France and Germany agree to soften the EU's 2035 petrol car ban in return for 'Made in Europe' rules

Under the agreement, 70% of car parts — batteries excluded — would need to be manufactured in Europe. CO2 emissions across carmakers' fleets must still fall by 90% by 2035, with no possibility of offsetting the remainder. The deal was reached on the margins of an EU leaders' summit in Brussels and still requires sign-off from other member states and the European Parliament.

Chinese electric cars and hybrids took 10.7% of Europe's market, up from 5.7%.

Germany wanted Norway and the UK counted as 'Made in Europe'. France wanted only EU states included.

The Élysée said factories must not 'become mere assembly plants'.