Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants the European Union to have a flexible approach toward decarbonization.

With few exceptions like Volvo and Polestar, most automakers oppose the European Union’s plan to ban sales of new combustion-engine cars from 2035. Although the legislation doesn’t explicitly outlaw ICEs, it requires that vehicles emit zero emissions. In practical terms, that amounts to the same thing.

https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/11/29/germany-urges-eu-cancel-combustion-engine-ban/