Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez issued an urgent appeal to the European Commission on Thursday, demanding that the ban on sales of new combustion engine cars after 2035 remain in place. The letter landed on Ursula von der Leyen’s desk just days before Brussels is expected to unveil proposals that could weaken the EU’s existing climate policy. Spain, one of Europe’s leading car manufacturers, is calling for clear rules of the game. The Commission is set to announce its decision on Tuesday, December 16. Jobs, the future of factories, and Europe’s position in the global tech race are all at stake Pedro Sanchez fights to maintain the EU combustion engine ban[1].
Madrid Warns Against Loosening Climate Policy
In the letter obtained by Reuters, Sanchez did not mince words. In his view, any attempt to water down the current framework would delay investment in the automotive sector’s transformation. “Any further weakening of the policy risks causing significant delays in modernization investments, linked to a temporary slowdown in demand for electric vehicles,” the prime minister wrote Spains appeal to the European Commission[2]. Madrid firmly rejects proposals to allow combustion cars or untested technologies to remain on the market after 2035. At the same time, Sanchez suggests introducing a “green steel label” to reward manufacturers using low-emission materials. He also argues for mandatory minimum shares of EU-made components in new vehicles Spanish PM demands tougher requirements for carmakers[3].
Divisions Among Countries and Carmakers
Meanwhile, Manfred Weber, head of the European People’s Party and the largest group in the European Parliament, announced on Friday that the European Commission is considering relaxing the ban. Instead of a total phase-out of combustion cars, the new plan would require a 90 percent reduction in CO2 emissions from new vehicles by 2035. This marks a shift from the current 100 percent target, which effectively blocked sales of new combustion engine vehicles European Commission considers easing combustion car ban[4].
The debate has split Europe. Germany, Italy, and Poland have been pressing Brussels for months to ease the rules, arguing this would protect their domestic manufacturers from Chinese competition and declining demand for electric cars. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly called for hybrid and advanced combustion vehicles to remain on sale after 2035 Germany and Italy demand easing of the ban[5].
Environmental Arguments vs Economic Interests
The automotive sector is far from united. Mercedes-Benz and BMW are urging caution and want the rules relaxed. Meanwhile, Sweden’s Volvo Cars and Polestar warn that rolling back the ban would slow down Europe’s electrification and strengthen Chinese rivals Volvo and Polestar criticize easing of regulations[6]. France is standing shoulder to shoulder with Spain. Both countries emphasize that since 2023, billions of euros have been invested in developing e-mobility infrastructure. Changing course halfway would be a heavy blow France and Spain invest in e-mobility[7].
Environmental organizations are openly disappointed by the possible reversal of the ban. Colin Walker of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit warns: “millions of families will be stuck with dirtier, more expensive petrol cars for longer”. This sentiment, though emotional, reflects the concerns of many citizens and activists who had hoped for rapid change Environmental organizations criticize reversal of the ban. Will Brussels bow to industry pressure, or commit to clean mobility? The answer is coming soon.