According to media reports, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU's goal of banning the sales of carbon-emitting cars by 2035 in her recent statements after being re-elected.
However, von der Leyen added that the EU will make targeted adjustments to its automotive policy to allow the use of synthetic fuels.
On July 18, the European Parliament approved von der Leyen's re-nomination as President of the European Commission in a secret ballot, with 401 votes in favor, surpassing the required threshold of 360 votes. Consequently, von der Leyen successfully secured a second five-year term as the President of the European Commission.
According to informed sources, she garnered support from Green Party members who had opposed her first term, while 24 members of the right-wing party led by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni voted against her.
In the next five years, the EU will strive to achieve its ambitious climate goals, despite potential challenges such as escalating trade conflicts with China and the possible return of Donald Trump to the White House.
Before the vote, von der Leyen pledged to maintain the EU's climate targets, enhance its competitiveness, and strengthen its defense industry. She announced plans to introduce a "Clean Industry Agreement" within the first 100 days of her new term to boost European manufacturing and committed the next Commission to a 90% emissions reduction target by 2040.
At 65, von der Leyen, a former German Defense Minister, faced challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the energy crisis during her first term. In her second term, she will confront new challenges.
