The prime ministers of six European Union nations, including Poland, have sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, urging a reevaluation of EU car policy. They argue that existing regulations undermine the competitiveness of the European automotive industry.
Signatories include Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, and Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Żelazkow.
The letter, revealed by PAP, highlights that recent discussions during the EU summit regarding competitiveness and the Council of the EU’s position on climate law revisions indicate a need to move away from ideological rigidity that has jeopardized entire production sectors with minimal impact on global emissions.
The prime ministers stressed the importance of technological neutrality, asserting that there is no singular solution for decarbonization. They believe that enforcing one technology hampers research, innovation, and competition, significantly affecting the European automotive sector, which they claim is struggling due to current EU regulations.
They called for the upcoming revision of CO2 emission standards for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles to continue recognizing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, fuel cell technologies, and electric vehicles with range extenders beyond 2035, along with other prospective solutions.
In their view, this revision should also acknowledge the role of low-emission and renewable fuels in decarbonizing road transport, considering biofuels as “carbon dioxide emission-neutral fuels.”
The letter also advocates for revising CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles to assist manufacturers in meeting targets and avoiding penalties.
Additionally, the prime ministers critiqued the Clean Industrial Deal proposal related to road transport. They urged the European Commission to promote effective practices, tax incentives, and support programs while maintaining a technology-neutral approach to transitioning toward low- and zero-emission mobility.
They concluded the letter by stating, “We are at a turning point for both the European automotive industry and climate action. We can and must effectively pursue our climate goals without sacrificing our competitiveness, as there is nothing green on an industrial desert.” (06.12.2025)
Leave a Reply