Workers will be safeguarded from radiation-related hazards through a new proposed directive on radiation protection, sanctioned by the Commission.
In a growing debate within Germany, various political figures have expressed opposition to the EU's plan to ban the registration of new passenger cars with internal combustion engines from 2035. This decision, which aims to combat climate change, is facing discontent, particularly from the CDU party and the Liberal Democratic Party (FDP).
The FDP, led by Christian Lindner, has publicly opposed the EU ban, but with a condition. Lindner supports the ban only if combustion engines using carbon-neutral fuels like E-Fuels are allowed after 2035. This stance aligns with the view of Hans-Ulrich Rülke, the FDP state chairman, who, along with the Union, has called for a course correction in EU climate policy regarding the ban on internal combustion engines.
Rülke, like many others, has called for immediate changes to secure prosperity. He believes that e-fuels could enable internal combustion engines to be operated in a climate-neutral manner in the future. This idea is supported by Steffen Bilger, parliamentary business manager of the Union faction in the Bundestag, who argues that it is irrational to ban combustion engines in the EU while German manufacturers still want to export these models to other countries.
However, the debate is not without criticism. Robin Kulpa of the German Environmental Aid has criticized the measures, stating that they would not be enough to meet Germany's own climate goals. Similarly, Katharina Dröge, Green Party faction leader in the Bundestag, initially sounded in favor of questioning the date for the phase-out of internal combustion engines in 2035, but later rowed back, stating that such a debate would create uncertainty harmful to the German economic location.
The ratio of electric vehicles to those with internal combustion engines is significantly lower nationwide, with only around 1.8 million of the around 50 million passenger cars being fully electric. In Baden-Württemberg, the figures are even more skewed, with around six million of the over seven million passenger cars running on either diesel or petrol, and only around 300,000 cars being fully electric.
Despite the growing opposition, the SPD wants to stick to the phase-out of internal combustion engines by 2035. They argue that the date fits into the system of German and European climate goals and that planning uncertainty is not needed. Cem Özdemir, Green top candidate for the state election in Baden-Württemberg next year, has signaled that the target date for the end of internal combustion engines could be discussed.
Manuel Hagel, CDU state leader, has called for the ban to be scrapped, citing potential harm to innovation, weakness to the industry, and threat to thousands of jobs. Hagel has urged Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz to speak directly with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about the ban. Merz, however, has yet to provide specific details about his stance on the issue.
In the midst of this debate, Philipp Prein, spokesman for Agora Verkehrswende, has suggested that instead of new targets, more political support is needed. He proposes funding programs for smaller electric cars, incentives for the electrification of commercial fleets, and simplification of the price of electricity for driving.
As the debate continues, it is clear that finding a balance between environmental concerns and economic prosperity is a pressing issue. The future of Germany's automotive industry and its commitment to climate goals hang in the balance.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
