Dear Members of the European Commission,
We, the European Grandparents for Climate, are writing again to you, this time to express our profound disappointment regarding the European Commission’s decision to step back from the previously agreed phase-out of internal combustion engines.
This reversal undermines both climate credibility and economic planning certainty. Effective climate policy depends on clear, long-term commitments. Abandoning a central element of Europe’s decarbonization strategy weakens investor confidence and sends a confusing signal to industry and consumers.
From an industrial perspective, the change in course risks slowing the necessary transformation of the European automotive sector. European manufacturers have already made substantial investments in electrification. Policy inconsistency now threatens innovation and leaves Europe increasingly exposed to competition from the Chinese automotive industry, which is pursuing a clear and stable long-term strategy.
A majority of people throughout Europe support stronger measures for climate protection. Therefore, the Commission’s zigzag course is disappointing, confusing and risks eroding trust in European policymaking. In this context, it is regrettable that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen appears to be putting her historical legacy at risk by weakening Europe’s strategic clarity at a critical moment.
Europe needs reliable, forward-looking policies that align climate ambition with industrial transformation. We therefore urge the Commission to reconsider this step and stick to decisions already taken.
Yours sincerely,
Godela von Kirchbach and Eva Riemer, Co-Chairs