Bratislava – Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) plans to suggest to Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán a meeting to discuss revising the proposed ban on internal combustion engines prior to the European Council meeting scheduled for October 23-24, in his capacity as the presiding leader of the Visegrád Group (V4). He also intends to propose to European Council President Charles Michel that the outcomes of the EU summit facilitate discussions on the future sustainability of the automotive industry in the EU. This announcement followed a meeting Fico held with automotive industry representatives, according to TASR.
Along with Slovakia’s Minister of Economy Denisa Saková (Hlas-SD), Fico inquired with employers about the necessity of revising the internal combustion engine ban, including what changes they deem appropriate and whether other decisions impacting the automotive sector should also be reassessed.
“There is a prevailing sentiment that the 2035 target requires reform; it must be revised,” stated Robert Fico. He indicated that any specific amendments will emerge from negotiations, noting that some car manufacturers have invested significantly in transitioning to electromobility, while others are concentrating on electric vehicle production.
Fico emphasized that the automotive sector accounts for 10% of the gross domestic product, 44% of exports, employs 125,000 people directly, and indirectly creates an additional 220,000 jobs. He warned that any adverse changes in car production would lead to catastrophic consequences for Slovakia.
Minister Saková remarked that car manufacturers have requested enhanced infrastructure for electric vehicles. She confirmed that the development of charging station networks in Slovakia is progressing positively, with initiatives to construct ultra-fast charging stations along highways and expressways underway. She noted that interest from entrepreneurs in building public charging stations has vastly exceeded financial resources, prompting a new call for cities and municipalities to participate.
The President of the Automotive Industry Association of Slovakia, Alexander Matušek, expressed support for the ongoing expansion of electric vehicle chargers. However, he believes that consumers are not yet prepared for widespread electromobility. Matušek argued that rather than altering the timeline for the internal combustion engine ban, the conditions should be eased to allow for the production of plug-in hybrid vehicles, pointing out that the USA and China are taking similar approaches. (October 9)
“There is an absolutely prevailing atmosphere that the 2035 target needs to be reformed, this target must be revised.” Robert Fico
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