Deutsch-Französische Einigung zu „Made in Europe“ und Autoabgasen verzögert sich – SPD erhebt Einwände

France and Germany confirmed Friday that they have reached an agreement on the future of the European automotive industry, which will result in a less stringent reduction of CO2 emissions by 2035 but a strengthened "Made in Europe" policy. Paris and Berlin stated in a joint declaration that they have arrived at a common approach aimed at ensuring the future of the European automotive industry. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized on X that the goal is to successfully transform the automotive sector while maintaining climate ambitions and production within Europe. The proposed agreement includes stricter conditions for non-EU countries regarding participation in public tenders and access to public subsidies. It also softens the ban on internal combustion engines by 2035. However, the agreement faced delays on Thursday evening due to objections raised by the SPD, Germany's coalition partner. Concerns were expressed that key environmental goals might be omitted. A spokesperson for the German federal government stated that a final agreement has yet to be reached. Earlier this week, Macron indicated that Germany was now responsible for reaching consensus. He acknowledged political constraints in Germany and fully respected its coalition negotiations. According to the proposed agreement, Germany would accept stricter "Made in Europe" criteria for the automotive sector under the "Industrial Accelerator Act," which France had pushed for, in exchange for relaxing the ban on internal combustion engines, one of Berlin's long-term demands. The draft agreement suggests that the EU's current target of reducing emissions from internal combustion engines by 100 percent by 2035 compared to 2021 levels should be lowered to 90 percent, with an additional 10 percent flexibility for investments in alternative fuels. This would bring the total reduction to 80 percent. For steel producers and the left-leaning SPD in Germany, the key issue is whether the Franco-German agreement would eliminate the investment requirement for "green steel," thereby removing a crucial incentive. A lobbyist for the industry told POLITICO that the draft does not impose pressure on automakers to purchase "green steel," making it a "nice-to-have" extra. The draft emphasizes the so-called "Utility Factor," which allows for the inclusion of vehicles powered by renewable fuels in the zero-emission category, significantly easing the achievement of CO2 reduction targets for manufacturers. The agreement on the "Made in Europe" label restricts its application to automobiles produced in the 27 EU member states, with the possibility of selectively including a few other countries, primarily the United Kingdom and Norway, under certain conditions. Currently, the EU aims for a 100 percent reduction in emissions from internal combustion engines by 2035 compared to 2021 levels, allowing companies to earn a 10 percent emission allowance through initiatives such as offset measures and investments. Under the proposed agreement, this target would be reduced to 90 percent, with an additional 10 percent flexibility for investments in alternative fuels. The French and German agreement would eliminate the requirement for manufacturers to compensate for the remaining 10 percent of emissions. It also opens the door for vehicles powered by renewable fuels to be classified as zero-emission vehicles, significantly easing the achievement of CO2 reduction targets for manufacturers. The so-called "super credits," previously reserved for small, affordable electric vehicles to promote their development, are being extended to all vehicle sizes, regardless of size or length. The "Made in Europe" label agreement limits its application to automobiles produced in the 27 EU member states, with the possibility of selectively including a few other countries, primarily the United Kingdom and Norway, under certain conditions. The agreement between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron outlines a reduction in emissions from new vehicles by 90 percent by 2035, along with the possibility of continuing to sell some vehicles with internal combustion engines. Proposed super credits would specifically encourage European electric vehicles, including premium models and smaller city cars. The rules for "Made in Europe" will become increasingly strict, requiring a higher proportion of European components in batteries and linking European production to eligibility for public incentives. The agreement between Merz and Macron outlines a reduction in emissions from new vehicles by 90 percent by 2035, along with the possibility of continuing to sell some vehicles with internal combustion engines. Proposed super credits would specifically encourage European electric vehicles, including premium models and smaller city cars. The rules for "Made in Europe" will become increasingly strict, requiring a higher proportion of European components in batteries and linking European production to eligibility for public incentives. The agreement between Merz and Macron outlines a reduction in emissions from new vehicles by 90 percent by 2035, along with the possibility of continuing to sell some vehicles with internal combustion engines. Proposed super credits would specifically encourage European electric vehicles, including premium models and smaller city cars.