The German government coalition aims to agree on a unified position on the EU combustion engine ban from 2035 by Thursday evening. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced he will then write directly to the EU Commission. EU Industry Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné expressed openness to flexibility.
On Wednesday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) addressed the federal government's plans in Stuttgart amid the dispute over the EU-wide combustion engine ban. The coalition should find a clear line by Thursday evening in the coalition committee, he stated. He will then inform the EU Commission of the unified position. "We are waiting with great anticipation for your letter," said EU Industry Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné.
Under EU rules, CO2-emitting cars may no longer be registered from 2035. The EU Commission is reviewing a revision and plans proposals in two weeks. The federal government has no coordinated stance yet. Merz assured that the position will not fall behind the October decision of the state premiers, which rejects a rigid combustion engine ban as it would endanger the competitiveness of the German auto industry. The state leaders demand approvals for combustion engines using climate-friendly E-fuels after 2035.
CDU and CSU advocate for approvals of hybrid vehicles, E-fuel cars, and range-extender models. The SPD sticks to the 2035 exit date but calls for more flexibility in exchange for site guarantees from manufacturers. Merz plans to write to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President António Costa after the coalition committee, ahead of EU proposals on December 10.
Séjourné signaled willingness to compromise: The Commission is open to flexibility in CO2 targets and approvals for certain technologies after 2035. On December 10, regulatory simplifications for the auto industry will follow. The strategy dialogue in Stuttgart, initiated by Minister President Winfried Kretschmann (Greens), included representatives from car corporations. Kretschmann praised Séjourné's "good news" and saw no differences. Merz warned of job losses in the energy-dependent sector and compared it to the earlier loss of the textile and shoe industries.