### EU's Shift on Combustion Engine Ban: A Response to Industry Pressure The European Union (EU) has proposed a significant change to its 2035 ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, easing the stringent regulations that were initially set to promote a transition to electric vehicles (EVs). This decision comes amid mounting pressure from the automotive industry, particularly from major car manufacturers in Germany and Italy, who have argued that the original targets were unrealistic given current market conditions and infrastructure challenges. The new proposal aims for a **90% reduction in CO2 emissions** from 2021 levels instead of a complete ban, allowing for the continued sale of certain hybrid and combustion-engine vehicles under specific conditions [https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/world/european-carmakers-get-flexibility-as-emission-rules-relaxed/article70405805.ece][https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/12/16/car-industry-eu-eases-2035-all-electric-target-permitting-some-new-combustion-engine-cars_6748562_4.html]. ### Breakdown of the EU's Proposal and Its Implications 1. **Easing of Emission Targets**: - The EU will now require a **90% reduction** in emissions from new vehicles by 2035, allowing for a **10% offset** through carbon credits and other compensatory measures [https://www.motor1.com/news/782012/eu-dropping-combustion-engine-ban-2035][https://www.marketscreener.com/news/eu-drops-2035-combustion-engine-ban-as-global-ev-shift-faces-reset-ce7d50ded98ffe2d]. 2. **Hybrid Vehicles Allowed**: - The revised rules will permit the sale of hybrid vehicles, which combine electric and combustion engines, thus providing manufacturers with more flexibility in their offerings [https://www.nltimes.nl/2025/12/16/eu-softens-2035-combustion-engine-ban-allows-hybrids-stay-market][https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/eu-to-yield-on-combustion-engines-ban-after-automaker-pressure-1842582.html]. 3. **Industry Response**: - Major automakers, including Volkswagen, have welcomed the proposal, describing it as economically sound and pragmatic. However, environmental groups have criticized the move as a setback for climate goals, labeling it "self-sabotage" [https://www.marketscreener.com/news/volkswagen-welcomes-eu-move-to-drop-combustion-engine-ban-ce7d50dedc8cf627][https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a69753043/eu-regulators-ease-2035-internal-combustion-vehicle-ban]. 4. **Political and Economic Context**: - The decision reflects a broader trend of the EU reassessing its environmental policies in light of economic pressures, particularly as the automotive sector faces challenges from global competition, especially from China [https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/12/16/european-union-set-to-scrap-2035-combustion-engine-ban-in-car-industry-boost][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/science-environment/3732395-eu-eases-green-car-rules-amid-auto-sector-pressure]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Emission Reduction Goals**: The original target of a **100% reduction** in emissions has been revised to **90%**, allowing for a more gradual transition to electric vehicles [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3732516-eu-green-policy-shift-combustion-engines-make-a-comeback]. - **Market Dynamics**: As of 2025, only **16%** of new vehicles sold in Europe are fully electric, indicating a slower-than-expected shift towards EVs [https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/eu-to-yield-on-combustion-engines-ban-after-automaker-pressure-1842582.html]. - **Job Market Impact**: The automotive industry employs nearly **14 million** people in Europe, making its health critical to the EU's economy [https://www.turkiyetoday.com/business/eu-retreats-from-2035-combustion-engine-ban-amid-industry-pressure-3211458]. ### Conclusion: A Pragmatic Shift in EU Policy In summary, the EU's decision to relax its 2035 ban on new combustion-engine vehicles represents a significant pivot in its environmental policy, driven by industry pressures and economic considerations. The key points are: 1. **New Emission Target**: A **90% reduction** in emissions is now the goal, allowing for some combustion-engine vehicles to remain on the market. 2. **Hybrid Vehicles**: The inclusion of hybrids provides manufacturers with more options as they transition to greener technologies. 3. **Industry Support and Criticism**: While the automotive sector largely supports the changes, environmental advocates express concern over the potential negative impact on climate goals. 4. **Economic Context**: The move reflects the EU's need to balance environmental ambitions with economic realities, particularly in a competitive global market. This shift underscores the complexities of transitioning to sustainable transportation while maintaining economic stability in a critical industry [https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a69753043/eu-regulators-ease-2035-internal-combustion-vehicle-ban][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/3731575-could-combustion-cars-survive-beyond-2035].