Bratislava – Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) criticized the EU’s plan to ban the production and sale of combustion engine vehicles after 2035, stating it would negatively impact Slovakia. This statement was made during a press conference on Monday, coinciding with the European Commission’s (EK) climate protection initiative, TASR reports.
Fico highlighted that many Slovak companies, suppliers, and subcontractors are connected to the automotive sector, emphasizing the significance of this industry in the Slovak economy. He warned that the EK’s ban could harm economic stability.
He expressed support for Germany’s position, which is urging the EK to reconsider the ban and to permit production of not only electric vehicles but also vehicles with highly efficient dual-drive engines post-2035.
“The collapse of our automotive industry would be catastrophic for the Slovak economy. With new developments like the upcoming Volvo plant near Košice and other potential foreign investments, the industry’s importance is only growing,” Fico noted.
Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanár (Smer-SD) echoed Fico’s concerns, stating that Slovakia, along with Germany, is advocating against regulatory changes that would diminish competitiveness within the EU automotive sector. He also raised concerns regarding emission allowances under the ETS2 system, which may raise energy, gas, and fuel prices.
Initially, it was anticipated that allowance prices would be around seven to eight euros per tonne. However, the European Commission proposed measures to cap prices if they exceeded 45 euros per tonne.
“The EK has proposed a postponement of the ETS2 system by one year, moving it from January 1, 2027, to 2028. While this proposal received preliminary approval, we remain concerned about its potential impact on citizens,” Fico stated. (1 December)
“I cannot imagine what would happen to the Slovak economy if our automotive industry collapsed.” Robert Fico
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