Merz Backs Auto Industry’s Push for Looser EU Rules on EV Shift

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has voiced his support for the German auto industry's call for more regulatory flexibility from the European Union regarding the shift to electric vehicles. The industry has been pushing for a softening of the rules that would effectively ban combustion engine vehicles within the next 10 years. Merz emphasized the need for a more pragmatic approach, highlighting the significant impact this transition would have on the German economy and its workforce. He argued that the EU's current plans may not adequately consider the practical challenges faced by the automotive sector, and he urged for a more flexible regulatory framework to ensure a smoother and more manageable transition. The chancellor's stance aligns with the concerns expressed by the German auto industry, which is a major player in the European market. This move suggests a potential clash between the industry's interests and the EU's ambitious environmental targets, as the debate over the pace and implementation of the electric vehicle shift continues.