EETS in a nutshell

The European Electronic Toll Service (EETS) makes it possible for drivers and businesses to pay tolls across the EU using just one contract and one on-board unit. By replacing a patchwork of national systems with a single, interoperable approach, EETS helps create a more efficient and sustainable transport network.

EETS supports the EU’s economic and climate objectives by reducing congestion, cutting emissions and simplifying cross-border journeys. It also drives digital innovation in transport services, helping Europe move towards smarter, greener mobility. AETIS plays a key role in making this vision a reality - working to harmonise systems, set common standards and promote full interoperability across all Member States.

EU Regulatory Framework

EETS Directive:

The European Electronic Toll Service (EETS) was created to make it possible for drivers and businesses to pay tolls across Europe using just one contract and one on-board unit. To make this happen, the EU introduced a dedicated set of laws.

The first steps came with Directive 2004/52/EC and Commission Decision 2009/750/EC, which defined the technical standards and rules for how EETS should operate. However, despite this framework, the European market remained fragmented, with more than 100 different tolling systems and limited cross-border compatibility.

To address these challenges, the EU adopted a new law - Directive (EU) 2019/520 -  to update and strengthen the framework. This Directive aims to make tolling simpler, fairer and more consistent across all Member States.

Looking ahead, the European Commission is preparing Guidelines to ensure consistent interpretation and application of the EETS Directive across Member States. These Guidelines are expected to clarify technical and procedural aspects, helping to remove remaining barriers to full interoperability. In parallel, discussions are emerging on the review of the current Directive and transform it into a directly applicable Regulation, which would further strengthen harmonisation and reduce national discrepancies in implementation.

AETIS actively supports the implementation of this modernised framework. We work with the EU Institutions and industry partners to make sure the system is fair, efficient and open - helping to deliver one connected tolling network that supports Europe’s shift to smarter, greener mobility.

Eurovignette Directive:

The Eurovignette Directive sets the rules for how Member States charge vehicles for using their road networks.

EETS Providers are central to the implementation of the Eurovignette and at making CO?-based tolling operational, ensuring accurate data flows and seamless cross-border charging.

In addition, AETIS is working closely with EU institutions to ensure upcoming revisions are realistic and workable.

Registered EETS Providers

A full and regularly updated list of registered EETS Providers is available on here, ensuring transparency and visibility of progress across the European market.

Added value for Toll Chargers and Road Users

EETS benefits both Toll Chargers and Road Users:

• For Toll Chargers, it reduces administrative complexity and supports a fairer, more efficient toll collection process.
• For drivers, logistics operators and fleet managers, EETS means fewer devices, fewer contracts and easier travel across borders.

By simplifying toll payments and creating a level playing field, EETS helps strengthen the Single Market while supporting Europe’s wider goals for decarbonisation and sustainable mobility.

Beyond these direct benefits, EETS also delivers clear added value for society and the EU as a whole. It contributes to a genuine Single Market by removing barriers to cross-border transport, improving connectivity and boosting economic competitiveness. By reducing congestion and encouraging smarter traffic management, EETS supports the EU’s climate ambitions and the transition towards low-carbon mobility. This makes it a vital enabler of Europe’s broader sustainability and digital transformation agenda.

One device, one contract and one invoice across borders - enabling faster, safer and more sustainable travel throughout Europe.

Added-value for Toll Chargers and Road Users

 

Toll Chargers:

Toll Chargers have no direct contact with EETS users anymore, except for enforcement where necessary. They therefore no longer have to perform detailed user management (e.g. invoices) and can thus concentrate on road and traffic management.

Road Users:

A single contract with a single EETS Provider reduces users' administrative burden. Drivers are not distracted by multiple boxes (sometimes requiring a specific action on their part for each unit) on their dashboard anymore and do no longer have to queue at toll booths. As a result, they experience, to the benefit of the environment, more fluid and safer traffic and ultimately quicker journeys. Transport company owners are spared the challenge, related to logistics and accounting, involving multiple service providers.

Implementation in EU Member States

Implementation in EU Member States

EETS implementation is advancing across Europe, with more countries adopting interoperable systems each year. Progress varies by region, but momentum continues to build as Member States align their national approaches with EU standards.

AETIS works alongside policymakers and industry partners to share technical expertise, promote best practice and help ensure consistent, high-quality rollout across all toll domains. This collaboration is essential to achieving a truly connected European transport network.