In December, the European Commission proposed fresh solutions for vehicle manufacturers to meet the CO simplification mark in 10 years2 90 percent. This would replace the previously adopted ban on the sale of combustion cars, which was originally to enter into force from 2035. The proposal for a fresh package is the EC's consequence to the call from EU automotive manufacture to strengthen its competitiveness towards China and the United States. Polish MEPs emphasise that urgent action is needed in this area.
In April 2023, the "Fit for 55" package brought into force the provisions on CO simplification targets2 for fresh passenger and commercial cars. According to them, the registration of combustion vehicles was to be banned in the European Union from 2035. The European Commission proposed in December 2025 a review of existing CO emanation standards2 for passenger and commercial vehicles, providing for a 90 percent simplification in emissions from 2035 alternatively of the current zero emissions target. This is simply a proposal for further negotiations, which, if accepted, will give manufacturers greater flexibility and support the competitiveness of the EU automotive industry.
– The vast majority of Members of the European Parliament have long talked about the fact that we cannot decision distant from the anticipation of buying combustion cars. We have besides repeatedly promised voters, Poles, Europeans that we will do everything possible to guarantee that there is no ban. Prescriptions sound nice, but frequently hard to implement. Many EU countries do not have adequate infrastructure for charging electrical cars – says Newseria agency Elżbieta Łukacijewska, associate of the European Parliament from the Civic Coalition.
"The European Commission – under strong force from the European Parliament, car companies, but besides just common sense – said that there will be no ban on the production and registration of combustion cars, but adds that there will be a 90% simplification in emissions. It's actually the same thing. – says Anna Zalewski, associate of the European Parliament from Law and Justice.
The automotive package proposed by the EC assumes that car manufacturers from 2035 will gotta meet the mark of reducing exhaust gas emissions by 90%. The remaining 10% of emissions, according to the assumptions, would be offset by 2 mechanisms that include the usage of low carbon steel produced in the EU as well as emissions savings from e-fuels and biofuels.
"The European Commission has a very costly plan for alternate fuels, synthetic fuels or e-fuels. She would like to introduce them utilizing very costly technologies, because, among another things, hydrogen-related technologies, in addition to the alleged green ones, that is, the 1 that arises from water-related processes. This is simply a immense challenge – emphasises Anna Zalewski.
According to the European Commission, the introduction of fresh solutions will let plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), longer-range vehicles, soft hybrids and diesel vehicles after 2035 to inactive play an crucial function in the automotive industry. They will supplement the offer of electrical and hydrogen-powered cars.
– Looking at the European industry, the economy and jobs, how many companies in Poland that produce combustion car parts, all of this requires a rational approach, common sense. On the another hand, we must besides be aware that the planet is pursuing, that fresh technologies are being implemented and Europe – protecting jobs and manufacture – must besides implement innovations that will make it competitive – considers Elizabeth Łukacievska.
According to the Eurofound study in December, the EU automotive manufacture straight employs 6 million people and another 6 million work in related industries and services. Since 2019, the rate of employment simplification has importantly accelerated and between 2019 and 2023 has been 7%. In 2024 and early 2025, European companies fired around 106 000 workers. France, Germany and Italy have been affected by the biggest occupation cuts.
– The automobile plants are closing in Germany and there is despair due to the fact that it is their pride. besides in France, Italy, the Czech Republic and Poland, due to the fact that they are all connected vessels. We have lost our competitiveness, due to the fact that erstwhile it comes to the differences between Chinese imports and Chinese exports of European cars, the advantages are on the side of China – emphasises the Euro MP of PiS.
– erstwhile we look at China, which is present the leader in the production of batteries and electrical cars, it is essential to impose appropriate tariffs and requirements on products that come to us in both the automotive and any another area, due to the fact that unfortunately this destroys our competitiveness, capabilities and European companies – explains Elżbieta Łukacijewska.
Among the fresh proposals of the European Commission were the battery marketplace strategy (Battery Boost) with a full value of €1.8 billion, which is intended to accelerate the improvement of this sector in the Union. Part of this appropriation will be utilized to support European battery cell producers through interest-free loans. The remaining funds will support investment, make a European value chain, support innovation and coordination between associate States.
The EC automotive package assumes a fresh category of vehicles under the tiny Affordable Cars initiative. Speeches of electrical vehicles up to 4.2 m in length. By 2035, car manufacturers are expected to benefit from dedicated financing for the improvement of this category. This is designed to encourage more tiny electrical cars to enter the European market.
– All actions, proposals and objectives must take into account the impact on jobs, industrial development, competitiveness and, above all, the financial capacity of the people of the European Union. Today, many electricians are besides costly for consumers. Europe is talking about a tiny electrical car that would be an option. Let us not forget, too, that we have millions of combustion cars across Europe and people who cannot afford to replace them - emphasises the MEP. – The European Union accounts for only 6% of CO emissions2 on a global scale, so we ourselves will not save the world, but we must do everything to guarantee that our children and grandchildren live in a healthy society. The combination of ambition and common sense has the best results.
– The European Union must, above all, quit its confusion and infection with the Green Deal, which is impossible to implement. The main problem is that it has nothing to do with environmental protection, a major ETS business involving the acquisition of carbon rights. The climate summit has late shown that the European Union is simply alone and has made the European economy uncompetitive. We can't even see the back of the Chinese anymore, trying to compete with the United States. It is essential that the European Union should not fall more economically - considers Anna Zalewski.