France and Spain have reaffirmed their commitment to the European Union’s 2035 zero-emission target for new cars, rejecting pressure from Germany, Italy and parts of the auto industry to delay or weaken the phase-out of internal combustion engines. Both governments said Europe’s automotive future must remain focused on electrification.
In a joint paper presented to EU climate ministers in Luxembourg and disclosed by French media, Paris and Madrid said the upcoming review of CO₂ standards should “preserve the 2035 cap and the environmental ambition of the CO₂ emissions trajectory that underpins it.” The document described the target as “a central reference point for Europe’s industrial transition.”
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The two countries argued that maintaining a clear and stable regulatory framework is vital to support ongoing industrial transformation, particularly in battery manufacturing and vehicle electrification. “Billions of euros have already been invested since 2023 to localise supply chains and secure European competitiveness in electric mobility,” the paper noted. They warned that backtracking now would undermine industrial planning and investor confidence.
France and Spain said they support limited “flexibilities” within the framework, but only if they strengthen Europe’s value creation rather than dilute climate goals. One proposal includes introducing “super credits” for small electric vehicles built in Europe, aimed at boosting affordable EV production and market uptake. “This flexibility would aim at enhancing the CO₂ reduction associated with the production of these vehicles in Europe, compared to the more carbon-intensive reduction observed in third countries,” the paper said, according to Bloomberg.
See also: EU Commission Stands Firm On 2035 Combustion Engine Ban Despite Industry Pushback
Both governments also opposed any continued preferential treatment for plug-in hybrid models beyond 2035, citing evidence that real-world emissions from such vehicles remain significantly higher than laboratory test figures.
The 2035 deadline, established under the EU Green Deal, is a key part of the bloc’s climate policy. While a review of the regulation is scheduled for 2026, the European Commission has said it will launch the process before the end of 2025 and has reiterated that the overall target remains unchanged.
See also: Over 150 European EV Executives Urge EU to Keep 2035 Zero-Emission Target
The positions of France and Spain stand in contrast with those of Germany and Italy, which have urged the Commission to reconsider the regulation. German automakers and suppliers have called for more time and technological flexibility, warning that a rigid phase-out could hurt competitiveness.
EU environment ministers are expected to discuss the issue this week as part of broader negotiations on climate and industrial policy. Despite growing political pressure, the Commission is expected to maintain its commitment to full decarbonisation of new vehicle sales. Paris and Madrid see the 2035 target as essential to Europe’s global leadership in electric mobility and as a signal of long-term policy certainty for the automotive sector.
Source: bloomberg.com, journalauto.com
EU Commission Stands Firm On 2035 Combustion Engine Ban Despite Industry Pushback