France is open to discussing potential adjustments to the European Union’s planned 2035 ban on the sale of new fossil-fuel vehicles, French industry minister Marc Ferracci said on Thursday, signaling a shift in tone as the auto industry faces market headwinds.
Speaking at a parliamentary hearing, Ferracci said he was “ready” to consider easing the proposed ban, while reiterating France’s commitment to decarbonisation goals.
“I’m ready to think about relaxing the ban,” Ferracci told lawmakers. “But the 2035 target should remain, and we must stay committed to the objective of decarbonising the transport sector.”
The EU regulation, agreed upon in 2022, mandates that all new cars and vans sold from 2035 onward must be zero-emission. However, the measure has come under increasing scrutiny as European automakers face softening electric vehicle (EV) demand and mounting competition from lower-cost Chinese models.
Carmakers across Europe have warned that without expanded public charging infrastructure and stronger incentives for consumers, the shift to EVs could slow further. Several industry leaders have also called for more government support to ensure a level playing field in the global EV market.
Ferracci did not outline specific policy changes France might propose, and it remains unclear whether the government will seek formal amendments to the EU regulation.