existing climate rules are designed to drive investment and that companies are making progress towards compliance.
The stakes are clear. Backtracking on emissions targets risks stalling Europe’s progress towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. The Green New Deal isn’t just about protecting the planet; it’s about ensuring Europe leads the charge in the industries of tomorrow. Giving automakers a free pass today undermines both goals, leaving the continent lagging in a rapidly changing world.
