EU Council unlocks updated vehicle weights and dimensions rules – IRU

EU ambassadors have reached a political agreement on revised weights and dimensions rules, a long-awaited step towards more efficient, sustainable and zero-emission road transport.

IRU welcomes the agreement reached by EU ambassadors on the Danish Presidency’s revised compromise text of the Weights and Dimensions Directive. This breakthrough at Coreper level follows years of difficult negotiations and signals that Member States are finally ready to move forward.

IRU EU Director Raluca Marian said, “The Danish Presidency showed exceptional leadership in delivering this breakthrough. It has been our honour and pleasure to work closely together towards such a strong result.”

“This paves the way for a political compromise that will strengthen transport efficiency and sustainability across the board,” she added.

The compromise introduces several long-requested measures to boost efficiency, competitiveness and sustainability while enabling the uptake of new technologies, including:

Improved conditions for intermodal and cross-border operations, including the ability to operate at higher weights in cross-border flows when using zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) or intermodal transport
A clearer and more coherent framework for the European Modular System, enabling greater efficiency and energy savings where infrastructure allows
A new crisis-response clause enabling temporary flexibility during emergencies to maintain the continuity of essential supply chains

“The proposed 44 tonnes for ZEVs gives operators in many countries the confidence to deploy them at scale without losing payload or competitiveness,” said Raluca Marian.

These provisions will support a more resilient, modern and sustainable road transport system. They will help the EU meet its climate goals while preserving the essential role of road transport in logistics.

The agreement now advances to EU transport ministers, who must formally adopt the Council’s General Approach. This will allow Member States to begin negotiations with the European Parliament, which adopted its position a year ago.

“Decarbonisation goals and targets are here now. There is a sense of urgency for our sector. We are happy that Member States have understood that they must act in a timely manner and play their role in creating the right conditions,” said Raluca Marian.

IRU urges ministers to proceed without delay, allowing trilogue negotiations to begin and a final agreement to be reached as soon as possible.