German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider on Monday defended the EU ban on combustion engines from 2035, amid mounting pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition to reach a common position on the issue.

The sale of new petrol and diesel cars is to be banned by 2035 under an EU measure first introduced in 2022 to reduce carbon emissions.

A review is expected later this year, however, with the European carmaking sector pushing for the phase-out to be cancelled.

“Many companies have long since adjusted to the new rules of the game for the climate” and require consistency, Schneider told Die Zeit newspaper.

Planning security is crucial for successful business, he argued. “That is why we are also economically well advised to continue on the path we have chosen now.”

Schneider said there are still 10 years until the EU-wide ban goes into force.

“From 2035, the following will apply: New cars in the EU will no longer emit CO2 or the manufacturers will have to pay fines. That is the current legal situation,” said Schneider, whose Social Democratic Party (SPD) is largely opposed to relaxing the measures.

In contrast, Merz recently said he wants to push the EU to drop the ban, allowing hybrid vehicles to be permitted beyond 2035.

The chancellor has invited leading representatives from the auto industry to a major summit on Thursday.