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19 October 2026 · Week 43

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National transition deadlines for Dutch zero-emission zones remain in place as some municipalities reconsider their plans. European leaders want negotiations on the automotive package concluded before the end of the year.

01

Zero-emission zones: national rules remain in place as local plans change

The government’s letter to Parliament of 14 October confirms that the transitional access arrangement for Euro 5 vans ends on 1 January 2027. These vehicles will then need an exemption or permit to enter zero-emission zones. Municipal plans are meanwhile diverging. According to the letter, Dordrecht says it will no longer introduce its planned zone. Almere’s governing coalition intends to introduce one of the three zones previously planned. The Hague wants to continue admitting Euro 6 vehicles through 2035, but that intention does not change the transition rules laid down nationally. The responsible state secretary is discussing the matter with the municipality.

Businesses that regularly work inside the zones still need to prepare: will their current van retain access to customers, could it qualify for an exemption, or does replacement need to be planned? A municipality’s intention to relax access does not yet provide certainty. For occasional journeys, agreement has been reached to retain up to twelve one-day exemptions per year per city from 2030 onwards. The legal provisions still need to be developed, through municipal exemption policies or national regulations. Businesses therefore cannot yet treat that future access as legally settled.

Source: Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management — letter to Parliament, 14 October 2026

02

European leaders call for automotive package negotiations to conclude this year

On 16 October, European leaders called for negotiations on the European automotive package to conclude before the end of 2026. They also called for progress on simplifying regulation for the automotive sector. This is a political call. The European Parliament and the Council of the EU still need to adopt the final legislation. The summit conclusions do not themselves change emissions requirements or vehicle approval rules.

For manufacturers and suppliers, clarity about future requirements matters when investing in models, technology and production. Final legislation makes those conditions more predictable. For buyers, the question remains how this will affect vehicle choice and prices. Reducing administrative burdens is part of the European agenda, but the conclusions contain no specific measures on car prices. An effect on affordability cannot yet be established.

Source: European Council conclusions, 16 October 2026, paragraphs 3–5

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