Commission welcomes political agreement on new rules to harmonise transport emissions calculations in the EU

The European Commission welcomes the political agreement reached yesterday on the CountEmissionsEU regulation,which creates a common EU framework for calculating greenhouse-gas emissions from freight and passenger transport. It introduces a single, reliable methodology to deliver clear, comparable, and trustworthy information on transport operations' climate impact, helping the sector to contribute to the target of cutting transport emissions by 90% by 2050.

The CountEmissionsEU framework will provide accurate emissions data, helping transport operators and users to benchmark their services, supporting procurement and investment decisions. It can also help consumers to make informed choices on more sustainable transport and delivery options.

The framework is based on an internationally recognised methodology (EN ISO 14083:2023). To make it easy for companies to use and consistent across the EU, the Commission, with support from the European Environment Agency (EEA), will establish two free public databases for emissions data. Transport operators will also have access to a free calculation tool to support ease of use, while certified external tools are allowed to encourage innovation. Larger companies will need to verify their data, while smaller firms are exempt, to reduce unnecessary burdens.

The regulation will apply to companies that choose to publish emissions from their activities. This maintains a proportionate approach and ensures that all public figures are comparable and trustworthy.

Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, said: "CountEmissionsEU brings the clarity our transport sector needs to drive increased efficiency and real emissions reductions. By using a single methodology and offering tools for businesses, we enable informed choices across all transport modes. This helps travellers, shippers, buyers and public procurers make lower carbon decisions and supports companies in enhancing their operational performance."

Following the political agreement, the European Parliament and the Council will now formally adopt the regulation, which will enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU. After the final adoption, the Commission will work with the EEA to set up the databases and the free calculation tool for SMEs. It will also adopt the necessary delegated and implementing acts to detail technical specifications, certification and verification rules. The regulation's provisions will be implemented 48 months after entry into force.