EU’s 2035 petrol and diesel car ban will be watered down, says senior MEP

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Lisa O’CarrollDecember 12, 2025 at 02:58 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

A senior MEP has indicated that the EU's 2035 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars is likely to be weakened. The European Commission is expected to announce the change in Strasbourg next week, potentially allowing for the continued sale of hybrid vehicles. This decision follows lobbying from figures like German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, along with much of the car industry, who cite concerns about job security and the future of the European automotive industry. While environmental campaigners express concern that this move would delay the transition to electric vehicles, proponents argue it would safeguard jobs and allow for the continued production and sale of combustion engines. The proposed change aims to permit the sale of plug-in hybrid cars beyond 2035.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

European Parliament ×340% Italy 40% European Commission ×250% Germany ×250% Manfred Weber ×360% Giorgia Meloni ×270% Friedrich Merz ×480%

Keywords

2035 petrol and diesel car ban 100% combustion engine 80% electric vehicles 70% hybrid vehicles 70% eu green deal 60% european commission 50% automotive industry 50% co2 emissions 50% fossil fuels 40%