On May 13, 2024, the regulatory process that sets CO2 emissions for commercial vehicles within the European Union from 2025 concluded with the EU Council's approval of the text passed by the European Parliament. The measure was adopted with a broad majority, with only Italy, Poland, and Slovakia voting against, and the Czech Republic abstaining. The initial target, to be achieved by 2025, remains an unchanged 15% reduction for vehicles weighing over 16 tons.
The regulation endorsed by the EU Council establishes three further milestones for vehicles over 7.5 tons: a 45% emission reduction from 2030 (up from the previously set 30%), a 65% reduction from 2035, and a 90% reduction from 2040. Following this vote, the regulation must be published in the Official Journal of the European Union before it takes effect.
However, the text specifies that the effectiveness and impact of the amended regulation will be reviewed by the European Commission in 2027. The Commission will also consider developing a common methodology for assessing and communicating the full life cycle of CO₂ emissions from new heavy-duty vehicles.
