Overview

• Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he does not want Germany to stick with what he called a “false” combustion-engine ban and vowed to argue for technology openness in upcoming EU talks.
• Environment Minister Carsten Schneider insisted the current EU law stands, stating that from 2035 new cars must emit no CO2 or manufacturers will face fines.
• Schneider convened an SPD-hosted session with works councils and major suppliers two days before the chancellery’s long-planned automotive summit, drawing CSU criticism.
• The Kanzleramt meeting on Thursday will gather federal ministers, state representatives, automakers and unions to discuss the struggling car sector.
• Green parliamentary leader Katharina Dröge condemned Merz’s push and called for faster expansion of charging infrastructure and social leasing, while auto lobby chief Hildegard Müller backed Merz and urged Brussels to consider competitiveness as the Commission’s review moves up to December.