During the closing event “Advancing the State Pact against the Climate Emergency” at the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid, Pedro Sánchez expressed direct criticism of the European Commission’s recent proposal to allow limited production of internal combustion vehicles beyond 2035, after lifting the absolute veto on these cars. The Prime Minister described this measure as a “historic mistake” and emphasized that it could weaken the European Union’s environmental commitments. According to media reports, the European Commission plans to approve a limited quantity of these cars so that production can continue until they reach 10% of permitted carbon dioxide emissions in 2021.
As published by the media, Sánchez defended that the guarantee of European competitiveness lies in environmental sustainability and not in relaxing climate targets. The president argued in his speech that such an exception contradicts the direction set by the climate change agenda adopted in Europe in recent years. “It is a historic mistake for Europe, because competitiveness is guaranteed by sustainability and not by weakening our climate commitments,” Sánchez said in his statements, according to media.
The plan proposed by the European Commission represents a change from the original roadmap, which envisaged a complete ban on the marketing of internal combustion engine vehicles from 2035. According to the media report, the new proposal is not yet in force as it needs to be discussed and possibly amended in both the Council and the European Parliament before its final adoption. This institutional process could change the conditions of the exception and at the same time open a period of debate between the Member States and the different political groups of the Union.
The Commission’s text sets out as a condition that any additional production margin for vehicles producing emissions must be fully offset by the manufacturers themselves. According to community sources cited by media, these companies must obtain “credits” through the use of “green steel” of European origin or through the use of biofuels, with the aim that the final emissions balance does not exceed the established thresholds.
It has been stated in the media that Brussels’ argument claims that this compensated restriction aims to link the need for a transition to zero-carbon technologies with the specific circumstances of certain industries and manufacturers, while ensuring that these concessions do not come at the expense of the decarbonization targets set out in the European Green Deal.
The announcement by President Pedro Sánchez was made at a public event on the climate emergency, underlining the importance of the European discussion within the framework of the international commitments and agreements reached at the recent climate summit. During his intervention, Sánchez reiterated the position of the Spanish executive in defense of a European strategy compatible with the gradual reduction of emissions, as reported in the media.
Sources from the government itself and representatives of environmental organizations present at the event expressed concerns about the impact that this measure would have on compliance with the commitments made by the Union’s member states. According to media, various groups believe that opening up to limited production of gasoline or diesel-powered cars and light commercial vehicles could lead the industry to delay the transition to electric or alternative models.
The media also highlighted that the proposal had caused disagreements between Member States and sparked a debate between MEPs and the economic actors involved. Some sectors consider the flexibility proposed by the Commission to be necessary to ensure the viability of the automotive industry during the transition period, while others are in favor of maintaining the originally planned timetable and restrictions in order not to jeopardize climate neutrality.
According to the media, the decision still needs the double approval of the Council and the European Parliament before it can come into force for car manufacturers and the entire European Union.
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