This Week in Automotive — Brussels (#23, 2026)
UN RDE amendments published; Commission approves €1bn Slovak cleantech scheme; EP adopts automotive circularity regulation; CO2 standards Council scheduled; Auctioning rules for ETS adjusted.
June 14, 2026 to June 20, 2026
UN RDE amendments published; Commission approves €1bn Slovak cleantech scheme; EP adopts automotive circularity regulation; CO2 standards Council scheduled; Auctioning rules for ETS adjusted.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On June 23, the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings.
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On June 23, the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Council Directive 96/53/EC laying down for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community the maximum authorised dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorised weights in international traffic; Chair’s announcements.
- Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO): On June 24, the European Parliament's Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Acceleration of permit-granting for defence readiness projects; Amending Directives 2009/43/EC and 2009/81/EC, as regards the simplification of intra-EU transfers of defence-related products and the simplification of security and defence procurement; Chair’s announcements.
- Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO): On June 24, the European Parliament's Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Amending Directives 2000/14/EC, 2011/65/EU, 2013/53/EU, 2014/29/EU, 2014/30/EU, 2014/31/EU, 2014/32/EU, 2014/33/EU, 2014/34/EU, 2014/35/EU, 2014/53/EU, 2014/68/EU and 2014/90/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards digitalisation and common specifications; Amending Directives 2009/43/EC and 2009/81/EC, as regards the simplification of intra-EU transfers of defence-related products and the simplification of security and defence procurement; Amending Regulations (EC) No 1272/2008, (EC) No 1223/2009 and (EU) 2019/1009 as regards simplification of certain requirements and procedures for chemical products.
- Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO): On June 25, the European Parliament's Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Amending Directives 2000/14/EC, 2011/65/EU, 2013/53/EU, 2014/29/EU, 2014/30/EU, 2014/31/EU, 2014/32/EU, 2014/33/EU, 2014/34/EU, 2014/35/EU, 2014/53/EU, 2014/68/EU and 2014/90/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards digitalisation and common specifications; Amending Directives 2009/43/EC and 2009/81/EC, as regards the simplification of intra-EU transfers of defence-related products and the simplification of security and defence procurement; Amending Regulations (EC) No 1272/2008, (EC) No 1223/2009 and (EU) 2019/1009 as regards simplification of certain requirements and procedures for chemical products.
- Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy): On June 26, the EU Council's Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
European Commission
Commission approves €1 billion Slovak State aid scheme to support cleantech manufacturing capacity
On 16 June 2026, the European Commission approved Slovakia’s €1 billion State aid scheme to support clean technology manufacturing. The scheme, notified under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted on 25 June 2025, aims to boost manufacturing capacity for cleantech products such as batteries, solar panels, and carbon capture components. The support will be provided via grants and income tax relief, available to both SMEs and large enterprises until 31 December 2030. The Commission assessed the scheme as compliant with Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and CISAF conditions, concluding that it is appropriate to accelerate the net-zero transition and support strategic industries. The Commission's approval will be registered under case SA.122800 following confidentiality checks.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Amendments to UN Regulation No 168 – Approval of light-duty vehicles with regards to real driving emissions
The Official Journal L published Amendments to UN Regulation No 168 (CELEX: 32026R1900) on 15 June 2026, revising approval conditions for light-duty vehicles concerning real driving emissions (RDE). The updated provisions set out harmonised testing methods, three stringency levels (1A, 1B, 2) based on WLTC cycles, and expanded transparency requirements. The amendments clarify approval numbers, conformity testing, and reporting obligations, especially for vehicle manufacturers and third-party testers. Supplement 1 enters into force 26 September 2025, while the 01 series of amendments is scheduled for September 2026.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/787 amending rules for auctioning of greenhouse gas emissions allowances
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/787, published on 15 June 2026 (CELEX: 32026R0787), amends the timing and administration of ETS auctions concerning allowances for fuels used in buildings, road transport and related sectors. Key changes clarify auction scheduling, eligibility, and volumes—introducing phased auctioning from 2027, and aligning national legislation requirements on allowance surrender and penalties. Additional updates affect bidder eligibility, appointment of auctioneers, and procedural consistency with Directive 2014/65/EU and Regulation 2015/849.
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1312 approving national implementation measures for free allocation of emission allowances 2026–2030
On 17 June 2026, Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1312 (CELEX: 32026D1312) approved Member States' National Implementation Measures (NIMs) for transitional free allocation of greenhouse gas emission allowances under Article 11(3) of Directive 2003/87/EC. The decision lists eligible installations, confirms conformity with data requirements for most Member States, and rejects certain installations in Spain and Sweden lacking compliance with biomass emission thresholds. The decision is addressed to all Member States.
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1372 authorising negotiations with Korea on mutual recognition for conformity assessments
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1372, adopted 8 June 2026 (CELEX: 32026D1372), authorises the European Commission to open negotiations with the Republic of Korea regarding mutual recognition in conformity assessments, certificates, and markings. Technical harmonisation will be managed by the Council Working Party. The Commission will report regularly to the Council on progress.
EFTA Surveillance Authority Decision amending ETS State aid guidelines post-2021
The EFTA Surveillance Authority Decision of 4 March 2026 (CELEX: 32026D1374), published 18 June 2026, amends ETS State aid guidelines for greenhouse gas emissions allowance trading post-2021. The updated guidelines increase eligible sectors, adjust compensation calculations, and raise maximum aid intensity for sectors at risk of carbon leakage. The new rules apply from 1 January 2026.
EU Council
Environment Council scheduled for discussion on CO2 emission standards and water resilience
The Environment Council will meet on 25 June 2026 to review amendments to regulations on CO2 emission standards for cars and vans, explore nature-based solutions for business, and address strategies for water resilience and REACH regulation.
EP Committee Work
New rules for a more sustainable EU automotive sector adopted by ENVI and IMCO committees
A press release dated 18 June 2026 from the ENVI and IMCO committees details the adoption of new regulation on circularity requirements for vehicle design and end-of-life management, aligned with the European Green Deal. The regulation mandates removal-friendly vehicle design, minimum recycled plastics content, extended producer responsibility, and stricter export controls for non-roadworthy vehicles. Co-rapporteurs Jens Gieseke (EPP, DE) and Paulius Saudargas (EPP, LT) noted the realistic targets and steps towards a circular economy. Formal approval by the Council is pending, with application due 24 months after entry into force.
