In the dispute over the end of combustion engines, Ursula von der Leyen (65) promises a push for exceptions for so-called e-fuels if she is re-elected as EU Commission President. In order to achieve the EU climate goals, a technology-neutral approach in which synthetic fuels play a role is required, according to the CDU politician’s political guidelines for the next five years.
The EU has actually decided that from 2035 only new cars should be registered that do not emit any climate-damaging CO₂ during operation. At the urging of the FDP, the federal government advocated that there should be exceptions for e-fuels.
Von der Leyen wants to change the law
Von der Leyen’s guidelines now specifically state that she wants to achieve a technology-neutral approach through a targeted change to the relevant EU law. The chairman of the center-right EPP alliance, Manfred Weber (CSU; 52), was pleased: “I welcome the fact that the new Commission will revise the ban on combustion engines and focus on openness to technology.”
E-fuels are synthetic fuels that can theoretically be used to operate combustion engines in a climate-neutral manner. However, they are relatively expensive and are urgently needed in air transport, for example. Because it is more difficult to operate airplanes electrically on a large scale than cars.
Von der Leyen is currently fighting for a second term as EU Commission President. For this to happen, an absolute majority of the 700 members of the European Parliament must vote for them. Many MPs have emphasized in recent days that their vote depends on what their political guidelines say.