The EU ban on combustion car engines is in trouble

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on POLITICO or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The EU’s plan to ban sales of combustion-engine cars by 2035 is facing growing political and industry opposition
• Automakers secured a key victory as the European Commission agreed to relax emissions targets for 2025 and move up a review of the 2035 law
• Critics fear this marks the beginning of a broader rollback of the EU’s Green Deal policies

🔭 The context: The ban, initially passed in 2023, is now a major political battleground amid economic concerns and industry lobbying
• Germany, Italy, and Poland are pushing for exceptions for e-fuels and biofuels, while some automakers want more "technological openness." 
• The European People’s Party and other right-leaning politicians are leading efforts to weaken or reverse the law

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: A rollback of the 2035 ban could slow Europe’s transition to cleaner transportation and weaken global climate commitments
• Allowing more combustion-engine vehicles—even hybrids—risks higher CO2 emissions and undermines EU climate goals
• The debate also highlights tensions between economic recovery and environmental policies

⏭️ What's next: The EU Commission’s decision to review the law this year instead of 2026 gives opponents an opportunity to push for more concessions
• Climate groups warn that continued delays and loopholes could make the ban meaningless
• The outcome will shape Europe’s long-term emissions strategy and influence global automotive markets

💬 One quote: "The EU Commission is opening Pandora's box... the EPP wants to completely overturn the combustion engine ban." – Green MEP Michael Bloss

📈 One stat: The EU is investing €81 million to support the auto industry while simultaneously easing emissions targets

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