Symbolic imageFrance and Germany soften 2035 combustion ban in exchange for 'Made in EU' rules
France and Germany agreed on Friday to cut the 2035 CO2 target for new cars to 90% instead of 100%. Berlin in turn accepted strict 'Made in EU' criteria for electric cars.
In a joint statement on Friday, 16 October, the two governments set the 2035 cut at 90% against 2021, without the conditions the Commission proposed last year (green steel, renewable fuels), FAZ reports. Fleet electrification quotas become a non-binding target. France had led seven states holding a blocking minority, so the path in Brussels is likely clear. Environment minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) delayed the deal on Thursday evening but changed only details.
Narrow 'Made in EU' scope
The rules apply to purchase subsidies and public procurement and cover the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and the UK, but not Canada, Japan, Korea, Morocco or Turkey, according to FAZ. Germany had favoured a more open approach. Le Monde says Stellantis and Volkswagen backed this perimeter, while Renault is less pleased.
UK entry conditional
The UK may join only with comparable criteria and dynamic alignment with EU trade defence measures, which the Guardian links to the EU's 2024 tariffs on Chinese EVs. Downing Street called speculation premature, and the Chinese embassy in London warned against 'discriminatory' practice.