By Faridat Salifu
Leader of the European People’s Party, Manfred Weber, has called on the European Union (EU) to rethink its plan to ban new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2035.
In an interview with newsmen, Weber suggested that vehicles using traditional combustion engines should still be allowed if their carbon emissions are fully offset—proposing models such as CO₂ storage in soil or hybrid alternatives as potential solutions.
His remarks come amid growing concern over the health of Europe’s auto sector, which has faced rising costs, increased competition from Chinese imports, and job cuts from major players like Volkswagen and Bosch.
The EU’s current policy aims for a full shift to zero-emission vehicles by 2035, a move supported by climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, though the regulation is scheduled for review in 2026.
While Germany and Italy have lobbied for more flexibility, particularly for renewable-based synthetic fuels, the core law remains unchanged.
Brussels has offered temporary leniency by allowing carmakers to average emissions over three years, but Weber insists on a more comprehensive rethink.
“There are new technologies out there,” he said. “We need to allow innovation—if businesses can hit our climate goals through alternative means, why not let them?”
Other countries have also adjusted their timelines. The UK, for example, recently relaxed its electric vehicle targets, extending the sale of hybrids to 2035.
Meanwhile, electric vehicle sales in the EU rose by over 28 percent in early 2025, and Germany saw a 41 percent increase in new EV registrations in January and February, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (Acea).
Still, industry lobbyists argue that the transition remains costly and challenging. Acea estimates that up to €67 billion in EU automotive exports could be affected by U.S. tariffs, while concerns over EV affordability and infrastructure remain high.
Weber’s proposal for a “technologically neutral” approach is aimed at balancing ecological goals with industrial competitiveness.
“It’s not the politician’s job to pick winners,” he said. “It’s up to business to be creative as long as they meet the targets.”