The changes are primarily intended to increase regulatory transparency, facilitate implementation in Member States, and ensure consistent application of the rules for calculating emissions-related road charges.
The new regulations are particularly important in the context of upcoming changes to climate rules for road transport. From 1 July 2026, new CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles will apply, which will directly affect how road charges are calculated in many EU countries.
Clarifying the rules for calculating charges
The position agreed by the Council focuses primarily on clarifying key definitions and rules that matter when calculating charges for trucks.
The changes include, among others:
- clarifying definitions related to CO2 emissions, including terms such as zero-emission vehicles, low-emission vehicles, vehicle groups, or emission-reduction trajectories,
- indicating the point from which differentiation of road charges by CO2 emissions for individual vehicle sub-groups will begin to apply,
- establishing uniform schedules for implementing the new rules, after the publication of reference emission levels for individual vehicle categories.
“In view of the approaching introduction of CO2-emissions-based charges for individual vehicle categories, the Council adopted a position that requires swift action and clarity for both operators and administrations. The set pathway leading to a clear reduction in CO2 emissions in vehicles other than electric vehicles has been confirmed,” stressed Alexis Vafeades, Minister of Transport, Communications and Works of the Republic of Cyprus, as quoted in the EU Council’s statement.
Vehicle retrofits and emission classes
The Council’s position also raised the issue of retrofitting heavy-duty vehicles. This concerns situations in which the vehicle’s technical parameters improve, for example thanks to software updates or technical modifications.
Such actions can bring real climate benefits. The problem, however, is that current rules do not allow a vehicle’s emission class to be changed after it has been retrofitted, even if its actual parameters have improved.
To solve this problem without delaying legislative work, the Council asked the European Commission to carry out, within two years, an assessment of possible solutions concerning the retrofitting of electric vehicles.
No discounts for greener semi-trailers
The Council, however, decided not to maintain the proposal to reduce road charges for trucks equipped with more environmentally friendly semi-trailers.
As indicated, this solution could lead to several problems, including:
- increased administrative burdens,
- greater complexity of the toll collection system,
- difficulties in the operation of electronic toll collection systems,
- potential conflicts with existing concession agreements.
In addition, there is a risk that discounts could also apply to vehicle combinations with semi-trailers meeting higher standards, but coupled with high-CO₂-emitting trucks.
Now it’s the European Parliament’s move
After adopting the negotiating mandate, the Council of the European Union is ready to start negotiations with the European Parliament.
Interinstitutional talks will begin once Parliament adopts its own position on the proposed amendments to the truck toll Directive.
