Don't roll back electric in auto action plan, warns lobby

Kristian Ruby, secretary-general of Eurelectric, acknowledged that while the electricity sector benefits from the EU’s electric agenda, it remains open to discussions with major car industry players. However, he emphasised the importance of avoiding any rollback of the agenda.

Today Radio Schuman features an interview with Kristian Ruby, secretary-general of Eurelectric, calling for the Commission to maintain emissions reduction commitments in a key auto sector strategy paper coming today.

The European automotive sector, employing 13 million people and contributing approximately 7% of the continent’s GDP, faces multiple challenges, including weak demand, stringent EU emissions targets, rising competition from Asia, and declining interest in electric vehicles. In response, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to unveil measures aimed at enhancing the industry’s competitiveness while upholding overall emission reduction goals.

Automakers have opposed the EU’s 2025 CO2 reduction targets and lobbied against penalties for non-compliance. However, von der Leyen has already announced a relaxation of the annual review rule, extending the compliance period from one to three years. Additional plans to support EV production are also anticipated.

Radio Schuman also flags an important meeting of EU home affairs ministers in Brussels and asks which countries offer the most take-home pay after taxes in Europe.

Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas.

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