Rome, September 6 (FinanceFlashNews) – Italian Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has called for the reversal of the planned ban on petrol and diesel engines in the European Union (EU), set to take effect in 2035. Salvini and his party, the League, argue that the ban is already causing significant harm to the European economy and particularly to Italy’s automotive industry, which remains heavily reliant on combustion engine technology.
The League plans to introduce a document in the Italian Parliament urging the government to take action in Brussels to overturn the ban. Similar initiatives are expected from the League’s members in the European Parliament. Salvini emphasized that this issue is also gaining traction in Germany, and believes now is the time to reconsider the EU’s decision.
Italy’s automotive sector, employing over 270,000 people and contributing more than 5% to the country’s GDP, faces challenges due to the shift away from combustion engines. In 2023, sales of fully electric vehicles in Italy fell by 27%, making up just 3.7% of new registrations.
Overview of the Italian Automotive Industry:
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Employees | 270,000 |
| Contribution to GDP | 5% |
| Drop in Electric Vehicle Sales | 27% |
| Share of Electric Vehicles in Registrations | 3.7% |
Keywords: Matteo Salvini, combustion engines, Italy, automotive industry, European Union, engine ban
