Transport

Transport accounts for approximately a quarter of EU greenhouse gas emissions, making it a priority sector for Taxonomy alignment. The 13 activities span passenger and freight transport across road, rail, inland waterway, and sea transport, as well as supporting infrastructure.

Zero-emission vehicles, rail electrification, cycling infrastructure, and public transport systems are central to this sector. The Taxonomy sets direct emission thresholds -- for example, passenger cars must produce zero direct CO2 emissions, while heavy-duty vehicles must meet progressively tighter limits. Infrastructure activities such as construction of rail networks, low-carbon airports, and port facilities are also included.

Adaptation criteria reflect the vulnerability of transport networks to extreme weather. Rail buckling from heat, road surface degradation, flooding of tunnels and underpasses, and storm damage to port facilities all require systematic risk assessment. Operators must demonstrate that transport infrastructure is designed or retrofitted to withstand projected climate impacts across its expected lifetime.