IRU welcomes the provisional agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council on targeted amendments to the Eurovignette Directive as an important step towards greater legal clarity on CO₂-based road charging for heavy-duty vehicles across the EU.
The targeted amendments strengthen legal certainty, simplify implementation and clarify key elements of the CO₂-based vehicle classification system, supporting more consistent application of road charging rules across the EU, ahead of the new CO₂ emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles applying from 1 July 2026.
IRU particularly notes the recognition by co-legislators that the uptake of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles is progressing more slowly than initially expected. This reflects the operational realities facing transport operators, including limited recharging and refuelling infrastructure, grid capacity constraints and the high upfront cost of zero-emission vehicles.
IRU EU Advocacy Director Raluca Marian said, “The provisional agreement sends a positive signal for the commercial road transport sector.
“As operators face high investment costs and continued infrastructure constraints, reducing the cost gap for low- and zero-emission vehicles remains essential. A coherent approach across the EU will be key to preserving a level playing field and supporting the sector’s transition.”
The agreement also recognises the role efficient trailers can play in reducing CO₂ emissions. However, further discussion on how the contribution of modern trailers and semi-trailers can be reflected in road charging systems has been postponed pending a European Commission assessment, expected by 30 June 2029.
While this is a positive step towards better reflecting real vehicle combinations and their decarbonisation potential, IRU regrets the delay, as practical decarbonisation solutions are needed now. Any future methodology should remain practical and avoid unnecessary administrative burden for operators.
The agreement also supports greater administrative facilitation through improved exchange of vehicle classification data and progress towards mutual recognition of CO₂ emission classes across the EU. This can help simplify cross-border operations by promoting a more harmonised approach to vehicle classification and enforcement, an important objective long supported by IRU.
Following formal adoption, IRU hopes to see Member States make full use of the new framework, including the application of toll reductions for low-emission heavy-duty vehicles, to support the transition towards low- and zero-emission commercial road transport.