Transport

EU

Road tolls

The European Commission amended its proposal to update Directive 1999/62/EC on the charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures (the “Eurovignette Directive”). The proposal is intended to take account of legal developments regulating the emissions performance of heavy-duty vehicles with trailers. The further amendments are aimed at clarifying and simplifying certain provisions. Previously, Directive (EU) 2022/362 had amended Directive 1999/62/EC by enabling road charging on the basis of the emissions of vehicles.

Measuring Instruments

Directive 2014/32/EU on the harmonisation of the laws relating to making available on the market measuring instruments is being modernised to cover devices such as electric vehicle charging equipment, compressed gas dispensers and meters for electricity, gas and thermal energy. The updates also aim to address the growing role of digitalisation in smart metering and facilitate the use of emerging gases like hydrogen. The Council has agreed its position on the proposed amendments. Once the Parliament has adopted its position, a final text will be negotiated.

New transport package

The European Commission adopted a transport package to accelerate the roll-out of the high-speed rail network and boost investment in renewable and low-carbon fuels for the aviation and waterborne sectors. A High-Speed Rail Action Plan sets out the steps to create a faster, more interoperable and better-connected European network by 2040. A Sustainable Transport Investment Plan sets out a common approach to boost investment in renewable and low-carbon fuels in aviation and waterborne transport.

ReFuel Aviation

According to the first annual report of the EU Aviation Safety Agency on implementation of the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, the Regulation has already stimulated increased SAF production capacity, and the EU is on track to meet the overall mandatory SAF blending target of 6% in 2030.

Emissions in transport

A proposed CountEmissionsEU Regulation is intended to create a common EU framework for calculating emissions from freight and passenger transport. Political agreement on the proposal has been reached. The European Parliament and Council are expected to formally adopt the regulation, which will enter into force 20 days after publication in the OJEU.