France and Spain Reject Calls to Delay Europe’s Ban on Combustion Engines
France and Spain have issued a joint statement to the European Commission, declaring that the planned 2035 ban on new combustion-engine cars must not be reopened for debate. Both governments argue that the deadline is essential for meeting climate goals, and that billions already invested in electric mobility are beginning to pay off.
The letter reaffirms Paris and Madrid’s firm commitment to the green transition. Any attempt to water down or postpone the ban, they warn, would undermine trust in European climate policy and delay the bloc’s path towards carbon neutrality by 2050.
No return to plug-in hybrids
France and Spain also dismissed proposals to extend the life of plug-in hybrids, an idea floated by several EU members as a compromise in recent months. According to the two governments, such a move would represent a step backward, not progress. Still, they acknowledge that the shift to fully electric vehicles poses serious challenges for Europe’s automotive sector and will require strong support mechanisms. Their joint proposal calls for targeted incentives to help manufacturers continue investing in electrification rather than abandoning it under market pressure.
Growing divide across Europe
The statement adds fuel to a widening rift within the EU over the pace of automotive decarbonisation. Italy, Slovakia and Germany have all voiced frustration with what they see as unrealistic expectations for EV demand. They argue that consumer uptake remains sluggish, production costs are high and the threat to employment is mounting. Several carmakers have already scaled back investments, looking for ways to stay profitable without resorting to mass layoffs.
Law versus reality
The final legislative package confirming the 2035 combustion ban is expected by the end of 2025. Until then, most major manufacturers continue to hedge their bets, offering both electric and petrol-powered models to satisfy differing market demands. Even Ferrari, now developing its first fully electric car, has no intention of abandoning its iconic V engines.
Europe’s climate crossroads
France and Spain’s stance underscores that the green transition is no longer purely an environmental issue but a test of strategic cohesion within Europe. On one side stand those determined to meet climate targets at all costs; on the other, those wary of losing industrial competitiveness. The 2035 ban is shaping up to be Europe’s defining stress test, revealing whether the continent can unite environmental ambition with economic realism, or split into two camps, one investing in the future and the other holding fast to the past.
