With the country set to take over the EU Council presidency in January, Warsaw is preparing to use its leadership role to push for an early review of the contentious legislation.
Alliance against the ban
Poland has found allies in Italy and the Czech Republic, with the three nations adopting a united front against the proposed regulation. According to a senior EU diplomat quoted by the Polish Radio’s IAR news agency, the trio is calling for an acceleration of the review process built into the legislation.
Currently, the law mandates a comprehensive assessment in 2026, during which the European Commission must evaluate the ban's feasibility, its economic impact, and the cost to the automotive industry. However, Poland, Italy, and the Czech Republic are pressing for this review to begin as early as next year.
Challenging the feasibility of the ban
The primary goal of the push, according to an EU diplomat speaking to Polish Radio’s Beata Płomecka, is to demonstrate that the 2035 deadline is unrealistic. The coalition argues that the ban could severely harm Europe’s automotive industry.
"The sooner such an analysis is completed, the sooner we can reach an agreement to postpone the deadline and soften the rules," the diplomat stated. They added that an early decision would provide critical guidance for the long-term strategies of European car manufacturers.
Impact on the automotive industry
Critics of the 2035 ban claim it risks undermining the competitiveness of the EU's automotive sector, which is already grappling with supply chain disruptions and the high costs of transitioning to electric vehicles. An expedited review could help the industry adapt by providing clarity on regulatory changes and easing the transition to more sustainable practices.
With its upcoming EU presidency, Poland is uniquely positioned to influence the bloc’s legislative agenda. By steering discussions on the combustion engine ban, Warsaw could significantly impact the EU’s environmental and industrial policies.
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Source: IAR