Czech Prime Minister fight back against EU's ICE ban proposal

The European Union's planned ban on internal combustion engine vehicles has been met with resistance in the Czech Republic, with the country's Prime Minister saying it isn't feasible for the nation's economy.

According to Automotive News, Andrej Babis has been critical of the proposed ban, which will see new ICE vehicles banned from sale from 2035 as part of the EU's wider goal to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

"We will not agree with the ban on selling fossil-fuel-powered cars. It's not possible. We can't dictate here what green fanatics devised in the European Parliament," the Czech PM said.

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The automotive manufacturing industry is a major part of the Czech economy, accounting for roughly 24 per cent of the country's exports, with local brand Skoda, as well as Toyota and Hyundai's plants, producing around 1.4 million vehicles a year.

As a part of the EU's rotating presidency, the Czech Republic and Babis will assume the role late next year, with the ICE ban being listed as a priority topic to be tackled.

While Babis isn't against supporting infrastructure for EVs, he has ruled out introducing subsidies and incentives – despite Skoda, Toyota and Hyundai all moving towards electric futures.