The European Transport and Environment Federation says the window for Europe's automotive industry transition is narrowing.

On the 25th, the European Transport and Environment Federation released a report stating that against the backdrop of intensifying global competition in clean technology and rising energy security pressures, the window for transformation in the European automotive industry is rapidly closing. The report, titled “European Transport Situation 2026,” indicates that Europe is still lagging behind China by about three years in electric vehicle sales, which partly reflects a phase of stagnation in Europe’s policy pace and industrial development. In recent years, China has accelerated the advancement of electrification and clean technology, with Chinese companies forming a relatively complete industrial chain advantage. In contrast, the transformation of the European automotive industry has slowed at times due to policy uncertainties. The report believes that Europe still possesses a certain industrial foundation, with about 70% of electric vehicles sold in the EU last year being manufactured within the EU. At the same time, the European battery industry is in an expansion phase, with companies from Europe, China, and South Korea increasing their investments in Europe. The report also shows that Europe still relies on imported oil, with European oil import expenditures exceeding 220 billion euros in 2025. With oil prices maintaining around 100 dollars per barrel, related expenditures are expected to exceed 300 billion euros in 2026. (Xinhua News Agency)