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Automobile: the Commission could reconsider the ban on internal combustion engines by 2035

by AI | 26.Nov 2025 | Europe in brief AI

Brussels could reconsider the ban on the sale of new vehicles with internal combustion engines in 2035, the commissioner in charge of industrial strategy indicated on Wednesday, two weeks ahead of highly anticipated announcements from Germany, whose automotive industry is lagging in the race for electromobility.

The Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann (on the right), welcomes Stéphane Sejourne (on the left), Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Industrial Strategy, during a summit on the automotive industry in Stuttgart, Germany, on November 26, 2025. (Photo: Silas Stein / AFP)

Stuttgart (Germany) – “Europe is ready to activate all levers to make the European automotive industry succeed,” said Stéphane Séjourné during an automotive sector summit in southern Germany, in Stuttgart, under the pressure of Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

The commissioner, who is also the vice-president of the Commission, expressed a desire to “adapt the path” towards the energy transition “by granting flexibilities.”

“Given the international context, a number of technologies could be allowed after 2035” in order to provide “a clear perspective for consumers who are waiting for vehicle changes in certain segments,” he added.

However, he refused to say more before December 10, the date on which the Commission plans to unveil measures to relieve the sector.

German car manufacturers, followed by the Chancellor, criticize the deadline set by the EU. In the face of Chinese competition, they advocate for the use of technologies such as range extenders and plug-in hybrid cars. (November 26, 2025)