This Week in Automotive — Brussels (#16, 2026)
ETS2 market stability reserve revision; new EU GHG emissions accounting rules for transport; Commission updates road transport reporting; Council informal on transport.
April 26, 2026 to May 02, 2026
ETS2 market stability reserve revision; new EU GHG emissions accounting rules for transport; Commission updates road transport reporting; Council informal on transport.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🏛️ European Parliament
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On May 05, the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Directive 1999/62/EC, Council Directive 1999/37/EC and Directive (EU) 2019/520 as regards the CO2 emission class of heavy-duty vehicles with trailers; Amending Directive 2014/45/EU on periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers and Directive 2014/47/EU on the technical roadside inspection of the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles circulating in the Union.
- Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO): On May 06, the European Parliament's Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; ------; 12a. Safety and cyber security risks potentially posed by advanced AI systems, such as Anthropic's Mythos, and the application of the EU AI Act and European digital rules• Exchange of views.
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On May 06, the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Framework of measures to facilitate the transport of military equipment, goods and personnel across the Union.
- Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO): On May 07, the European Parliament's Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; ------; 12a. Safety and cyber security risks potentially posed by advanced AI systems, such as Anthropic's Mythos, and the application of the EU AI Act and European digital rules• Exchange of views.
European Commission
Commission updates reporting requirements for road transport social legislation
On 29 April 2026, the European Commission adopted Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/907, updating the standard reporting form for Member States under Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 on driving time, breaks, and rest periods for road transport. The new Decision repeals Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/1013 and aligns reporting procedures with recent legislative changes, including obligations for driver accommodation, return to employer’s base, and checks on working time rules. The reporting form now requires Member States to provide data on tachograph cards, roadside and company checks, and risk-based assessment results. The Commission intends to develop a digital tool to facilitate submission and consistency in reporting. This Decision applies from the 2027-2028 reporting period and aims to enhance oversight of working conditions in the EU road transport sector.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission sets 2026–2030 annual emission allocations for Member States under Effort Sharing Regulation
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/895 of 24 April 2026 amends Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/2126 by updating the annual emission allocations (AEAs) for Member States for 2026–2030, based on Regulation (EU) 2018/842 and the latest greenhouse gas inventory data. The AEAs reflect the linear emission reduction trajectories required for non-ETS sectors, including road transport. Adjustments account for installations excluded from the EU ETS in accordance with Directive 2003/87/EC. The new allocations support targets set in the Paris Agreement and EU climate law.
European Parliament
Parliament adopts position on greenhouse gas emissions accounting for transport services
On 28 April 2026, the European Parliament adopted, at second reading, the regulation on greenhouse gas emissions accounting of transport services (2023/0266(COD)). The act, with rapporteurs Pierfrancesco Maran and Norbert Lins, sets a harmonised EU methodology for calculating transport-related GHG emissions. The rules will facilitate comparisons across modes and support business and consumer transparency.
Parliament backs changes to the market stability reserve for buildings and road transport (ETS2)
On 29 April 2026, Parliament voted on the proposal to amend Decision (EU) 2015/1814 regarding the market stability reserve for the new emissions trading system for buildings, road transport, and additional sectors (ETS2) (2025/0380(COD)). Rapporteur Danuše Nerudová's report proposes faster intervention during price spikes and staged cancellation of unused allowances. The proposal aims to ensure the MSR supports ETS2’s decarbonisation targets while mitigating social impacts.
EU Council
Informal meeting of transport ministers discusses priorities
Transport ministers convened informally on 28 April 2026 within the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council configuration to exchange views on road and multimodal transport policy.
EP Committee Work
ENVI and TRAN Committees: press release on new transport emissions accounting rules
On 28 April 2026, the Committees on Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) and Transport and Tourism (TRAN) released a joint statement on the adoption of the new regulation for greenhouse gas emissions accounting of transport services. Committee rapporteurs Norbert Lins and Pierfrancesco Maran detailed that the rules standardise calculation methodologies across the EU, require the prioritisation of primary data, and foresee a free calculation tool to support SMEs. The framework does not mandate emissions reporting but ensures comparability and aims to reduce greenwashing risks.
What We're Reading This Week
- Applications open for 2026 Excellence in Road Safety Awards: Organizations can now submit their initiatives for recognition in the 2026 Excellence in Road Safety Awards program.
- EU road fatalities decrease by 2.2% in 2024: Fewer people died on EU roads in 2024, marking continued progress toward the region’s traffic safety goals.
- Auto China 2026: How China's auto giants are rewriting Europe's car market: China's leading automakers are rapidly expanding in Europe, challenging established brands and reshaping the region's automotive landscape.
- Finland launches Europe's first full lithium mine-to-refinery product: Finland advances Europe's battery supply chain by opening a facility that processes lithium from extraction to refined product.
