Italy will officially propose this week to bring forward the European Union’s review of the 2035 ban on new internal combustion engine cars, Industry Minister Adolfo Urso announced on Monday. The proposal seeks to move the review from 2026 to next year and will be presented by Italy’s national delegation at a meeting of EU industry ministers on Thursday.
Italy is part of a group of EU countries pushing back against the European Commission’s Green Deal, which aims to tackle climate change and reduce pollution. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has often criticized the initiative as overly “ideological.” Addressing business associations and trade unions, Urso emphasized, “We believe it’s absolutely necessary to modify the direction of EU industrial policy.”
Urso singled out the automotive industry as an area where the Green Deal requires significant revision. “The automotive sector is the one where a change from the Green Deal is most required,” he said.
The EU passed a law in March 2023 mandating that all new cars sold from 2035 must have zero CO2 emissions, effectively phasing out diesel and petrol vehicles in favor of electric alternatives. The current legislation includes a scheduled review in 2026 to assess advancements in hybrid technology, as well as an exemption for vehicles powered by e-fuels.
Prime Minister Meloni recently called the 2035 phase-out a “self-destructive” move, arguing that it is harming Europe’s automotive industry. Meanwhile, several automakers have scaled back their electric vehicle rollout plans due to lower-than-expected demand.
However, not all automakers agree with Italy’s stance. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, whose company owns Italy’s Fiat, opposed delaying the EU emissions targets, stating that Stellantis is committed to meeting the goals set for 2025 and 2035.
Source: Reuters
