Busch calls EU climate rollback idiotic as Volvo plans 2,500 job cuts

Outgoing Swedish business minister Ebba Busch has called moves to weaken EU climate rules “idiotic,” warning they could harm Swedish companies, SVT reported.

Her comments followed Volvo Cars’ announcement of a savings plan affecting 2,500 positions, including 2,000 in Sweden. Busch said the plan would leave many employees uncertain until its full impact is clear.

Volvo Cars has cited competition from China and the United States as reasons for the cuts. Busch said the announcement showed how tough conditions are for businesses in Sweden and the EU.

Germany and Italy are among the countries arguing that easing EU climate laws would benefit their car industries. Busch said reversing course would be damaging for Sweden, where companies have made major investments to meet EU requirements.

One proposal under discussion would soften the planned 2035 ban on sales of new petrol and diesel passenger cars. Volvo Cars has previously argued that the ban should remain in place for competitive reasons.