Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed his opposition to the EU’s proposed 2035 deadline for phasing out new internal combustion engine cars, warning that the ‘hard cutoff’ approach could have significant economic consequences for Germany’s automotive industry. Merz, who is a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has called for a more gradual transition to electric vehicles, emphasizing the need to protect jobs and maintain Germany’s global competitiveness in the automotive sector.
The EU’s current proposal, which is under review, aims to achieve a complete transition to electric vehicles by 2035, with the goal of reducing carbon emissions and meeting climate targets. However, Merz argues that the strict timeline could lead to a decline in car production, impact employment, and potentially damage Germany’s economic growth. He has also raised concerns about the readiness of the domestic market and infrastructure to support a rapid shift to electric vehicles.
Merz’s stance has put him at odds with other EU leaders who support the 2035 deadline. The German government, which has historically been a key player in the EU’s climate policy, is now facing internal pressure to reconsider its position. The automotive industry, which is a major employer in Germany, has expressed support for Merz’s call for a more flexible approach to the transition to electric vehicles.