As the European Union considers potential revisions to the ban on internal combustion engines, the automotive industry is increasingly increasing its outreach to the far-right. This trend was revealed by an analysis of the EU Transparency Register conducted by the NGO Lobbycontrol, as reported by “Der Spiegel”.
According to the findings, since the start of the current legislative period in the summer of 2024, representatives from the Stellantis group have held at least eleven meetings with members of the “Patriots for Europe” (PfE) parliamentary group. This parliamentary faction includes members from France’s National Rally. Furthermore, ACEA, the European industrial association whose president is Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius, met with the PfE on ten separate occasions. The analysis also found that Volkswagen conducted four meetings and BMW held two.
Nina Katzemich of Lobbycontrol told “Der Spiegel” that lobbying meetings with centrist-right parties in Brussels are increasingly viewed as a common political method for pushing through industry interests.
When questioned by the news magazine, ACEA stated that it engages in discussions with all relevant parliamentarians to clarify the industry’s position. BMW acknowledged that PfE members had approached the company for information at the Brussels auto show, but they firmly denied that political extremists were a focus of the company’s activities. Stellantis reported speaking with political decision-makers across the entire democratic political spectrum of Europe, noting that this naturally includes countries where far-right parties are part of the governing coalition.
The context for these increased contacts is the EU Commission’s proposal to ease the ban on combustion engines, which was originally set for 2035. The European Parliament’s three relevant committees and plenary session are scheduled to vote on their positions in the coming weeks. The largest political group, the EPP (European People’s Party)-which includes Germany’s CDU and CSU-wants to go beyond the Commission’s suggestions. However, it remains uncertain if they will secure a majority coalition with the Socialists and Liberals. In recent months, the EPP has, in other policy areas, sought majorities utilizing far-right politicians. Manfred Weber, the EPP Group Leader (CSU), told “Der Spiegel” that he hopes for a stable and clear consensus from the political center.
