German Bundestag Issues Opinion on Proposed EU Directive for Vehicle Safety
Berlin, Germany – July 7, 2025 – The German Bundestag has published its official opinion on a proposed European Union directive aimed at enhancing the safety and environmental performance of vehicles operating within the Union. The document, designated as Drucksache 21/776, outlines the Bundestag’s stance on the European Commission’s proposal to amend Directive 2014/45/EU concerning the periodic technical inspection of motor vehicles and their trailers, and Directive 2014/47/EU on the in-service testing of commercial vehicles.
The proposed directive, formally identified as COM(2025)180 final and Council document 8255/25, seeks to modernize and align the technical oversight of vehicles across member states. This initiative is a crucial step in the EU’s ongoing efforts to improve road safety, reduce emissions, and ensure a level playing field for the automotive sector.
The Bundestag’s detailed opinion, issued in accordance with Article 6 of Protocol No. 2 of the Treaty of Lisbon, specifically addresses the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. This means that the German parliament has carefully evaluated whether the proposed EU-level legislation is the most appropriate and effective means to achieve its objectives, and whether it respects the competencies of member states and avoids imposing unnecessary burdens.
While the specific details of the Bundestag’s recommendations are being made public today, the publication of this opinion signals a significant step in the legislative process. It provides valuable input from a key member state for further discussion and refinement of the proposed directive at the EU level. The German government and parliament are expected to engage actively in the ongoing deliberations within the Council of the European Union and with the European Parliament to shape the final text of the directive.
The core of the proposed changes is expected to focus on updating inspection procedures to reflect technological advancements in vehicles, such as the increasing prevalence of electronic systems and alternative powertrains. Furthermore, the revision aims to strengthen the effectiveness of in-service testing for commercial vehicles, ensuring that heavy-duty vehicles maintain high standards of safety and environmental compliance throughout their operational life.
The Bundestag’s engagement in this process underscores Germany’s commitment to the European project and its dedication to fostering a safer and more sustainable transport system for all citizens. The coming months will likely see further discussions and negotiations as the proposed directive progresses towards potential adoption.
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Drucksachen published ’21/776: Antrag zu dem Vorschlag für eine Richtlinie des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates zur Änderung der Richtlinie 2014/45/EU über die regelmäßige technische Überwachung von Kraftfahrzeugen und Kraftfahrzeuganhängern und der Richtlinie 2014/47/EU über die technische Unterwegskontrolle der Verkehrs- und Betriebssicherheit von Nutzfahrzeugen, die in der Union am Straßenverkehr teilnehmen KOM(2025)180 endg.; Ratsdok.-Nr. 8255/25 hier: Stellungnahme gemäß Artikel 6 des Protokolls Nummer 2 zum Vertrag von Lissabon (Grundsätze der Subsidiarität und der Verhältnismäßigkeit) (PDF)’ at 2025-07-07 10:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.