German Handelsblatt reports Germany and France are seeking to further relax plans to phase out internal-combustion-engine vehicles. Merz and Macron reached an agreement on the auto sector: France conceded on ICE phase-out timing/scope, and Germany agreed to soften its "buy European products" procurement requirement.

2026-10-07

German Handelsblatt reports Germany and France are seeking to further relax plans to phase out internal-combustion-engine vehicles. Merz and Macron reached an agreement on the auto sector: France conceded on ICE phase-out timing/scope, and Germany agreed to soften its "buy European products" procurement requirement.