Eu-Gipfel: Weiter Streit Beim Verbrenner-Aus | Br24

The Battle of the Burners

The European Union (EU) is currently grappling with a major dilemma: whether to maintain its ban on internal combustion engines (ICEs) from 2035 or to open up to e-fuels, synthetic fuels with the same properties as gasoline and diesel. This decision has sparked a mixed reaction and even anger, as seen in the full brake of Bundesverkehrsminister Wissing on the EU's ban on ICEs. The EU summit in Brussels, aiming to find a compromise, is looking like a drop in the ocean, but the stone of contention, synthetic fuel or e-fuel, is proving to be a tough nut to crack.

The E-Fuel Enigma

The e-fuel is the elephant in the room, the burning issue that has made the EU summit in Brussel a hotbed of activity. The final decision on ICEs was already a done deal from 2035, but then the FDP (Free Democratic Party) blew up the final vote, wanting to make exceptions for electric vehicles (EVs). Support for this comes from countries like Austria and Czech Republic, but a compromise is yet to materialize.

The Brussels Brawl

The EU summit in Brussels is not an easy ride for Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor. The chancellor is optimistic that an agreement is in sight, but the situation is far from ideal. The EU is committed to implementing the longest given promise by the Commission, to clear the air around the reliability of the largest EU member state. The summit is also a platform to discuss the further support of Ukraine, the stabilization of energy prices, and the strengthening of competitiveness against US protectionism.

The E-Fuel Echo

Amidst the ongoing debates about ICEs, the observers are expecting a proposal from the EU Commission within the next two to eight days that the German government can live with. This proposal is also within the entire framework of the summit. Now, the observers are waiting to see if this proposal will come to fruition.

The Ifio Factor

The Ifio, a German think tank, has suddenly gained significant importance at the EU summit, despite not being on the agenda. Some government chiefs have pointed out that Germany's behavior is not good. Shortly before the end, where everything was almost settled, the whole issue was almost opened up again.

The French Factor

France is critical but has its own problems in terms of pension reform and wants to better acknowledge nuclear energy in European economic policy. This is a topic that is not on the agenda but has a lot of conflict potential.

The German Factor

Germany has left its mark through multiple solo acts. The "No" from Verkehrsminister Wissing has now made the situation even more fragmented. It is surprising that this has come so late. Many say that if it were really so, then the alarm should have been sounded much earlier.

The EU-Barometer

The EU-Barometer shows that there is no compromise with e-fuels and exceptions. Absent this expectation, the Ifio has gained significant importance at the EU summit, despite not being on the agenda.

The Final Word

This issue is not just about the future of ICEs, it's about the future of the EU itself. The EU is committed to implementing the longest given promise by the Commission, to clear the air around the reliability of the largest EU member state. The summit is also a platform to discuss the further support of Ukraine, the stabilization of energy prices, and the strengthening of competitiveness against US protectionism.

The EU summit in Brussels is not an easy ride for Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor. The chancellor is optimistic that an agreement is in sight, but the situation is far from ideal. The EU is committed to implementing the longest given promise by the Commission, to clear the air around the reliability of the largest EU member state. The summit is also a platform to discuss the further support of Ukraine, the stabilization of energy prices, and the strengthening of competitiveness against US protectionism.

The EU summit in Brussels is not an easy ride for Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor