France, Germany near deal to weaken EU 2035 car CO2 target

· Automotive & EV · France · Germany

France and Germany are close to agreeing on a weaker 2035 emissions target for new cars, according to diplomats, while also working out how Britain fits into EU local-content rules. The talks touch the EU's plan to effectively ban new combustion-engine cars by 2035 under the 'Made in Europe' framework. A softer target would give automakers more time and flexibility, and would reshape investment plans for EV production across the bloc. The UK's treatment under local-content rules matters because British-built vehicles could lose access to EU incentives. The outcome is still being negotiated and no final decision has been announced.

Why it matters：The EU's 2035 target is the single biggest regulatory driver of Europe's EV transition; weakening it would slow battery and EV investment and shift the global competitive balance.

Key points

  • Diplomats say Paris and Berlin are close to agreeing on a weaker 2035 target for new cars
  • Talks also cover how Britain fits into EU local-content rules
  • No final decision has been announced

Sources (original reporting)

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