Have the article read by OpenAI (Beta). Please note that AI translations may take some time to process.Brussels (dpa) – The European Commission may delay a new proposal on phasing out combustion engines beyond the expected mid-December release, Germany’s Handelsblatt newspaper reported on Monday.
The proposal had initially been expected on December 10, but the Commission is still finalising details.
“It could be delayed … and that’s for a good cause,” EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas told Handelsblatt. “We want to create an automotive package that will be comprehensive,” he said, adding that any delay is expected to be measured in weeks rather than months.
Asked about a letter from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz advocating for “highly efficient combustion engines” after 2035, he said the Commission remains open to all technologies.
Current EU rules foresee a de facto ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 to cut transport sector CO2 emissions. In his letter, Merz called on the Commission to reconsider the policy, advocating continued approval of hybrid vehicles alongside fully electric cars, and citing proposals from German states to allow highly efficient combustion engines.
Tzitzikostas said the Commission is examining the role of cleaner fuels such as biofuels, as well as corporate fleets and potential EU production quotas. He also highlighted geopolitical considerations, noting the need to safeguard EU competitiveness while supporting the industry in maintaining a technological lead.
The Commission declined to comment on the report, noting it is still reviewing member state contributions before deciding next steps. (December 2)
The editorial responsibility for the publication lies with dpa.