Saarland is fighting EU penalties: rescue for the auto industry?

Saarland is fighting EU penalties: rescue for the auto industry?

The German automotive industry is on the abyss! The Saarland intervenes to avert impending billions in the European Union, which could plunge the industry and its suppliers into an even deeper crisis. In the middle of massive savings and factory closures at giants such as Volkswagen (VW) and Audi, the situation is tense. The Saarland state government, under the leadership of Economic Minister Jürgen Barke (SPD), demands that the billions do not flow into fines, but in urgently needed investments in new models and securing jobs.

The situation is alarming: VW plans drastic measures, including the closure of works in Osnabrück and Baunatal as well as massive job cuts. Audi will close his Belgian work in February, and BMW is also forced to shorten salaries in Munich and beyond. The automotive industry is not only a central employer in Saarland, but also a decisive factor for the regional economy. Around 44,000 people are employed directly or indirectly in vehicle construction, and the industry generates around 17 billion euros in sales.

EU penalty payments in sight

On Friday, November 22nd, the Saarland wants to submit a motion for a resolution in the Federal Council in order to put the EU under pressure to suspend the planned penalty payments for non-compliance with CO2 limit values ​​from 2025. The automotive manufacturers would hit these fines hard in an already difficult economic situation and also affect the numerous suppliers. The Saarland SPD appeals to the federal government to work at the European level to suspend these fines in order to secure the future of the industry.