BALANCING TRANSPORT REGULATION AND SUSTAINABILITY: THE MOBILITY PACKAGE’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Abstract

The European Union’s Mobility Package was introduced to improve road transport regulation but has generated significant debate due to its economic, legal, and environmental implications. One of its most controversial provisions is the requirement for trucks to return to their home base every eight weeks. While intended to ensure fair competition, this rule has led to an increase in empty runs, resulting in higher CO₂ emissions and operational inefficiencies. The study evaluates this regulation by integrating a legal analysis of the European Court of Justice ruling, a review of EU environmental laws, and a statistical analysis of road freight data. The findings indicate that, rather than enhancing sustainability, the return obligation contradicts the EU’s Green Deal and Fit for 55 objectives by increasing emissions and congestion. Statistical data reveals that empty mileage rose from 20% in 2020 to 21.8% in 2023, with national transport (25.9%) experiencing greater inefficiencies than international transport (13.1%). The ECJ annulled the provision due to its disproportionate economic and environmental impact and lack of impact studies carried out before new regulations are adopted (further ex-ante assessments. The study concludes that future transport policies should prioritize reducing empty runs, ensuring compliance with EU primary law, and conducting ex-ante regulatory assessments to align economic and environmental priorities effectively.