Italy Pushes for Early Confirmation of ICE Reprieve in Europe

Italian politicians are pushing to accelerate the European Union’s review of a proposed ban on new internal-combustion-engine vehicles from 2035.

The EU has a review scheduled for 2026 that could allow carbon-neutral fuels to be used in ICE and hybrid powertrain vehicles. Now Italy’s Minister for Enterprises, Adolfo Urso, wants the review to be brought forward to next year, Reuters reports.

Urso's call is in line with the government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s stated ambition to have the European Commission allow member states to decide on the powertrain technologies that suit them best in meeting decarbonization targets.

Urso says: “I think this should be the first issue the new European Commission deals with, because companies and workers need clarity.” His comments are supported by Energy Minister Pichetto Fratin Gilberto, who adds, “The 2035 ban on new combustion-engine cars is absurd and needs to be revised.”