BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - The German government welcomes the EU Commission's proposals for a partial departure from the so-called combustion engine phase-out. It is good that the Brussels authorities are opening up the regulation "after the clear signal from the German government," said Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU). "More openness to technology and more flexibility are the right steps to take in order to better align climate targets, market realities, companies, and jobs."
Merz against quotas for company car fleets
Merz announced that the EU Commission's proposals would now be examined. Openness to technology is key, he said, adding that there should be no more bureaucracy. "We continue to reject new legal quotas for vehicle types in company car fleets. This must not lead to excessive demands being placed on German small and medium-sized enterprises – neither through quotas nor through too much bureaucracy." What is needed, he said, is innovation and flexibility.
Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider, whose ministry is responsible for this area within the federal government, also expressed a positive view. "The rules will become more flexible, but the climate impact will remain the same," explained the SPD politician. He spoke of a pragmatic middle ground that also addresses the concerns of the trade unions. Car manufacturers and suppliers would now have more leeway for the transition to electric mobility.
Schneider: The future of mobility is electric
"The future of mobility is electric. Electric cars are technically superior and are getting better and cheaper all the time. In ten years, almost all new cars in Europe will be electric," Schneider predicted. The climate impact will remain the same. "The additional CO2 emissions resulting from the extra flexibility must be offset elsewhere." This will lead to a surge in demand for European green steel./hrz/DP/nas
