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Von der Leyen responds to criticism from FDP and Union: Review of combustion engine phase-out in 2026 important

(dpa/jr) The President of the EU Commission continues to be conciliatory towards the German FDP Transport Minister, as well as internal critics from the CDU/CSU, and emphasizes that the review of the 2026 combustion engine phase-out is "very important." EPP chief Weber of the CSU even wants to overturn the combustion engine phase-out. A shift to the right after the EU election could put the phase-out into question.

Suddenly accommodating regarding the phase-out of internal combustion engines: In response to criticism from the FDP and CDU/CSU, the EU Commission President issues a statement. | Photo: dpa/Philipp von Ditfurth
Suddenly accommodating regarding the phase-out of internal combustion engines: In response to criticism from the FDP and CDU/CSU, the EU Commission President issues a statement. | Photo: dpa/Philipp von Ditfurth
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Johannes Reichel

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the decision made at the EU level regarding the so-called combustion engine phase-out in 2026 will be reviewed. It is "very important" that a review takes place in 2026, said the CDU politician on Wednesday in Brussels. "I think it is often forgotten that there will be an assessment and a review in 2026." This should ensure that there is openness to technologies and choices for consumers. The industry should also be able to choose where they want to invest and how they see the mobility of the future. 

In 2022, the EU agreed that starting from 2035, no new cars that run on gasoline or diesel will be allowed. It was already noted during the agreement that a review would take place in 2026. Within the German government, the FDP particularly insisted that cars fueled solely with climate-friendly e-fuels should be exempt from the so-called combustion engine phase-out. How this will be implemented in detail is not yet fully clarified.

Manfred Weber, chairman of the Christian Democratic EPP group in the European Parliament, also wants to overturn the 2035 combustion engine phase-out.

"If my group can secure a majority after the European elections, we will reverse the combustion engine ban decided by the European Parliament in this legislative period," said the CSU politician in December to the newspapers of the Bayern media group.

Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing interprets von der Leyen's words as indicating "that our perspective on the combustion engine phase-out is now slowly prevailing at the top of the Commission." A proposal that includes climate-neutral e-fuels is needed. "We have the legally binding assurance that combustion engine vehicles can still be approved after 2035 if they are operated in a climate-neutral manner," said the FDP politician. He is holding the Commission to its word. 

Against the backdrop of the upcoming European elections, the entire phase-out plan is suddenly in question. "I do indeed see the danger that the phase-out of combustion engines will fundamentally be discussed at the EU level after the European elections, especially if the conservatives and perhaps even the far-right gain strength there," warned the SPD spokesperson for transport policy, Isabel Cademartori, to the Süddeutsche Zeitung. After the election, practically anything can happen. However, this would mean a setback for the industry, as it most importantly needs planning security. The SPD politician considers it to be a "huge mistake to question the fundamental systematics that we have agreed upon."

Translated automatically from German.
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