Full Breakdown
Spain Advocates for Continued Ban on Combustion Engines Amid EU Policy Shift
12/14/2025, 7:54:05 AM
Spain's Position on the 2035 Ban
Spain has formally urged the European Union (EU) to maintain its 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles, as the EU considers a significant policy shift. In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed concerns that any relaxation of the ban could hinder modernization investments and negatively impact the competitiveness of the European automobile industry. Sánchez emphasized that allowing combustion vehicles to remain on the market beyond 2035 would undermine the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), which many firms have already invested in.
EU's Proposed Changes to Emission Targets
The European Commission is expected to propose amendments to its original plan, which mandated a 100% reduction in CO2 emissions from new cars by 2035. Instead, the new proposal reportedly aims for a 90% reduction, allowing for the continued sale of plug-in hybrids and range-extender vehicles post-2035. This shift comes in response to pressure from major car-producing nations, including Germany and Italy, which have advocated for more flexibility in emissions regulations due to economic challenges faced by the automotive industry.
Economic Context and Industry Concerns
The automotive sector in Europe is currently experiencing significant difficulties, with major manufacturers like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz reporting weaker deliveries amid rising energy costs and increased competition from Asian EV makers. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for adjustments to the regulatory framework to support the struggling industry, highlighting the urgent need for a balanced approach to emissions targets.
Criticism and Environmental Concerns
Environmental advocates have raised alarms regarding the proposed changes, arguing that allowing plug-in hybrids could lead to emissions levels comparable to traditional petrol vehicles. The EU's decision to potentially soften its stance on combustion engine phase-out has sparked a debate about the long-term implications for climate goals, particularly as road transport accounts for approximately 20% of total greenhouse gas emissions in Europe.
Official Statements & Responses
In his letter, Sánchez articulated that "any additional relaxation would risk triggering a significant delay in modernization investments," underscoring the importance of adhering to the original ban to ensure a sustainable transition to electric mobility. Meanwhile, EU officials have indicated that no final decision has been made regarding the amendments, with a focus on achieving a balance that considers both environmental and economic factors.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the EU's shift towards a 90% emissions reduction target has been reported by multiple sources, there remains uncertainty about the final details of the proposal and its potential impact on the automotive industry and environmental goals. The divergence in perspectives between member states and industry stakeholders highlights the complexity of navigating climate policy amid economic pressures.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Any additional relaxation would risk triggering a significant delay in modernization investments, linked to a temporary slowdown in electric vehicle demand, directly impacting the future competitiveness of the European automobile and auxiliary industry,” — Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain
- “from 2035 onwards, a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions will now be mandatory for automakers’ fleet targets.” — Manfred Weber, Head of the European People’s Party
- “Large parts of the automotive industry in Europe, including in Germany… are in an extremely difficult economic situation, which is why we must correct the framework conditions in Europe as quickly as possible so that this industry has a future in Europe,” — Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor
