France Urges EU Flexibility on EV Goals to Protect Automotive Jobs

TLDR

• France urges the EU to relax aggressive electric vehicle targets.
• Government emphasizes the need for flexibility in EU EV policies.
• France advocates for European-made vehicles to strengthen strategic autonomy.
• Focus on preserving jobs and supporting the French automotive industry.
• France seeks clear measures to protect European manufacturing jobs.

On October 23, 2025, France’s Ministries of Ecological Transition and Economy released a joint statement urging the EU to reconsider its ambitious electric vehicle (EV) targets. France expressed its concerns that the EU’s current approach may jeopardize both the French automotive sector and broader economic stability. The statement highlighted France’s commitment to sustainability, but it called for more flexibility to ensure a smooth transition without compromising economic health.

France’s Commitment to Supporting the Automotive Sector

France remains dedicated to supporting the competitiveness of its automotive sector. The French government emphasized its focus on innovation and investment in future technologies. “We aim to strengthen the French automotive industry, ensuring fair competition against global players,” the statement explained. France also stressed the importance of producing vehicles in Europe to boost the region’s strategic autonomy and preserve jobs.

The government outlined its priorities, which include manufacturing vehicles in France and Europe. France aims to ensure that production supports European industries, particularly those involved in electric vehicle manufacturing. By doing so, the country seeks to contribute to the broader European ecological transition, while maintaining substantial employment and creating new opportunities in the industry.

In the press release, Ministers Monique Barbut, Roland Lescure, and Sébastien Martin stated that they aimed for the European regulation on CO2 emissions to primarily benefit European automotive production. They pushed for policies that would incentivize European manufacturing and ensure that European investments are channeled into electric vehicles and related industries.

Flexibility and Technological Neutrality for a Balanced Transition

The French government is advocating for flexibility in the EU’s approach to EV policies. France believes that technological neutrality is essential for a balanced and fair transition. The government aims to implement clear measures that will support European manufacturing and preserve jobs in the sector. This stance aligns with France’s previous efforts to smooth out manufacturing targets between 2025 and 2027.

According to the joint statement, the shift to EVs should prioritize European-made vehicles, particularly those using European components. By doing this, France believes the automotive sector can thrive while contributing to the EU’s broader climate goals. The statement emphasized that supporting European manufacturers is crucial for both industrial growth and maintaining sovereignty over strategic technologies, such as batteries and electric motors.

“Vehicles that benefit European manufacturers and contribute to job creation in Europe must be supported,” France emphasized. The French government highlighted that its focus is on pragmatism, ensuring that the country’s ecological ambitions align with its economic interests. France remains firm in its stance that industrial jobs in Europe must be protected during this transition.

EU to Stabilize Carbon Market Prices by 2027

The EU’s plan to control carbon prices in its new emissions trading scheme has raised concerns across several governments. France, alongside other countries such as Germany, has expressed concern that the carbon market may drive up fuel prices, ultimately affecting consumers. The policy, set to take effect in 2027, could potentially increase the costs of heating and transport fuels, pushing more consumers to shift to electric vehicles.

In response, the EU plans to introduce price controls to ensure that increased costs do not unduly burden consumers. EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra acknowledged the concerns raised by France and others, committing to propose measures to stabilize price volatility. These measures would help improve market confidence, making it easier for governments to encourage investment in decarbonization technologies.

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