The ban on combustion engines, adopted at the EU level in 2023, will not come into force in 2035 – at least according to Luxembourg’s right-wing ADR party.

In a motion submitted to parliament, ADR MP Tom Weidig called on the government to urge the European Commission to repeal the planned 2035 ban. "It's becoming increasingly clear that banning combustion engines is unrealistic," he said. The ADR stressed it is not opposed to electric vehicles but wants "the best technology to prevail in the end."

Other parties strongly rejected the motion. While acknowledging that technical challenges must be addressed in cooperation with industry, CSV MP Jeff Boonen argued that "the era of fossil fuels is over" and that it is vital to prepare for the future now – making a "simple withdrawal" unacceptable.

MPs agreed, however, that the transition must be carefully managed. "That's probably the only point we agree on," said LSAP deputy Franz Fayot, emphasising the need to support workers through the shift. Environment Minister Joëlle Welfring added that a clear direction is crucial to protect jobs, citing China's success with electric vehicle technology as an example.

"If the Chinese can do it, so can we," said The Left’s David Wagner, criticising ADR's stance as "insulting to Europeans' intelligence." ADR parliamentary leader Fred Keup countered that an increasing number of European governments share his party's position: "The ban will not take effect in 2035 – it will be lifted. There is no other solution," he declared.

A vote on the motion was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.