Proposal for a workers' radiation safety directive requested by Commission regarding risk protection from ionising radiation exposure

In the world of automotive industry, Germany, a powerhouse in car manufacturing, is facing a challenging transition to electric mobility. The main reason for the sluggish and hesitant shift can be attributed to a lack of clear direction from politics.

Markus Söder, the Minister-President of the Christian Social Union (CSU) in Bavaria, is attempting to appease electric car drivers by advocating for a reduction in electricity tax. However, the tight budget for tax cuts is partially due to Söder's insistence on pushing through his election promise of the billion-euro mothers' pension, leaving no money for such reductions.

Söder's 10-point plan, if implemented, would likely have the opposite effect of saving the automotive industry. Five of the ten points aim to preserve the combustion engine, including stopping the combustion engine ban, suspending CO2 payments, reforming 'unrealistic' CO2 targets, no driving bans for combustion engine cars, and no forced switch to electric cars.

Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, a German automotive expert, has expressed concerns that discussing the combustion engine ban now unsettles car buyers, which is harmful to German manufacturers. This sentiment is shared by the FDP, which has not been clear in its commitment to the development of electric vehicles and has preferred to keep the combustion engine.

During the time of the traffic light coalition, the FDP reportedly hindered the development of electric vehicles, leading to Germany lagging behind in electric automotive technology development and weakening the international competitiveness of the German automobile industry. This has put thousands of jobs in the German automotive industry at risk.

Despite these challenges, German manufacturers are investing billions in the development of E-cars. However, they are playing catch-up to countries like China, which has purposefully pushed ahead with E-mobility and developed electric cars and battery technologies superior to German products.

Oliver Blume, the CEO of Volkswagen, the largest German car manufacturer, has declared that the future belongs to E-mobility. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, it remains to be seen whether Germany can overcome its political uncertainties and fully embrace the electric revolution.

Proposal for a workers' radiation safety directive requested by Commission regarding risk protection from ionising radiation exposure