Updated rules for safer roads, less air pollution and digital vehicle documents
The European Commission is proposing an overhaul of the EUs road safety and vehicle registration rules. This includes directives on vehicle check-ups, registration, and roadside checks for commercial vehicles.
Current rules are outdated amid rapid technological advancements, pollution concerns, and road safety challenges. The new rules focus on road safety and air quality, factoring in electric vehicles and emerging technologies like advanced driver-assistance systems.
They will introduce periodic inspections for electric vehicles, new tests for electronic safety systems, and emission testing methods to identify high-emitting vehicles. Annual inspections for older cars and vans, which emit more pollution, are also proposed.
Citizens will be protected against odometer fraud, and inspections will be easier for temporary EU residents.
Digital vehicle registration certificates will become standard, simplifying cross-border data sharing and recognition of certificates.
These measures could prevent 65,000 serious injuries and save 7,000 lives over 25 years. The proposals will be reviewed by the European Parliament and Council.
More details are available in a press release and questions and answers.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 298 25 04)
Commission takes further step to protect biodiversity in the High Seas
The Commission proposes integrating the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement into EU law to protect oceans and curb biodiversity loss.
Signed by President von der Leyen in 2023, the Treaty of the High Seas aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework goals, including protecting 30% of oceans by 2030.
While EU law aligns with the BBNJ, the new directive aids complete implementation by Member States.
More details on the integration proposal are in our press release.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: + 32 2 296 64 83; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73)
Commission approves €612 million Portuguese State aid scheme to support energy-intensive companies
The European Commission approved a €612 million Portuguese scheme to lower electricity levies for energy-intensive companies, preventing relocation outside the EU.
Beneficiaries receive levy reductions of 75%-85%, ensuring levies stay above €0.5/MWh. They must implement energy audits, use renewable energy, or invest in emission-reducing projects.
Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera emphasizes the schemes role in decarbonization and competitiveness.
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier +32 2 299 10 99; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74)
Commission clears acquisition of BGPL by Actis and EDF
The European Commission approved the acquisition of joint control of Bharat Grid Private Limited by Actis GP LLP and EDF under the EU Merger Regulation.
The transaction, related to energy services in India, poses no competition concerns in the European Economic Area.
More information is available on the Commissions competition website under case number M.11962.
(For more information : Thomas Regnier +32 2 299 10 99; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
Commission clears acquisition of Verallia by BWGI
The European Commission approved the acquisition of Verallia by BWGI under the EU Merger Regulation.
The transaction, concerning glass packaging production, poses no competition concerns.
More information is available on the Commissions competition website under case number M.11960.
(For more information : Thomas Regnier +32 2 299 10 99; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Le commissaire Serafin se rend en Roumanie et en Espagne pour son Tour dEurope
Dans le cadre du Tour dEurope, le commissaire Serafin se rendra en Roumanie et en Espagne pour consulter sur le budget européen à long terme et voir comment les fonds de lUE améliorent la vie dans ces pays.
En Roumanie, il rencontrera les dirigeants nationaux et visitera des projets financés par lUE.
En Espagne, il rencontrera des officiels et visitera des projets soutenus par lUE, comme à luniversité de Castille-La Manche.
Plus dinformations sur le Tour dEurope sont disponibles sur un site web dédié.
(Pour plus dinformations : Balazs Ujvari – Tél. : +32 2 295 45 78 ; Isabel Otero Barderas – Tél. : +32 2 296 69 25)
Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings
Note that these items can be subject to changes.
Upcoming events of the European Commission
Eurostat press releases