During the 2019-2024 legislative mandate, the EU embarked on the ambitious road of transforming the mobility sector through the “Fit for 55” package, a key pillar of the Green Deal to achieve the goal of 55 % emissions reduction target by 2030. This meant a focus on the reduction of emissions of key sectors such as transport, through new technologies and the deployment of alternative infrastructure.
In view of the upcoming legislative term, the decarbonisation of the transport sector will remain key topic within the political discourse. In particular, the next EU mandate will likely focus on the further implementation of the sustainability initiatives, enabling the deployment of renewable, zero and low-carbon solutions. Looking beyond the 2030 agenda, the greening of the transport sector will be also at the centre of the debate to reach the 90% CO2 emissions reduction target by 2040 recommended by the Commission. To be socially acceptable and politically viable, this will require strong new EU actions in the coming years.
While the phase out of the internal combustion engine has been sealed, discussions around a review of the ban are likely to come back on the EU’s political agenda after the elections. In the weeks leading up to the adoption of the European People’s Party (EPP) political manifesto, the ban was included among the priorities of the biggest party in the European Parliament. However, the final text calls for a technological neutrality approach instead, leaving the door open for different solutions to decarbonize transport.
In addition, while the electoral priorities of other key parties such as the European Conservatives and Reformist (ECR) and the Identity & Democracy (ID) are yet to be announced, we expect an increased focus on EU’s industrial competitiveness and deepening the single market, with a sustainability policy that goes hand in hand with the economy.
Looking ahead to the next legislative mandate, the transport policy landscape will be underpinned by key ongoing and new initiatives, outlined below. While the focus will be on implementation, further initiatives are likely to be adopted by the new Commission.
Key Transport files
- The Greening Corporate Fleets initiative aims to strengthen the enforcement of current legislation regarding road transport emissions, and potential measures to hasten the adoption of zero-emission vehicles. The adoption of a proposal is expected for the second quarter of 2025. In addition, there is a current debate on electrification, which is expected to continue. E-mobility groups are calling for corporate fleets to electrify their vehicles and create a secondary market for cheaper EVs, as affordability continues to be a barrier to widespread adoption.
- A series of implementing measures are expected to be adopted in the next term. In particularly the delegated act on E-fuels regarding the CO2 emission performance standards for cars and vans regulation, as well as the delegated acts from CO₂ emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles regulation.
- The revision of the Combined Transport Directive aims to boost the competitiveness of intermodal freight transport. Considering the current timeline in the Parliament and the Council, trilogue negotiations will not be initiated on this proposal before the elections.
- The trilogues on the Weights and Dimensions Directive will take place after the European Elections.
- The revision of the EU’s roadworthiness package proposal, which was initially expected in March 2024, will be now published after the elections.
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