The case concerns Directive (EU) 2022/362, which updates the so-called “Eurovignette” framework on road charging. Member States were required to transpose the directive into national law by 25 March 2024, but Italy has so far failed to do so.
According to the Commission, Italy has notified only two partial transposition measures and has not yet completed the process, despite receiving both a letter of formal notice in May 2024 and a reasoned opinion in December 2024. These are the first two formal steps in an infringement procedure — the process the EU uses when a country is suspected of breaching EU law.
Having concluded that Italy’s efforts remain insufficient, the Commission has now decided to take the matter to the EU Court and is asking judges to impose financial penalties.
What the directive does
The amended directive on road charging aims to make toll systems across the EU fairer and greener. It extends the scope of existing EU rules — previously limited mainly to heavy goods vehicles — to include cars, vans, buses and small lorries, with exemptions to be phased out by 2027.
Key changes include:
- Phasing out time-based vignettes for heavy vehicles in favour of distance-based tolls.
- Introducing CO₂-based tariffs, linking charges more directly to vehicle emissions.
- Requiring recovery of air-pollution costs from 2026 onwards.
- Allowing zero-emission trucks to benefit from exemptions or sharply reduced rates.
- Enabling congestion charges, marking a shift towards the EU’s “user pays” and “polluter pays” principles.
These rules are designed to reduce emissions, improve fairness between road users, and encourage investment in cleaner transport.
What happens next
The Court of Justice will now assess the Commission’s complaint. If it finds Italy in breach of EU law, the government will be required to take corrective action and may have to pay lump-sum and/or daily fines until full compliance is achieved.
The size of the penalties will depend on the seriousness of the infringement, how long the rules have gone unimplemented, and Italy’s economic capacity, ensuring the fines act as a deterrent.
While most infringement cases are resolved before reaching the court, the Commission’s decision signals growing pressure on Italy to bring its national legislation in line with EU transport and environmental policy.
