This Week in Automotive — Brussels (#21, 2026)
Revisions to vehicle type-approval; UN Regulation No. 95 update; new standards for diagnostics access and cybersecurity; further alignment with UN vehicle rules.
May 31, 2026 to June 06, 2026
Revisions to vehicle type-approval; UN Regulation No. 95 update; new standards for diagnostics access and cybersecurity; further alignment with UN vehicle rules.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Transport): On June 08, the EU Council's Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Transport) configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
- Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Telecommunications): On June 09, the EU Council's Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Telecommunications) configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Major reforms to vehicle type-approval: environmental, emissions, automated driving, and safety requirements updated
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1188 of 23 March 2026 amends Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/858 as regards environmental performance, emission requirements, and advanced systems for vehicles produced in unlimited series, small series, and for special purpose vehicles. The act incorporates references to new regulations on driver control assistance systems (UN Regulation No 171), automated valet parking, Euro 7 emission rules (Regulation (EU) 2024/1257), and related implementing regulations (2025/1706, 2025/1707). It provides additional lead time for advanced driver distraction warnings for small series and special purpose vehicles and updates electric safety requirements in line with amendments to UN Regulation No 100. The delegated act entered into force twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal.
Standardisation and security for vehicle diagnostics and repair: major changes to Regulation (EU) 2018/858
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/699 was published on 3 June 2026, amending Regulation (EU) 2018/858 concerning access to on-board diagnostics (OBD) and maintenance information. The regulation sets detailed procedures and requirements for vehicle manufacturers to provide independent operators with secure, standardised, and non-discriminatory access to OBD data, aligning these rules with cybersecurity obligations under Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 and UN Regulation No 155. It clarifies permissible cybersecurity measures, updates required information, and ensures traceability and verification of OBD tool access. The changes enter into force on 23 December 2027, with some provisions applicable from 23 June 2028.
Update to UN Regulation No. 95 on occupant protection in lateral collisions
On 5 June 2026, the Official Journal published the updated text of UN Regulation No. 95, addressing the approval of vehicles regarding the protection of occupants in the event of a lateral collision (2026/1095; CELEX 32026X1095). The consolidated document includes all valid amendments up to Supplement 1 to the 06 series, including procedures for electric power trains and hydrogen safety, with specified transitional measures for national authorities. The regulation applies to M1 and N1 vehicles, with expanded test conditions for alternative propulsion systems.
EU Council
ECOFIN ministers to set position on carbon border adjustment mechanism
The Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) will meet on 12 June 2026 to agree its stance on strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism, a central tool for addressing carbon leakage. Ministers are also slated to hold a policy debate on the market integration and supervision package.
EP Committee Work
ITRE: Debate on vehicle CO2 standards and smart vehicle labelling
On 3 June 2026, the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) considered draft opinions on the proposal to amend Regulation (EU) 2019/631 regarding CO2 emission performance for new light duty vehicles and repeal Directive 1999/94/EC. Rapporteur: Matej Tonin (PPE). The committee also discussed simplification of requirements for industrial emissions and held an exchange with Commissioner Dan Jørgensen on energy policies.
TRAN: Road transport relations with Switzerland and review of CO2 vehicle standards
On 3 June 2026, the Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN) adopted a draft report on amending the Austria-Switzerland road transport agreement to authorise cabotage in border regions, with Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi (PPE) as rapporteur. The committee further discussed its opinion on the revision of Regulation (EU) 2019/631 (CO2 standards and vehicle labelling), with opinions led by Jens Gieseke (PPE).
What We're Reading This Week
- EU vs China: Can Europe break its supply chain dependence?: Europe accelerates efforts to diversify supply chains amid growing concerns over reliance on Chinese imports and materials.
- EU frets as China builds an industrial base in Morocco: China's expanding industrial investments in Morocco raise EU concerns over shifting economic influence and competition in North Africa.
