France and Germany inch towards grand bargain on EU car regulation

France and Germany are in advanced talks on a grand bargain to redraw Europe's car policy, aiming to soften emissions rules while favoring EU manufacturers in public contracts. The negotiations address the European Commission's proposals on the combustion engine phaseout and requirements for cars to benefit from public funding. However, profound differences over Brussels' "Made in Europe" proposals are complicating discussions. Germany seeks to relax CO2 standards in 2030 and accommodate alternative fuels, while France pushes for flexibilities that reward investment in Europe. A German position paper advocating for free-trade partner goods in the Industrial Accelerator Act contrasts with France's demand for an EU27 approach. Beyond automotive policy, the article notes European steel production hitting historic lows due to energy costs and Chinese oversupply. Separately, Spain's former foreign minister warns that immigration is a "political tomb" for European governments attempting to compete with rightwing populists, arguing that governments will always face tougher opponents.

\n\nEuropean carmakers face a critical period as they navigate slow demand and Chinese competition. The talks could significantly impact the sector's future, potentially softening emissions targets for 2030 and 2035 while protecting corporate fleet greening goals. The outcome depends on bridging the divide between German industry priorities and French investment requirements within the broader automotive package framework.

法国和德国正就一项重大协议进行深入谈判，旨在重塑欧洲汽车政策，放宽排放规则，并在公共合同中优先支持欧盟制造商。此次谈判涉及欧盟委员会关于逐步淘汰内燃机的提案，以及汽车如何从公共资金中受益的规则。然而，布鲁塞尔“欧洲制造”提案上的深刻分歧正在使讨论复杂化。德国寻求在2030年放宽二氧化碳标准，并为替代燃料留出空间，而法国则推动灵活性措施，以奖励在欧洲的投资。德国的一份立场文件主张在《工业加速法案》中纳入自由贸易伙伴的商品，这与法国要求采取欧盟27国方式的立场形成对比。除汽车政策外，文章还指出，由于能源成本和中国供应过剩，欧洲钢铁产量正跌至历史低位。此外，西班牙前外交部长警告称，移民问题对试图与右翼民粹主义者竞争的欧洲政府来说是“政治坟墓”，并认为政府总是会面临更强大的对手。

欧洲汽车制造商正面临一个关键时期，他们需要应对需求疲软和来自中国的竞争。此次谈判可能会对该行业的未来产生重大影响，可能在保护企业车队绿色转型目标的同时，放宽2030年和2035年的排放目标。结果取决于在更广泛的汽车政策框架内，弥合德国行业优先事项与法国投资要求之间的分歧。

关键实体：公司：金融时报、欧盟委员会 | 人物：亨利·福伊、伊恩·约翰斯顿、巴尼·乔普森、阿兰查·冈萨雷斯、塞巴斯蒂安·马丁 | 地点：布鲁塞尔、爱丽舍宫、总理府、马德里、竞争力委员会

FAQ Q: 法德汽车法规谈判中的主要争议点是什么？

FAQ A: 主要争议点在于布鲁塞尔的“欧洲制造”提案，德国倾向于纳入自由贸易伙伴的商品，而法国则要求采取欧盟27国方式，并推动奖励在欧洲投资的灵活性措施。