The European Union (EU) has delayed by a week the release of closely watched proposals for the auto sector that could weaken a 2035 ban on new CO2-emitting cars, the European Commission confirmed to Reuters.
The proposals, originally scheduled for release tomorrow ((10 December), are now expected on 16 December.
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A Commission spokesperson declined to confirm the revised timetable for other planned measures that were also delayed.
According to a draft Commission agenda seen by Reuters, the revised date applies not only to the automotive package but also to plans to extend the EU’s carbon border tariff to additional manufactured goods, such as washing machines.
Negotiations continue and different Commission departments seek to secure slots to publish measures before year-end.
The forthcoming automotive proposals are being scrutinised closely by vehicle manufacturers and member states, notably Germany and Italy, which have argued for more flexibility in the 2035 rules.
They want room for continued sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles and internal combustion engine models that use so‑called CO2‑neutral fuels, including some fuels derived from biomass or waste.
As currently framed, the 2035 regulation would in practice bring an end to new petrol and diesel car sales in the EU.
European manufacturers have warned they need greater leeway to adjust to slower electric vehicle (EV) uptake than anticipated and rising competitive pressure from Chinese brands.
Any weakening of the rules could, however, complicate the bloc’s climate objectives.
Some EU officials have indicated the automotive package might slip beyond December and potentially into 2026.
Guido Guidesi, regional minister for economic development in Lombardy, a key automotive hub in Italy, said further delays would add to uncertainty for the sector.
In a statement, Guidesi said: “Further postponements and delays are unacceptable, because we are out of time – millions of jobs and entire industries are at risk.”
Alongside the auto and CBAM extensions, Brussels is preparing measures to prevent foreign businesses from bypassing the carbon border system.
Under rules due to take fuller effect from January, the EU will levy carbon charges on imports of products such as steel, aluminium and cement, based on their embedded emissions.
The Commission agenda also foresees a delay to 28 January for a proposed “Industrial Accelerator” scheme intended to give preference to goods manufactured within the EU in certain procurement processes, the report said.
The initiative is designed as a response to lower-cost competition, particularly from China.
France and some other governments back stronger support for domestic producers, while countries including Sweden and the Czech Republic have raised concerns that local-content requirements could deter investment, increase costs in public tenders and undermine the EU’s position in global markets.
