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Merz Urges Reconsideration of 2035 Ban on Internal-Combustion Engines

Chancellor Friedrich Merz will send a letter to Ursula von der Leyen asking her to review the part of the Fit for 55 regulation that bans the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines after 2035 and to allow hybrids, range‑extenders and "high‑efficiency" engines. The European Commission is set to present proposals on 10 December.

Oleg Bazylewicz

By Oleg Bazylewicz

November 28, 2025 · 1 min read

Merz Urges Reconsideration of 2035 Ban on Internal-Combustion Engines

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to send a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen demanding a review of the rule banning the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines after 2035.

"I ask the Commission to review the EU rules on cars as a key step in setting the course for Europe's future as a centre of car manufacturing"

– Friedrich Merz

Proposals for the auto industry

Merz intends to push for the allowance not only of fully electric models but also of cars with combined powertrains: plug‑in hybrids, range‑extended electric vehicles (range‑extender) and so‑called "high‑efficiency" internal combustion engines (ICEs). According to him, such steps would give manufacturers more room for innovation and help preserve the competitiveness of Germany's automotive industry.

Regulation and timeline

Under the current Fit for 55 regulation, from 2035 all new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in the EU must be climate‑neutral, which effectively bans conventional ICEs. An exception is provided for cars running on CO₂‑neutral synthetic fuels (e‑fuels); such cars could be sold after 2035 subject to separate certification.

Under pressure from industry and some member states, the European Commission announced its intention to review the regulation's provisions; the Commission is expected to publish its proposals on 10 December.

  • In August 2025 the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) and the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) warned the European Commission that the established CO₂ emissions targets are unrealistic.

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EU Against Google: Why the Latest Fine Could Change More Than Previous Ones

# European Regulators Target Google Again — This Time Over Digital Markets Act Violations. What's Behind the Accusations and Why It Matters Beyond the Corporation European regulators have renewed their scrutiny of Google, this time focusing on alleged violations of the Digital Markets Act. The charges underscore Brussels' increasingly aggressive stance on big tech monopolies and what officials say are anticompetitive practices. The accusations center on how Google leverages its dominance across multiple digital services — from search to advertising to mobile platforms — to disadvantage competitors. Regulators claim the company is using its market power in ways that stifle innovation and limit consumer choice. The case carries significance far beyond Google itself. It signals how the EU is attempting to enforce its landmark Digital Markets Act, legislation designed to curb the gatekeeping power of tech giants. A potential penalty could set precedent for how other large technology companies face similar scrutiny. For consumers and smaller tech firms, the outcome could reshape the digital landscape by creating more room for competition. For Google, fines and operational restrictions could fundamentally alter its business model in Europe, the world's most stringent regulatory market. The case also reflects a broader geopolitical divide, with the EU pursuing a regulatory approach that contrasts sharply with the lighter-touch oversight favored in the United States.

May 26, 2026