Exclusive: EU Commissioner Hoekstra defends scrapping 2035 ban on combustion engines

European Commissioner for Climate Wopke Hoekstra defended a controversial decision to drop a planned ban of combustion-engine vehicles from 2035, calling it a "smart and wise compromise" for both climate and industry in an interview with Euronews.

His comments follow the European Commission's announcement on Tuesday that it would roll back a proposal to entirely ban the sale of cars powered by combustion engines from 2035.

Instead, the executive said the ban would apply to 90% of new cars, down from 100%. The extra leeway could allow more polluting vehicles to enter the market.

European automakers, facing a perfect storm as a result of higher energy costs, tariffs and fierce competition from China, had called for flexibility from the Commission.

Meanwhile, climate activists lashed out at the executive for bowing to industry at the expense of the Green Deal, which they argue is being erased. Hoekstra said neither is true.

"We want to help this hugely important industry (autos) not just survive but thrive. But this is going to be absolutely climate neutral," Hoekstra told Euronews.

"The only thing that we are doing is introducing a provision that allows companies to continue to sell hybrids, for example, and compensate the emissions by using green steel. That's a win for both."

Still under fire

The Commission continues to face criticism from climate associations who argue that the executive is actively going against its own green policies introduced under Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's first term, in which she referred to the Green Deal as "Europe's man on the Moon moment" and the centerpiece of its future growth strategy.

In her second mandate, von der Leyen has pivoted toward competitiveness, vowing to cut red tape, ease bureaucracy and roll back excessive regulation.

The new political direction of the Commission, shaped mainly by industry demands, has sparked concerns among climate groups who suggest the Green Deal has been abandoned.

Commissioner Hoekstra, who hails from the Netherlands, told Euronews that the Green Deal remains a "compass" for Europe, but the recipe will have to be adapted.

"The name of the game is we must do the utmost for our competitiveness, climate and our independence," he said. "Always in combination, not the expense of the other. If the world changes, the recipe cannot be the same, right?"

The proposal still needs to be agreed upon by European lawmakers and EU governments. Hoekstra said he expects to gather broad political support for it.

The centre-right EPP, which brings together most mainstream conservative forces including Germany's CDU, welcomed the move. Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who leads one of a handful of left-leaning governments in Europe, called scrapping the complete ban a "mistake" on Wednesday.

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland and Slovakia were the EU countries that asked the Commission to reconsider the 2035 ban on combustion engines.

Meanwhile, France and Spain were among the countries backing the ban and urging EU leaders to “stay on track,” saying that zero-emissions vehicles are “indispensable," according to a letter seen by Euronews.

However, Paris and Madrid called on lawmakers to include hybrid vehicles and fiscal incentives for domestic automakers.

Cars at the centre of 'emotional debate'

Hoekstra acknowledges that balancing the need for a competitive European economy at a time when the Trump administration is imposing tariffs and China is growing more assertive in high-tech sectors, with an ambitious climate policy, has become for some a deeply political and emotional debate.

The automotive sector stands out more than any other in Europe, as it is widely regarded as highly strategic for exports and jobs in countries like Germany, but it is also very energy-dependent and remains one of the top sources of pollution in Europe.

Hoekstra conceded that "not everyone will be pleased" but noted that's "part of politics".

Asked if he had personally come under pressure from the German government, which had expressed a desire the drop the ban, he denied a single actor played a definitive role, but a combination of factors.

"You have to what is wise, intelligent and good for Europe in the long run," he said, adding that the measure has to be seen as part of a package.

Under the new legislative proposal on CO2 emissions in cars, the EU executive said the bloc's manufacturers will have to offset the remaining 10% of emissions by using low-carbon steel produced in the EU or sustainable fuels such as e-fuels and biofuels.

Full-electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen vehicles will also be encouraged, with car manufacturers eligible to receive "super credits" for producing small, affordable electric cars made in the EU, according to the Commission's proposal.

"There needs to be a political landing zone, because no one will like all the elements," Hoekstra said, "But many will see that the package, with green steel, added flexibilities, climate neutrality, and a combination of element, is a winner for Europe."