Spain's Low‑Emission Zones Questioned by EU and Alcorcón Council

The European Commission clarified that EU law does not obligate member states to create low‑emission zones (ZBE); the air‑quality directive merely lists possible measures and leaves the choice to national authorities. Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas emphasized that any such restriction must be assessed for its socioeconomic impact and prioritize vulnerable groups.

In Spain, the national climate‑change law has prompted municipalities to adopt ZBE to retain European recovery‑fund support. Alcorcón approved a €3 million ZBE that bans only vehicles without an environmental label that are not registered in the municipality, affecting an estimated 2.5 % of the local fleet. Residents and most drivers receive broad exemptions, leading opposition parties (PP, Vox) to label the measure socially unjust and a costly token compliance. The council argues the scheme satisfies legal requirements while offering subsidies for greener technologies.