Read the story. There's plenty of references ;)

The letter and today's coalition meeting sets the stage for tomorrow's auto summit in Berlin, hosted by Merz. Stay tuned. /end

The official emphasized that the status quo remains: “There is no real news here. We expect the German government’s position following Thursday’s auto summit to confirm a call for flexibility and technological neutrality." /8

The CDU-SPD rift over the letter has caused quite the curfuffle. A Commission official called me, saying they have been asked for comment from media all over Europe. /7

That puts the SPD in line with France, which was originally slated to sign the letter, as I scooped months ago. Paris wants any flexibilities in the ban to come with content requirements. /6

My colleagues in Berlin report that the SPD wants any flexibility in the 2035 legislation to include location and employment guarantees for manufacturers, calling it a matter of "location patriotism." /5

Which brings us to today's meeting. The biggest question mark comes from CSU leader Markus Söder and his willingness to compromise. “The ban on combustion engines must go. It is important both technologically and economically,” the Bavarian minister president said on Tuesday. /4

We got our hands on the full letter, which can be seen here (for pro subscribers): pro.politico.eu/news/206037

The TL;DR is Berlin and Rome stopped just short of calling for an overturning of the ban, instead calling for a radical overhaul. /3

Merz blindsided the SPD earlier this week when his economic minister co-signed a letter to the Commission calling for a significant watering down of the ban. Read my scoop on that here: politico.eu/article/germ...
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Exactly. European consumers have no interest in buying pickup trucks