Germany slows the ban on engines in the EU

A Financial Times editorial reflects on Germany's last-minute opposition to a planned ban on internal combustion engines in the EU in 2035. The article reads: "What should have been a simple confirmation this week of measures agreed last year member states and recently approved by the European Parliament, was instead postponed indefinitely. Not only does Germany set a terrible example for other countries tempted to hold the legislation hostage to national interests, it also threatens Berlin's credibility in the green transition and the EU." He continues: "The proposed ban is a key part of the bloc's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This the road has now reached a dead end.” The editorial said the transition away from fossil fuels would involve “painful trade-offs, including job losses in polluting industries”. It concludes: “The transition to carbon neutrality by 2050 will be fiendishly difficult. But given that member states have agreed to the targets, it is now their duty to do everything possible to meet them."
In related news, Politico reports: "Germany's push to save internal combustion engine gains allies." Another Politico article reads: "Top Scholz ally criticizes German government for blocking EU car engine law." Reuters reports that the Czech Republic "invited transport ministers of the 11 countries of the European Union to meet in Brussels on Monday to discuss policies to reduce emissions amid a row over the bloc's landmark policy to switch to electric vehicles". Meanwhile, the Sun reports that the UK is "losing race to build electric car revolution with Germany, says Labour". The Times reports that BMW will bring production of electric Minis "back to Oxford" after receiving a £75m grant from the government. City AM reports UK "at risk of energy tech drain without more funding, battery chief warns". Another Times article is entitled: "Electric cars with fully charged batteries lose up to a third of their range in the cold".

Editorial, Financial Times, "Carbon Brief"