This Week in Automotive — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission refers Bulgaria for hired vehicles directive; Spain authorized to cut excise duty; Decision on ADR/ADN amendments; von der Leyen on transport innovation.
September 28, 2026 to October 04, 2026
Commission refers Bulgaria for hired vehicles directive; Spain authorized to cut excise duty; Decision on ADR/ADN amendments; von der Leyen on transport innovation.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On October 05, the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Connecting Europe through high-speed rail.
European Commission
Commission refers Bulgaria to Court of Justice for failing to transpose EU rules on hired vehicles
On 30 September 2026, the European Commission decided to refer Bulgaria (INFR(2023)0192) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for not transposing almost all measures of Directive (EU) 2022/738 into national law. The Directive, which modernizes rules for vehicles hired without drivers for carriage of goods by road, required Member States to comply by 6 August 2023. Bulgaria has only transposed the provision on compliance proof, leaving key provisions unimplemented. The Commission had sent a letter of formal notice in September 2023 and a reasoned opinion in December 2024, but concluded that Bulgaria's efforts remain insufficient and requested financial penalties. Directive (EU) 2022/738 is central to the EU transport policy and internal market for road freight.
Opening speech by President von der Leyen at the Connecting Europe Days
On 28 September 2026, President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the Connecting Europe Days, reflecting on the role of transport in EU integration. She noted ongoing EU investment in the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), with examples such as the new Lisbon-Madrid high-speed rail connection. Von der Leyen cited innovation in electric vehicles and autonomous trucks, mentioning cross-border testbeds launched by 18 Member States. The speech emphasized resilience in transport infrastructure, referencing upcoming climate adaptation frameworks and investment in airport flood protection. The address concluded with remarks on extending physical connectivity to candidate countries, including Moldova and Ukraine.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Decision on amendments to ADR and ADN for the carriage of dangerous goods
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2233 of 28 September 2026 establishes the EU position supporting amendments to the Annexes of the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) and the Regulations annexed to the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways (ADN). The amendments were adopted by the relevant international committees and notified to contracting parties on 1 July and 1 September 2026. These changes are relevant to Directive 2008/68/EC, which sets requirements for the transport of dangerous goods within and between Member States.
Council authorizes Spain to apply reduced rates of excise duty to motor fuels
Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2194 of 22 September 2026 authorizes Spain, pursuant to Article 19 of Directive 2003/96/EC, to temporarily apply reduced excise duty rates to gas oil and unleaded petrol used as motor fuels. This measure responds to energy price increases triggered by geopolitical developments in the Middle East. The reduced rates are set below minimum levels specified in the Directive, and the Decision is valid until 30 September 2026.
EU Council
Informal meeting of energy ministers held under Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council
Energy ministers convened informally on 28 September 2026 within the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council configuration.
What We're Reading This Week
- Five million robots now work in factories as humanoid hype is tested: Global factory robot numbers hit a record 5 million, raising questions about the real impact of humanoid automation.
- Europe’s carmakers compete with AI for chips and critical materials: European automakers face intensified competition for semiconductor chips and essential materials as AI demand surges across industries.
