Simpler rules, stronger safeguards: modernising vehicle registration across Europe

On Wednesday morning, the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) will vote on new rules to digitalise vehicle registration documents and harmonise data across national registers.

Led by ECR rapporteur Adrian Axinia, the report streamlines the transition from paper to electronic documents accelerating modernisation while keeping practical flexibility. The ECR Group ensured that citizens will still be able to request paper versions where necessary, and that Member States can apply simplified procedures. The text introduces QR codes on registration certificates and improves the quality and scope of data held in national vehicle registers. This includes clearer information on automated vehicle functions, changes in ownership and document holders, as well as the status of vehicles including those suspended or temporarily deregistered. Citizens will also have free digital access to their own vehicle registration data. The new rules step up cooperation between Member States to combat fraud, including odometer manipulation and the trade in stolen or improperly documented vehicles. For the ECR, the priority is greater legal clarity across Member States and easier mutual recognition of certificates, helping to zsimplify cross-border re-registration.

Vote: Wednesday @ 10:00

Where: SPAAK 3C050

Stronger farmers, honest labels

On Wednesday, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) will vote on the provisional trilogue agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council on 5 March on new rules aimed at strengthening the position of farmers in the food supply chain. The agreement introduces a number of measures designed to improve fairness and transparency, notably by making written contracts the standard. This is expected to enhance farmers’ bargaining power and contribute to securing fairer prices for their products. ECR Shadow Rapporteur Bert-Jan Ruissen is convinced that the agreement marks an important step in strengthening the position of farmers in the food supply chain, while maintaining market orientation and recognising the value of successful cooperative models. Parliament and Council also agreed to reserve certain terms, such as “steak”, exclusively for meat and meat products. In addition, it has been clarified that these terms cannot be used for products derived from cell culture. The ECR Group considers that this approach provides greater clarity for consumers and appropriately reflects the nutritional value associated with meat and meat products.

Vote: Wednesday @ 15:00

Where: ANTALL 4Q2