Today the Council agreed on a negotiation mandate for targeted amendments to the Eurovignette directive, setting the rules for road tolls and user charges for heavy duty vehicles (HDVs) in the EU. The proposed changes focus on improving the legal clarity of the current directive, simplifying its implementation and ensuring the consistent application of CO₂-based charging rules.
Alexis Vafeades, Minister of transport, communications and works of the Republic of Cyprus: “Considering the forthcoming application of CO₂-based charging rules to the vehicle sub-groups, the Council has adopted a position for rapid action and clarity for both operators and administrations. The set trajectory towards a clear reduction of CO2 emissions in non-electric vehicle classes is confirmed.”
The mandate clarifies some key provisions of the current directive. These clarifications are important as new CO2-emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles will impact the directive from 1 July 2026, and their smooth interaction is needed to advance in the calculation of road charges according to CO2 emissions.
Main elements in the Council position
The Council negotiating mandate most importantly:
• Clarifies definitions related to CO2-emissions, including zero-emission vehicles, low-emission heavy-duty vehicles, vehicle groups, emission reduction trajectory and reference CO₂ emissions, while preserving their original policy objective.
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