Today MEPs sent mixed signals with regard to extending new requirements for electro-mobility infrastructure in buildings to (e-)cycling.

In the part with legal relevance, MEPs stated that electro-mobility requirements need to be complemented by a “need for coherent policies for soft and green mobility, multi-modality and urban planning.”

However, MEPs refrained from making these requirements more concrete by voting down an amendment that would have required Member States to ensure that in all new buildings and in all buildings undergoing major renovation, a space for bicycles and pedelecs would need to be provided, proportional to the number of users in the building.

“ECF welcomes the Parliament’s general recognition that energy-efficient buildings need to go hand in hand in supporting active mobility, however strongly regrets that MEPs did not give Member States the task to set rules about the adequate provision of parking space for (e-)bicycles in buildings.”

Analysis of the EU Cycling Strategy. Recommendations for Delivering Green Growth and an Effective Mobility in 2030 has shown the market potential for 62 million electric assisted bicycles circulating on European roads by 2030, highlighting the need to pursue a level-playing field for e-cycling in all electro-mobility policies.

The revision of the Directive will now be further discussed in trilogue between Parliament, Council (Member States) and Commission.