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Automotive industry expands ties with far-right EU politicians
The automotive industry is increasing its engagement with far-right political groups in the European Parliament ahead of critical votes regarding the 2035 ban on internal combustion engines. An analysis of the EU Transparency Register by the association Lobbycontrol indicates that major industry players have held multiple meetings with the 'Patriots for Europe' (PfE) group, which includes France's Rassemblement National.
According to the report, Stellantis held at least eleven meetings with PfE members since summer 2024, while the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) met with the group ten times. Volkswagen and BMW also recorded meetings with the faction. In response, ACEA stated it communicates with all relevant parliamentarians to explain the industry's position, and Stellantis noted it engages with the entire democratic political spectrum.
Simultaneously, a key vote in the European Parliament's Transport Committee regarding the proposed relaxation of the 2035 combustion engine ban has been delayed. The postponement is reportedly due to the need for centrist parties to find a compromise. The EU Commission previously proposed softening the ban, a move supported by industry critics and some German political leaders, while the largest parliamentary group, the EPP, seeks terms that balance climate protection with industrial competitiveness.
Entities
Acea · European Parliament · Patriots for Europe · Stellantis · Volkswagen
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The EU Commission proposed at the end of 2025 to relax the planned 2035 ban on internal combustion engines. www.nachrichten-heute.net · www.berlinstory.de · www.finanznachrichten.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] An analysis of the EU Transparency Register shows the automotive industry is expanding contacts with the far-right in the EU Parliament. www.nachrichten-heute.net · www.finanznachrichten.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Stellantis representatives held at least eleven meetings with Patriots for Europe (PfE) members since summer 2024. www.nachrichten-heute.net · www.finanznachrichten.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The vote in the Transport Committee regarding the loosening of the 2035 combustion engine ban has been postponed. www.berlinstory.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] The ACEA met with the PfE group ten times during the current legislative period. www.nachrichten-heute.net · www.finanznachrichten.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Volkswagen held four meetings and BMW held two meetings with PfE members according to the analysis. www.nachrichten-heute.net · www.finanznachrichten.de