Spain is adjusting how it charges for greenhouse gas emissions tied to transport and households starting in 2027. This shift comes after the agreement reached with Brussels on revising the Emissions Trading Regime (ETS). As part of the package, Spain agreed to several compensatory measures, including the suspension of tolls on highways and other major routes in 2024, to ease the transition for motorists and freight operators while the broader climate strategy is implemented.
The government in Madrid has pledged to replace the toll income with a new wage and funding framework, funded in part by European support. The objective is to cut emissions in line with community guidance and the principle that polluters should pay. This rebalancing is designed to maintain competitiveness for Spanish transport while advancing decarbonisation through more efficient practices and cleaner technologies across the transport sector.
In discussions with Brussels, Spain proposed dropping the toll plan as part of a broader package. The idea was to continue pursuing decarbonisation by deploying alternative measures that would yield a comparable environmental result. These alternatives focus on reducing gas emissions while promoting the efficiency and safety of road freight transport, ensuring that economic activity and mobility are preserved during the transition.
The European Commission assessed these alternatives as sufficient to meet the green mobility targets set by Madrid. The evaluation highlights a pragmatic approach that prioritises emission reductions without compromising the flow of goods and people. Through comprehensive policy coordination, Spain aims to align its domestic transport practices with EU-wide climate objectives, balancing environmental responsibility with the realities of modern logistics and daily commuting across the country.