Considerations on COM(2023)644 - EU position in the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations of the UNECE on proposals for modifications to UN regulation, for new UN regulations and for an amendment of UN mutual resolution No 1

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dossier COM(2023)644 - EU position in the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations of the UNECE on proposals for modifications to UN ...
document COM(2023)644
date November  9, 2023
 
(1) By Council Decision 97/836/EC2, the Union acceded to the Agreement of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) concerning the adoption of uniform technical prescriptions for wheeled vehicles, equipment and parts which can be fitted to and/or be used on wheeled vehicles and the conditions for reciprocal recognition of approvals granted on the basis of these prescriptions (‘Revised 1958 Agreement’). The Revised 1958 Agreement entered into force on 24 March 1998.

(2) By Council Decision 2000/125/EC3, the Union acceded to the Agreement concerning the establishing of global technical regulations for wheeled vehicles, equipment and parts which can be fitted and/or be used on wheeled vehicles (‘Parallel Agreement’). The Parallel Agreement entered into force on 15 February 2000.

(3) Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council4 lays down administrative provisions and technical requirements for type approval and placing on the market of all new vehicles, systems, components and separate technical units. This Regulation incorporates regulations adopted under the Revised 1958 Agreement ('UN regulations') in the EU type approval system, either as requirements for type approval or as alternatives to Union legislation.

(4) Pursuant to Article 1 of the Revised 1958 Agreement and Article 6 of the Parallel Agreement, the UNECE World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) may adopt proposals for modifications to UN regulations, UN GTRs and UN resolutions, and proposals for new UN regulations, UN GTRs and UN resolutions on the approval of vehicles. Moreover, pursuant to those provisions, UNECE WP.29 may adopt proposals for authorisations to develop amendments to UN GTRs or to develop new UN GTRs, and may adopt proposals for the extension of mandates for UN GTRs.

(5) From 14 to 16 November 2023, during the 191st session of the UNECE World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations, WP.29 may adopt:

proposals for modifications to UN regulation Nos 0, 14, 16, 17, 24, 43, 48, 53, 74, 86, 90, 94, 95, 100, 122, 129, 134, 135, 137, 145, 149, 153, 154, 157, 160, 161, and 162;

proposals for a new UN regulation on event data recorders for heavy-duty vehicles, and a new UN regulation on child restraint systems for safer transport of children in buses; and

a proposal for an amendment of UN mutual resolution No 1.

(6) The UN regulations will be binding on the Union. Together with the UN resolution, they will decisively influence the content of Union law in the field of vehicle type approval. Therefore, it is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Union's behalf in WP.29 on the adoption of those proposals.

(7) To reflect experience and technical developments, the requirements for certain aspects or features covered by UN regulation Nos 0, 14, 16, 17, 24, 43, 48, 53, 74, 86, 90, 94, 95, 100, 122, 129, 134, 135, 137, 145, 149, 153, 154, 157, 160, 161, and 162 and UN mutual resolution No 1, need to be amended or supplemented.

(8) In order to allow for technical progress and in order to improve safety, a new UN regulation on event data recorders for heavy-duty vehicles, and a new UN regulation on child restraint systems for safer transport of children in buses need to be adopted.

(9) These proposals are in line with the EU internal market policy on the automotive industry regarding safety, automation, and emissions, as well as its transport, climate and energy policies and have a very positive impact on the competitiveness of the EU automotive sector and on international trade.

(10) In light of the benefits mentioned it is suggested to vote in favour of these proposals.