In a progress report on the ‘greening’ of corporate fleets, the Secretariat-General of the Council of the EU highlighted several points that require particular attention, as well as divergences between Member States over the binding nature of the text (see EUROPE 13869/3).
The proposal, put forward by the European Commission in December 2025, sets ‘greening’ targets for corporate fleets through the purchase of ‘zero-emission’ or low-polluting cars and vans. In addition, Member States’ financial support for low-emission vehicles will be authorised only for vehicles manufactured in the European Union (‘Made in Europe’) starting in 2028, according to the Industrial Accelerator Act’s criteria.
Since the presentation of this draft regulation and the publication of the impact assessment, Member States have broadly expressed their support for the objective of accelerating the uptake of ‘zero-emission’ vehicles in the EU. However, views differ as to the most appropriate regulatory approach for achieving these objectives, the interim report says.
Several capitals underlined the need to coordinate data collection and interconnections between national registers. Some Member States suggested complementing the text – which focuses on supply – with measures centred on demand for ‘zero-emission’ vehicles in order to accelerate fleet electrification and create outlets for the European automotive industry.
Other Member States expressed reservations about the mandatory nature and overall added value of the proposed targets. At the beginning of May, a group of nine countries had expressed concern about this new legislation, calling for the use of non-binding measures to encourage companies to ‘green’ their fleets. Lastly, the provision relating to ‘Made in Europe’ raises questions concerning the division of competences between EU and Member States in tax matters.
This proposal is closely linked to the revision of CO2 emission standards for cars and vans and to the Industrial Accelerator Act. Progress on these related files will influence the continuation of work on the proposal, the EU Council indicated.
The next discussions will take place at the level of the Member States’ permanent representatives on Wednesday 27 May, with a view to a ‘Transport’ Council on 8 June in Luxembourg.
To read the EU Council progress report: https://aeur.eu/f/m1b (Original version in French by Juliette Verdes)