The Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) reached a provisional agreement on the amendment to Directive 1999/62/EC (Eurovignette) following the final trilogue, according to a summary record of its meetings on 1 and 3 July 2026, published by the Council on 24 July 2026. The agreement, which revises road charging rules for heavy goods vehicles, is expected to affect transport costs and environmental goals across Member States. Coreper also received a debriefing on trilogue outcomes for the Roadworthiness Package, covering Directives on vehicle registration data and roadworthiness tests, which aims to enhance vehicle safety and align data standards.
The committee held an exchange of views on the Irish Presidency's work programme and priorities, which will shape the Council's legislative agenda in the coming months. Additionally, Coreper prepared for the General Affairs Council meeting, including items on simplification and Irish Presidency priorities, and exchanged views on the state of play of EU-UK relations, influencing post-Brexit cooperation and trade dynamics. Discussions also covered preparation for Council decisions on restrictive measures against Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, maintaining coordinated sanctions pressure. The committee prepared for the Economic and Financial Affairs Council meeting and received information from the Commission on the Palestine Donor Group and on its meeting with the Chinese minister of commerce.
The Eurovignette revision directly affects road transport operators and logistics companies, potentially increasing costs but also incentivizing cleaner vehicles. The Roadworthiness Package benefits vehicle owners and road safety authorities through standardized testing. The Irish Presidency's priorities will influence EU legislative output, impacting all Member States. Sanctions discussions affect businesses trading with Russia and Belarus, as well as EU foreign policy coherence.