Merz opposes "false ban" of internal combustion engines from 2035
Friedrich Merz (Photo: EPA / CLEMENS BILAN)

German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz opposes the ban on internal combustion engines in the European Union starting in 2035. He said this in an interview with n-tv on Monday, October 6.

"My clear vision is that we will not support this so-called ban on internal combustion engines in this form," Merz said .

The future of internal combustion engines in the European Union will be decided this year by the European Commission, which has accelerated consideration of this issue.

"I don't want Germany to be among the countries that adhere to this erroneous ban," the politician emphasized .

Merz said that research and development, in particular for diesel engines, continues around the world. "I want the Federal Republic of Germany, I want our industry to continue to participate in this. Therefore, the ban is wrong," he explained .

The politician emphasized that this is not a step back or support for internal combustion engines, but the possibility of their further use, in particular in freight transport, where they are needed.

According to the adopted Fit for 55 regulation, all new cars and vans in the EU must be climate-neutral from 2035. This effectively means a ban on new internal combustion engines, except for those running on CO₂-neutral synthetic fuel (e-fuel). Such cars will be considered climate-neutral and will be able to be sold after 2035, subject to separate certification.

Leading German manufacturers BMW and Mercedes-Benz have sharply criticized the fixed date for the phase-out of internal combustion engines as unrealistic. BMW CEO Oliver Zipse called the 2035 ban a big mistake, while Mercedes CEO Ola Kellenius warned of "negative consequences" of a too abrupt transition.

Mercedes advocates a technology-neutral approach to decarbonization, supporting the promotion of electric vehicles through tax incentives and the development of a charging network.

Volkswagen supports the zero emissions target, but calls for transitional provisions, simplification for small-scale producers and the inclusion of CO₂-neutral fuels in the calculations.

  • In August 2025, the Association of European Automobile Manufacturers (ACEA) and the European Automobile Suppliers Association (CLEPA) warned the European Commission about the unrealistic nature of the set targets for carbon dioxide emissions.