France and Germany negotiate adjustments to EU car emissions target and production rules
President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Friedrich Merz are working on a joint proposal to revise the EU’s 2035 target that would otherwise ban new internal‑combustion cars. The draft would allow the sale of new combustion and hybrid vehicles after 2035 provided manufacturers meet defined emissions standards, and would tie public funding to automotive production in Europe. The initiative is part of a broader effort to update EU automotive legislation. Environmental NGOs have criticised the plan, arguing it falls short of climate goals.
Why it matters
The proposal could affect which cars are sold in Europe and how public subsidies are allocated to manufacturers.
How the sides frame it
LOW AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage criticizes the deal as a threat to climate goals and the electric-vehicle transition, while centrist and right-leaning coverage present it as a pragmatic compromise that eases industry pressure and safeguards European car manufacturing.
LEFT
The deal is portrayed as undermining climate objectives and the shift to affordable electric cars, with environmental groups warning it could seal the industry's decline.
CENTER
The agreement is described as a necessary compromise that relieves manufacturers, supports European production, and maintains climate ambition.
RIGHT
Coverage frames the pact as a victory for the European auto sector, emphasizing protection of jobs and industry competitiveness while balancing environmental aims.
The left emphasises
- critics say the deal could "undermine the shift to affordable electric cars"
- environmental experts call the compromise a "historical error"
- concern that the softer targets will jeopardise Europe’s climate goals
The right emphasises
- portrayed as protecting the "powerful car industry" and jobs
- characterised as a "good day for drivers and jobs"
- emphasised that the deal balances environmental ambitions with industry protection
How this story developed
- Sep 1 Germany pushes for deeper Japan partnership to cut chip reliance on China
- Sep 15 German firms have moved to partner with Japanese companies on chip components.
- Sep 21 EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič scheduled a visit to China to discuss the export curbing request.
- Sep 24 Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government has studied the possibility of a US-led military move against Canada, calling it an extreme tail risk, while noting frequent talks with President Donald Trump amid a worsening trade dispute.
- Sep 24 Chinese firms have moved from exploring to setting up joint electric‑car assembly projects in Graz.
- Sep 27 The United States imposed 50 % duties on $28 billion of Canadian imports.
- Oct 5 France and Germany have formally pushed for fast‑acting EU trade tools to counter market distortions.
- Oct 7 EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic is set to travel to Beijing for talks on trade frictions.
- Oct 9 President Lai Ching-te will use his National Day speech to stress economic expansion, new welfare measures and Taiwan’s geopolitical stance.
- Oct 10 The European Parliament held the vote on the China‑related resolution.
- Oct 11 Lai now vows to protect freedom and stresses parity in defence as part of his National Day address.
- Oct 15 France agreed to ease 2035 CO2 limits for cars, while Germany accepted a tighter definition of European preference for automotive parts.
- Oct 16 EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič secured a deal with China to halve hybrid car imports over four years.
- Oct 17 France and Germany announced joint talks to revise the EU 2035 emissions target and link subsidies to European production.
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