Future of the EU automotive sector in the context of building Europe’s ‘own E-car’, as announced in the State of the Union address

Priority question for written answer P-003560/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Kosma Złotowski (ECR)

There are growing calls from the automotive sector to review the ban on registering new combustion cars. Although many manufacturers initially declared themselves ready to achieve full electrification by even sooner than 2035, consumer scepticism, rigorous emission standards and penalties for failing to comply with these standards have now left them in a difficult financial situation. Increasing pressure from the Chinese industry presents a further challenge as it offers electric and combustion cars at competitive prices that are impossible for European manufacturers to compete with.

Last week, the President of the Commission met with representatives of the automotive sector. According to reports, both sides recognised the fact that achieving the 2035 target may be particularly challenging and potentially not even feasible. It is in this context that the President's State of Union address proposed the creation of Europe's 'own E-car'.

• 1.Will the Commission channel additional resources to support the automotive industry in achieving full electrification by 2035, taking financial difficulties, consumer scepticism and price pressure from Chinese manufacturers into account, or will it instead consider withdrawing the ban on registering new combustion cars?
• 2.How does the Commission intend to translate the concept of Europe's 'own E-car' into tangible actions and will this entail, for example, the creating a common technology platform or subsidy for chosen manufacturers?
• 3.What is the Commission's intended total budget for financing this project and what will the cost of Europe's 'own E-car' be?

Submitted: 16.9.2025