EU should allow ‘climate-friendly’ fuel cars after 2035, says Germany’s Lindner

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🗞️ Driving the news: Christian Lindner argues against the EU's 2035 ban on combustion engine vehicles, advocating for a market-driven choice between electric vehicles (EVs) and those powered by biofuels or synthetic fuels 
• Lindner emphasizes the importance of technological openness and the potential of alternative fuels to achieve climate goals

🔭 The context: The EU had previously decided to end the sale of new diesel and gasoline cars by 2035, a decision met with resistance by Germany
• A compromise was reached to allow exceptions for vehicles powered by synthetic, greener fuels 
• Lindner's recent statements and proposed legislation aim to further this approach by encouraging technological freedom and recognizing the role of synthetic and biofuels

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Lindner's push for including biofuels and synthetic fuels as viable, climate-friendly alternatives to purely electric vehicles highlights a broader debate on the most effective pathways to reduce transportation emissions 
• This approach could diversify strategies for achieving climate targets, potentially accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels

⏭️ What's next: Lindner has mentioned a draft bill on German tax rules that would equate the taxation of "climate-friendly fuels" with that of electromobility 
• This proposal signals a serious commitment by the German government towards technological freedom and could influence future EU policies on vehicle emissions and climate strategies

💬 One quote: "The market should then decide what is economical and what consumers want, not politicians and civil servants," (Christian Lindner, German Finance Minister)

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