France drops opposition to UK joining EU car policy

Summary

France has dropped its opposition to the UK being included in the EU’s Made in Europe legislation, provided the British government aligns with the bloc’s position on tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. France and Germany are nearing a deal on the bloc’s subsidy programme and combustion-engine phaseout, with the legislation still in draft.

Timeline

1. Financial Times

   15 Oct 2026, 14:10 UTCSource ↗

   The Financial Times reports that France and Germany are nearing a deal on the Made in Europe subsidy programme and combustion-engine phaseout, and that the UK could join the EU car policy if it aligns on China tariffs.

2. The Guardian

   15 Oct 2026, 19:28 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that France dropped its opposition to UK inclusion in the EU’s Made in Europe legislation if the British government aligns with the bloc on tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.