Finance
Six member states push EU to water down 2035 ban on internal combustion engine cars
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on December 8, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 20, 2026
Home > Finance > Six member states push EU to water down 2035 ban on internal combustion engine cars
Quick Summary
Six EU countries urge the European Commission to revise the 2035 ban on combustion engines, advocating for hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles.
EU Nations Seek Revisions to 2035 Combustion Engine Ban
BRUSSELS, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Six European Union countries have on Friday asked the European Commission to water down an effective ban on the sale of internal combustion engine cars slated for 2035 ahead of the release of a new auto package next week.
The countries have asked the EU Commission to allow the sale of hybrid cars or vehicles powered by other, existing or future, technologies "that could contribute to the goal of reducing emissions" beyond 2035, a joint letter seen by Reuters showed on Friday.
The letter was signed by the prime ministers of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Poland and Slovakia.
They also asked for low-carbon and renewable fuels to be included in the plan to reduce the carbon emissions from transportation.
The European Commission is set to present a package of measures to support European automakers, such as an easing of the effective ban on internal combustion engines from 2035. The package is due to be published on Dec. 10, but could be delayed.
Since they adopted a regulation that all new vehicles from 2035 should have zero emissions in March 2023, EU countries are now having second thoughts. Back then, the outlook for battery electric vehicles was positive, but carmakers' efforts have later collided with the reality of lower-than-expected demand and fierce competition from China.
"We can and we must pursue our climate goal in an effective way, while not killing our competitiveness in the meanwhile since there is nothing green in an industrial desert," the prime ministers said in their letter.
(Reporting by Inti Landauro, writing by Louise Rasmussen, editing by Philip Blenkinsop and Louise Heavens)
Key Takeaways
- •Six EU countries request changes to the 2035 combustion engine ban.
- •Countries propose hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles post-2035.
- •The European Commission to present a new auto package soon.
- •Concerns over competitiveness and demand for electric vehicles.
- •EU's zero-emission vehicle regulation faces reconsideration.
Frequently Asked Questions about Six member states push EU to water down 2035 ban on internal combustion engine cars
1What is sustainability?
Sustainability refers to the ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It encompasses environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
2What is the Transportation Sector?
The Transportation Sector includes all modes of transport, such as road, rail, air, and maritime, that facilitate the movement of people and goods. It plays a crucial role in economic development.
3What is the European Commission?
The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and managing the EU's day-to-day operations.
4What are hybrid cars?
Hybrid cars are vehicles that use more than one source of power, typically combining a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
5What is climate change?
Climate change refers to significant changes in global temperatures and weather patterns over time, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
