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Discussions are ongoing in the European Parliament regarding the allocation of committee responsibilities for key legislative proposals under the Commission’s Automotive Package. On 21 January, Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi MEP, Chair of the Transport Committee (TRAN), formally challenged the initial division of competences, which designated the Environment Committee (ENVI) as lead, with TRAN assigned an advisory role only.

TRAN has requested the application of Rule 59 of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, calling for a joint committee procedure with ENVI on two proposals: the revision of CO₂ emission performance standards for new light-duty vehicles and the Regulation on clean corporate fleets. According to TRAN, the current allocation does not adequately reflect the committee’s core competences, which centre on the functioning of the EU transport system and the provision of transport services.

In its request, TRAN underlines that measures targeting company fleets will have a direct and significant impact on road transport operations, freight services and overall mobility patterns across the EU. It argues that these proposals therefore go beyond environmental or industrial policy considerations and constitute fundamental transport policy initiatives, while stressing that its expertise is essential to ensure a balanced approach between decarbonisation objectives and the competitiveness of the transport and automotive sectors.

These arguments are contested by some ENVI MEPs, who point to the environmental legal basis chosen by the Commission. The dispute over committee competences will now be decided by the Conference of Presidents, which is expected to rule on the request on 4 February.