Spain criticizes Germany’s decision to oppose the ban on selling thermal cars in the EU from 2035
Teresa Ribera, Third Vice President and Minister of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge of Spain, has criticized Germany’s decision to break the consensus reached a few months ago regarding the European Union’s objective of banning the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines in the common market from the year 2035.
According to Ribera, Germany may have set a dangerous precedent by carrying out this move since forcing the proposal to be modified at the last minute after having previously supported the measure could alter the way in which the bloc elaborates its policies, sending mixed signals to investors and industry.
“It’s disappointing. What happens if other governments decide to do something similar with any other issue? The rules of procedure are for everyone.” Germany, backed by Italy, is negotiating with the European Commission for an exemption for vehicles that run on synthetic fuels.
Spain is currently the second largest car producer in Europe, only behind Germany. Through the different calls for the PERTE (Strategic Projects for the Recovery and Economic Transformation) of the Electric and Connected Vehicle, whose endowment comes from European Next Generation funds, the Government is trying to promote the transformation of the sector so that it adapts to the new market reality.
Spain is the second largest car producer in Europe
Groups such as Ford or Volkswagen have confirmed that they will convert their Spanish factories into centers dedicated to the production of electric vehicles, while others such as Mercedes-Benz or Stellantis already manufacture models of this type in their plants. The only company in doubt is Renault, which at the moment only assembles hybrids and plug-in hybrids in our country.
Ribera affirms that the European Commission should not delay its final decision. The minister, who attributes Germany’s decision to the internal conflicts of the coalition led by Olaf Scholz, believes that this debate should be resolved separately since the European Union has yet to assess the impact of synthetic fuels on community emissions targets.
“They may have an internal political difficulty, but now they have exported that difficulty to the whole of the European Union.” The vote on the rule, which was to take place on March 7, has been postponed indefinitely for fears that Germany will abstain.
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