Six EU member states—Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Poland, and Slovakia—have called on the European Commission to relax the planned 2035 ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

In a joint letter, they proposed allowing hybrid cars and other existing or future technologies that could still contribute to emission reductions.

The letter also requested that low-carbon and renewable fuels be included as part of Europe’s strategy to cut transport emissions.

The appeal comes ahead of the Commission’s upcoming automotive package, initially expected on 10 December, which could ease the ICE ban to help European carmakers.

The countries emphasised that climate objectives should be achieved without undermining industrial competitiveness, warning that strict enforcement could risk creating “industrial deserts” across Europe.