The European Union has officially abandoned its ambitious plan to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine cars by 2035, reversing a significant climate policy after mounting pressure from the automotive industry and key member states like Germany and Italy.
Instead of a complete phase-out, the new regulation demands a 90% reduction in emissions from new vehicles, allowing a limited number of petrol and diesel cars to remain on the market.
This shift is framed as a pragmatic compromise by EU Climate Commissioner Hoekstra, who asserts it balances climate goals with economic competitiveness.
Critics argue that the EU is compromising its green ambitions, sparking concerns about the long-term impact on environmental initiatives.
As the electric vehicle market struggles with slow growth and consumer acceptance, major automakers such as Volkswagen have expressed support for the eased restrictions, highlighting the need for flexibility in a challenging landscape.
This development ignites a broader debate about the future of climate policies and the critical balance between environmental targets and the stability of the automotive sector.
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