By attempting to preserve the internal combustion engine, Europe is compromising its energy future

Europe and the Internal Combustion Engine: Controversial Choices

In a context where the energy transition has become a global necessity, the European Union finds itself at a delicate crossroads. Recent decisions regarding the preservation of the internal combustion engine, announced in 2025, reflect a desire to maintain some continuity in the European automotive industry. This choice, however justified by the need to protect thousands of jobs related to the manufacture of internal combustion engine vehicles, raises fundamental questions about the energy future and Europe's ability to address current climate challenges.

Indeed, since the announcement in 2021 of a target to ban new internal combustion vehicles by 2035, European energy policy has evolved. The new goal, which aims to reduce CO₂ emissions from vehicle fleets by 90%, reflects a compromise between the need to reduce pollution and the desire to preserve economic interests. However, this revision occurs in a context where global competition, particularly from Chinese manufacturers, is intensifying.

The consequences of this decision are both internal and external. Internally, it raises concerns among technological innovators who advocate for a faster transition to electric vehicles. Externally, it exposes the European automotive industry to the risks of falling behind more aggressive markets like China, which has managed to capitalize on innovation and favorable legislative reforms for electric vehicles.

The Competitive Landscape: Challenge or Opportunity?

The signal sent by Europe through this policy can be perceived ambivalently. On one hand, it tries to preserve its industrial know-how and jobs; on the other, it displays an image of inaction in the face of the necessity to adapt to climate challenges. The meteoric rise of the Chinese automotive industry, with brands such as BYD and Nio, perfectly illustrates this paradox. These companies have managed to establish themselves in the European market, despite tariffs, by offering solutions that are both affordable and technologically advanced.

In the face of this competition, European manufacturers, instead of accelerating their transition to electric, choose a lobbying strategy with the European Commission. This strategy, while focused on adapting to immediate economic constraints, could ultimately prove counterproductive. By easing emission targets, Europe could deprive itself of the innovation and momentum necessary to remain competitive.

• Examples of innovative Chinese brands: BYD, Nio, MG Motor.
• European strategies: lobbying rather than innovation.
• Impact on the electrification of the global automotive market.

Contested Choices Within the European Industry

Criticism abounds within the European automotive industry itself. Voices like those of Volvo and Polestar are rising to advocate for the necessity of meeting ambitious targets. These companies emphasize that the shift from a target of 100% net zero emissions to 90% poses a threat to Europe's competitiveness. Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar, stated that this strategic retreat would be disastrous not only for the climate but also for Europe's industrial future.

This internal debate reveals deep divisions within the automotive industry. On one side, some players propose technological innovations linking biofuels and hydrogen, while others remain committed to more traditional technologies. This discord raises the question of a shared vision for the future of the European industry and its ability to evolve at a sufficient pace to meet market challenges.

An Innovation Axis Towards Electric

Several companies are beginning to integrate renewable technologies into their production processes to improve the sustainability of their vehicles. For example, Stellantis has announced initiatives to improve the energy used in its production lines while developing hybrid and electric vehicle models. In response to this paradigm shift, other manufacturers are also taking initiatives to adapt to the energy transition.

The renewable energy axis thus represents a possibility to redefine the value of the national industry in the face of more innovative competitors. It also involves a complete transformation of supply chains, notably through the adoption of green steel and synthetic fuels to reduce the carbon footprint of the remaining combustion models. However, this requires substantial investments, effective coordination, and a long-term commitment from industry players.

The Economic and Political Consequences of This Choice

The consequences of the choices made by the European Union regarding the internal combustion engine and the emission reduction target are manifold. From an economic perspective, this compromise could favor the emergence of a two-speed industrial fabric where traditional players struggle to modernize in the face of innovative start-ups. This fits into a broader trend observed in European society, where the capacity to adapt to rapid changes becomes a major issue.

Politically, this backtracking on the targets set for 2035 raises questions about the credibility of the Union's commitments regarding climate change. While the Paris agreements require solid commitments to emission reductions, Europe's slowing of ambitions could harm its image as a leader on the international stage.

• Economics: two speeds in the automotive industry.
• Consistency of the EU's commitments towards Paris.
• Necessary reconciliation between competitiveness and climate challenges.

An Electric Future: Challenge or Reality?

The global market for electric cars is rapidly expanding, and Europe must face this growing pressure. The figures show that the electric market has gained influence, and companies that do not embrace this transition could fall behind. Studies indicate that by 2030, the share of electric vehicle sales could reach 30% in Europe, a forecast that underscores the importance of a quick and effective response to the paradigm shift.

The Necessity for a Cohesive Energy Policy

At the heart of this debate is an urgent need to define a clear and sustainable energy policy. Europe must navigate between its climate obligations and the protection of its industrial sector. This requires a bold vision that highlights renewable energies and genuine planning for a transition to sustainable mobility.

To achieve these goals, it is crucial for European governments to engage in supportive policies for innovation: creating infrastructures for the charging of electric vehicles, developing capacity technologies for batteries, and regulating international standards that promote the transition.

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