The European Commission has reported that it did not exercise its power to adopt delegated acts under Directive 1999/62/EC on road charging during the period from 24 March 2022 to 23 June 2026, while considering the delegation still necessary. The report, published on 3 July 2026, covers the Commission's authority to amend annexes related to vehicle cost formulas and reference values, as well as adjust CO2 external-cost charges based on effective carbon pricing.
The delegated powers allow the Commission to update Annexes 0, IIIa, IIIb, and IIIc to reflect scientific and technical progress, and to adjust Annex IIIc for CO2 external-cost charges in line with the effective carbon price. However, no delegated acts were adopted during the reporting period. The Commission explained that the trigger under Article 7cb(4) of the directive—which requires an amendment to Directive 2003/87/EC (EU Emissions Trading System) or Directive 2003/96/EC (energy taxation) resulting in effective internalisation of CO2 costs, combined with no amendment to Article 7cb by 1 January 2027—has not yet been met. Additionally, no significant scientific or technical progress, such as an updated Handbook on external costs, occurred.
The Commission is required to assess the implementation of CO2 external-cost charging by 25 March 2027 and may propose a legislative amendment if needed. A study on carbon pricing in tolls is due by the end of 2026, and an updated Handbook of external costs will be published in the second half of 2026. These studies will inform any future use of the delegated powers.
The report has limited immediate impact on road transport operators and national authorities, as no changes to tolling rules have been made. However, the pending studies and potential future adjustments to CO2 charging could affect hauliers and logistics companies, particularly if carbon pricing in tolls increases. The Commission's retention of delegated powers ensures it can respond quickly to scientific or policy developments without full legislative procedures, which may benefit environmental groups seeking faster alignment of road charging with climate goals. Conversely, industry stakeholders may face uncertainty over future cost increases.