The revision is not intended to overhaul road charging across the bloc. Instead, it aims to make the application of the rules more consistent across the European Union. The co-legislators also agreed that there will be no discount scheme for trucks using energy-efficient trailers and semi-trailers for now, although the European Commission will be required to revisit that option.
Changes aligned with the new CO2 standards
The Eurovignette Directive amendments are tied directly to the new CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles that take effect on 1 July 2026. Because those standards change how trucks are grouped for tolling purposes, the existing legal text required clarification.
Under the Parliament–Council compromise, the rules would, among other things, tighten definitions for zero-emission and low-emission vehicles, vehicle groupings, emission-reduction pathways, and reference CO2 emission levels. The aim is to help carriers, tolling operators and national authorities apply a consistent approach across the European Union.
Up to 75% off for low-emission trucks
A central element of the deal is clearer guidance on preferential rates for low-emission trucks.
Under the agreed text, member states would be able to grant low-emission vehicles discounts of up to 75% of the infrastructure charge, provided they also fully exempt zero-emission vehicles from that part of the toll.
This option could remain in place until 30 June 2031. After that, when the maximum relief for zero-emission vehicles is reduced to 75%, the top discount for low-emission vehicles would fall to 50%.
Importantly, the directive would only allow such reductions; it would not require member states to introduce them.
Range extenders included, with limits
Negotiators also indicated that the discount option would cover certain electric trucks fitted with a range extender — a system that increases a vehicle’s driving range.
At the same time, they agreed that preferential rates would not apply to zero-emission vehicles retrofitted with a fossil-fuel-powered range extender used to charge the batteries.
No incentives linked to energy-efficient trailers
In the end, the co-legislators dropped the idea of linking toll levels to the use of energy-efficient trailers and semi-trailers.
The European Parliament had supported such incentives, arguing they could help reduce emissions in road transport. The Council of the European Union did not agree.
According to the justification attached to the compromise, differentiating charges based on trailer type would add administrative burden, complicate toll collection systems, and make it harder to roll out and enforce electronic road charging services.
That said, the issue is not fully closed. The European Commission is expected to reassess whether such measures could be introduced by 30 June 2029.
Formal approval still required
The agreement is provisional. Before the revised directive can be adopted, the text must still be formally approved by the European Parliament and the Council after legal and linguistic checks are completed.
The revision is intended to give carriers, tolling operators and national administrations more legal certainty, and to support implementation of the new CO2-based road charging rules that start applying from 1 July 2026.
