Technological neutrality : the engine of the European automotive industry
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Opinion |
Technological Neutrality: The Engine of the European Automotive Industry
Manfred Weber, President of the EPP Group in the European Parliament, sounds the alarm: only a shift towards technological neutrality can prevent Europe's automotive industry from sliding into decline. The decisions made in coming weeks must serve as a lever to ensure strategic autonomy for our continent.
By Manfred Weber
EPP Group Chairman
Europe is facing an autumn of truth. Whether in terms of competitiveness, defence, or migration control, the decisions made in the coming weeks at the European Parliament must serve as a lever to ensure the path towards strategic autonomy for our continent. We must rise to this responsibility and accelerate our work, as the warning signs of decline accumulate and as the calls for help from companies grow louder.
Take, for example, the situation of the automotive industry, which is perhaps the most emblematic case. A walk through the halls of the Munich Motor Show in September, where Chinese stands showcased their cutting-edge technologies, was enough to convince anyone of the EU's staggering delay – primarily caused by short-sighted ideological decisions.
Within the EPP, we have always opposed 100% electric. This goal, besides being completely unrealistic, has also handed the European market over to Chinese manufacturers. We, champions of the internal combustion engine, have imposed as the standard a technology in which Beijing has a ten-year head start, along with major advantages such as rare earths. A sheer folly that has cost us dearly, not only in terms of innovation but also in terms of jobs. In Europe, 90,000 people have lost their jobs in this sector. Thousands of families are facing catastrophic situations, with disastrous consequences for local economies.
We have imposed as the standard a technology in which Beijing has a ten-year head start, along with major advantages such as rare earths. A sheer folly that has cost us dearly, not only in terms of innovation but also in terms of jobs.
Fortunately, yesterday's poor decisions can still be corrected, and we are fighting to convince other political groups – notably Renew and the Socialists – to adjust the course.
First, as I have said and written since the day of its adoption, it is urgent to end the ban on the internal combustion engine by 2035. We must certainly maintain ambitious climate goals, but these goals must remain achievable. The only viable path is technological neutrality. Decarbonisation must follow a calculation method that takes into account the full life cycle of the vehicle, not just the emissions at the tailpipe. This is a pragmatic approach that leaves room for synthetic fuels and biofuels, as well as petrol, and does not automatically exclude any technology. Europeans should decide for themselves which car they buy. Such a decision should not be imposed by politics. I repeat: believing that electric is completely neutral for the environment is an illusion.
The only viable path is technological neutrality. Decarbonisation must follow a calculation method that takes into account the full life cycle of the vehicle, not just the emissions at the tailpipe.
Last week, Ursula von der Leyen opened the door by stating that she is ready to activate the "review clause" and present, by the end of 2025, a proposal on flexible measures. I can only welcome this first step, which must be implemented quickly and concretely. The President also advocated producing more in Europe, particularly small electric vehicles. This is obviously a good idea, as it is urgent that the EU can compete in this segment and position itself against Chinese models flooding our market. But to do so, it will first be necessary to review all regulations that are disproportionate, unnecessary, or even counterproductive, as they weigh down the price of our own vehicles. Whether it is representatives of car or heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers or unions in the sector, all those we met with my group are unanimous: let us innovate!
Representing 7% of European GDP, the automotive sector is not a mere niche market. It is a flagship for the continent and must concentrate all our efforts to regain its colours. We have an autumn to achieve this.
Disclaimer
All opinions expressed in this column reflect the views of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of EXPERT EUROPE or its editorial team.
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