Chancellor Merz Reaffirms Opposition to EU's 2035 Internal Combustion Engine Ban at Auto Summit

Chancellor Merz Challenges EU Car Ban

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly stated his firm opposition to the European Union's goal of phasing out new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars by 2035. His remarks were made during a significant auto industry summit held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Chancellery in Berlin. Merz emphasized that he would do 'all I can' to prevent such a 'hard cutoff' from taking place, particularly for Germany.

The Chancellor's stance, also articulated in an interview with n-tv on Monday, October 6, underscores a push for 'technological openness' rather than a prescriptive ban. He argued that the ban is 'wrong' and that Germany should not be among the countries adhering to it, highlighting the ongoing global research and development in areas like diesel engines, especially for heavy transport.

Advocating for Technological Neutrality and E-Fuels

Merz's opposition is rooted in the principle of 'technological neutrality,' suggesting that synthetic fuels, or e-fuels, could allow combustion engines to operate in an environmentally friendly manner. He stressed that politicians should not predetermine future technologies, asserting that the ban 'must be reversed because we don't know today what kind of mobility can be developed in a truly environmentally neutral and climate-friendly way in the future.' This perspective aligns with calls from major German automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, who have also advocated for technological neutrality and the inclusion of e-fuels and plug-in hybrids beyond 2035.

The EU's regulation, part of its 'Fit for 55' package, aims for climate neutrality by 2050 by requiring all new cars sold from 2035 to be zero-emission. However, following a German veto, an exception was made for vehicles running exclusively on CO2-neutral e-fuels. A review of the 2035 target was expedited in September, providing a window for potential adjustments.

Auto Summit Addresses Industry Challenges

The auto summit, convened by Chancellor Merz, brought together key stakeholders including top representatives from Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, as well as suppliers, industry associations, unions, and federal state officials. The meeting aimed to address the significant challenges facing Germany's automotive sector, a cornerstone of the national economy. The industry is grappling with slumping sales, intense competition from Chinese manufacturers, and high production costs.

Discussions focused on strengthening competitiveness, fostering future-proof technologies, securing jobs, and meeting climate targets. While the EU's 2035 ban was a central point of contention, the coalition government itself shows internal divisions. While Chancellor Merz and his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) advocate for overturning the ban, junior coalition partner Social Democrats (SPD) generally support maintaining it, though some members, like Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, have signaled openness to changes for certain technologies.