Recientemente, Germany stopped the formalization of the regulation that was going to prohibit the sale of cars with combustion propellants in all member countries that make up the European Union. The position of the Germans ended up influencing Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia, nations that have also positioned themselves against the imposition of this measure. Meanwhile, Teresa Ribera, the current Minister of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge of our Government, has shown herself criticism of opposing states to a community law whose effects on the economic, environmental and social panorama are, to say the least, questionable.
In a demonstration of common sense and coherence, the political leaders of those territories that have supported Germany in its decision have firmly defended their attitude, alleging that 2035 is too soon to force its citizens to buy vehicles with technologies that, although hopeful, are as incipient as they are expensive. They also do not have enough time or resources to generate the necessary infrastructures required by the so-called "transition towards sustainable mobility". However, Spain, which is still in the tail wagon of Europe in terms of electrification and installation of charging points for this class of cars, seems to continue in favor that a common norm is established that it will be very difficult for them to comply with or attend to without sacrificing the development of their domestic economy.
Sometimes, It is surprising how far ideological sectarianism can go, even when it comes to the economic future of one of the most important regions of the Old Continent, wherever the weight of the automobile industry on the Gross Domestic Product is close to 10%. Germany and the alliance of countries she leads with her conservative vision has done nothing more than shed some light on a mortally wounded sector due to the slowdown in sales, technological uncertainty, problems with the supply of some components and the Asian offensive, which already offers quality electric vehicles at a more competitive price. For now, the final vote to pass the ban has been postponed indefinitely.
Despite unfounded attacks by Ribera, who curiously "separated" Reyes Maroto (now a candidate for mayor of Madrid) of the Executive when this woman was a member who did defend the motor industry Spanish, the coalition of nations against the regulation in question only indicates its radical nature. In no case do they intend to carry out a blockade of the situation, but to present another way of doing things, without hasty measures and betting on a open approach to different solutions. When there is so much money, so much social welfare and so many interests at stake (we are talking about approximately 450 million inhabitants and tens of thousands of companies), aggressive approaches should not be accepted under any circumstances.
In this aspect, Germany has been very clear: before signing anything, it asks for guarantees so that, within a dozen years, cars with thermal engines can continue to circulate legally in Europe using synthetic fuels or biofuels with carbon neutral emissions, something in which Teutonic companies such as the Volkswagen Group have already invested and in which they have been working for more than five years. There are also proposals on the table related to hydrogen and its possibilities, especially in terms of heavy transport, although this is also an alternative that is in a very primitive phase.
Ribera, who has described the decision of the Germans as disappointing and has affirmed that "they may have an internal political difficulty, but they cannot export it to the entire European Union" since "the rules are for everyone", hints that is not aware of how this geopolitical entity works, where attempts are made to make fair regulations that all members can undertake at the same time. It also shows his Ignorance about the backwardness that Spain has in the transition to the mobility you want, as well as your ignorance about the development of "e-fuel" or about the real seriousness of a global environmental problem that Europe has very little capacity to solve. Others, more sensible and less condescending to populist demands, prefer to protect, as long as possible, national prosperity and employment.
Source: self made