MAINZ (dpa-AFX) - The European Commission's plans to reverse the so-called combustion engine ban are meeting with broad approval in Germany. Nearly two-thirds of German citizens support the initiative, according to a representative survey conducted for the ZDF "Politbarometer". The poll found that 63 percent believe that cars with combustion engines, such as gasoline or diesel vehicles, should still be allowed to be newly registered after 2035. Just over a third (32 percent) of respondents are opposed.
The European Commission intends to recommend that new vehicles with combustion engine technology continue to be permitted after 2035, as confirmed to the German Press Agency by sources within the Commission. The proposal still needs to be adopted by the college of EU Commissioners.
In 2022, representatives of the EU member states and the European Parliament had agreed that, starting in 2035, new cars in the EU would no longer be allowed to emit climate-damaging carbon dioxide (CO2) during operation. According to sources within the Commission, this requirement is now set to be abandoned. However, the emissions of greenhouse gases are to be offset by other measures. For example, this could be achieved through the use of environmentally friendly "green steel".
The automotive industry and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) had strongly advocated for a relaxation of the combustion engine ban. The Greens and some experts are dismayed by the change in direction.
The Brussels authority plans to present possible changes next week. In addition to proposals regarding the combustion engine ban, further measures such as a battery strategy and suggestions for more environmentally friendly company cars are also expected to be unveiled.
For the "Politbarometer", the Forschungsgruppe Wahlen surveyed a total of 1,295 eligible voters by telephone and online from December 9 to 11, 2025./bvi/DP/men
