Overview

• Speaking in San Sebastián at the Foro Finanza de Elkargi, Josu Jon Imaz criticized Brussels’ regulatory pressure on the auto sector, using the term “extorsión.”
• He warned that enforcing the 2035 ban on new combustion‑engine cars without solid industrial alternatives would be catastrophic for European competitiveness.
• Imaz argued that the energy transition must be grounded in industry rather than ideology, underscoring competitiveness as the central priority.
• CIE Automotive president Antón Pradera said hyperregulation is asphyxiating industry and highlighted Europe’s loss of political and economic influence.
• The session drew business and institutional leaders, and Imaz said he hopes the European Commission revises the policy while cautioning that a late change could still harm the auto supply chain.