Headlines

EU weighs scheme to allow combustion-engine vehicles after 2035, Handelsblatt reports

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on December 16, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 20, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
EU weighs scheme to allow combustion-engine vehicles after 2035, Handelsblatt reports
Global Banking & Finance Awards 2026 — Call for Entries

BERLIN, Dec 16 (Reuters) - The European Commission is weighing a new compensation scheme that could allow car makers to sell combustion-engine vehicles beyond 2035, Germany's Handelsblatt newspaper

EU Considers Scheme for Combustion Vehicles After 2035

BERLIN, ‌Dec 16 (Reuters) - The European Commission is ‍weighing ‌a new compensation scheme that could allow ⁠car makers ‌to sell combustion-engine vehicles beyond 2035, Germany's Handelsblatt newspaper reported on Tuesday, citing senior ⁠Commission sources.

Under the proposed framework, up to 30% ​of climate targets could be ‌met through alternative ⁠fuels, while approximately 70% would be achieved using green steel, the report ​said.

Discussions over the precise accounting rules are ongoing, Handelsblatt quoted sources close to the negotiations as saying.

The report ​comes ‍ahead of the ​Commission's official legislative proposal, also due on Tuesday, following lobbying efforts from Germany, Italy, and the automotive industry that prompted Brussels to ease its ⁠proposal for a full ban on new combustion-engine cars.

The mechanism ​under consideration could result in effective emissions reductions of 90%, Handelsblatt said, with CO2 offsets allowing ‌the continued sales of combustion-engine vehicles.

(Reporting by Kirsti Knolle; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)

Key Takeaways

  • EU may allow combustion-engine vehicles post-2035.
  • Up to 30% of climate targets could use alternative fuels.
  • 70% of targets may be met with green steel.
  • Discussions on accounting rules are ongoing.
  • Proposal follows lobbying from Germany and Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the European Commission?
The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and managing the day-to-day operations of the EU.
What are alternative fuels?
Alternative fuels are energy sources that can replace conventional fossil fuels. They include biofuels, hydrogen, and electricity, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on oil.
What is green steel?
Green steel refers to steel produced with significantly lower carbon emissions compared to traditional methods, often using renewable energy sources and innovative technologies.
What is CO2 offsetting?
CO2 offsetting involves compensating for carbon dioxide emissions by funding projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, such as reforestation or renewable energy initiatives.

Tags

Related Articles

More from Headlines

Explore more articles in the Headlines category