The European Union has dropped plans to ban the sale of new combustion engine vehicles by 2035, following sustained pressure from automakers and industry groups, officials said.br br The proposed phaseout had been a cornerstone of the EU’s climate strategy, aimed at accelerating the transition to electric vehicles and cutting carbon emissions. However, car manufacturers and some member states warned the move could harm competitiveness, threaten jobs and strain supply chains, particularly as global demand for electric vehicles slows.br br Industry leaders argued that the technology transition needed more flexibility, including continued use of combustion engines alongside alternative fuels and hybrid solutions. The revised position reflects growing debate within the bloc over how to balance climate goals with economic realities.