EU backs down on combustion-engine car ban, allowing sales beyond 2035

The European Commission has reportedly softened its plans to ban the sale of new combustion-engine vehicles, following pressure from EU member states including Poland and the automotive industry, Polish Radio reported.

European Environment Council in Brussels, Belgium, 16 December 2025.

Photo: OLIVIER MATTHYS/PAP/EPA

Instead of a full transition to zero-emission cars, with a 100% CO2 reduction, the new rules would require a 90% reduction in emissions.

This effectively extends the lifespan of petrol and diesel vehicles beyond 2035.

Now cars on the market include hybrids, plug-in models that can be charged while stationary, and vehicles running on biofuels, rather than purely electric vehicles.

Komisja Europejska wycofuje się z całkowitego zakazu sprzedaży nowych aut spalinowych od 2035 roku.https://t.co/oS9VpsCxha

— PolskieRadio24.pl (@PR24_pl) December 16, 2025

Beata Płomecka, Brussels correspondent for Polish Radio, noted that earlier six EU member states, including Poland, had sent a letter to the European Commission urging a relaxation of the post-2035 ban on combustion engines.

"Under pressure from EU member states and the automotive industry, Brussels has announced a relaxation of the rules, allowing greater flexibility," the journalist explained via her X profile.

❗️KE wycofała się z całkowitego zakazu dla nowych aut spalinowych od 2035. Pod wpływem presji krajów i przemysłu motoryzacyjnego Bruksela ogłosiła złagodzenie wymogów i dopuściła większą elastyczność @PR24_pl

— Beata Płomecka (@bplomecka) December 16, 2025

(mp)

Source: IAR/Polskie Radio/PR24