Significant change in the EQF: new impetus for intermodal and sustainable transport
Author: Judge Koppány Ajtony | Original article in Hungarian
18.08.2025 | On July 31, the Minister of Energy published Decree No. 18/2025. (VII. 31.), which creates new opportunities for those operating in the transport sector in the Energy Efficiency Obligation System (EKR). The new regulation allows, among other things, the replacement of obsolete trucks, forklifts, buses, locomotives with more modern, more energy-efficient devices, and provides support for the transition to intermodal transport. Professional cooperation was exemplary: the modifications were implemented under the guidance of the Ministry of Energy, with the joint work of MLSZKSZ, HUNGRAIL, MKFE and NiT Hungary.
When the road, rail and logistics professions sit down at the same table and pull together with state regulation, it not only creates a new regulation, but also a new era. The ministerial regulation, effective from 1 August 2025, amending the rules of the Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme (EKR), is just such a turning point. After a long time, it offers the transport sector new, meaningful support opportunities that represent a real green transition and a competitive advantage – especially in the field of intermodal transport.
Exemplary professional cooperation
The background to the legislative amendment is the result of exemplary professional cooperation: in addition to the guidelines of the Ministry of Energy, the Hungarian Logistics Service Centers Association (MLSZKSZ), the Hungarian Railway Association HUNGRAIL, the Hungarian Road Carriers Association (MKFE) and NiT Hungary jointly developed the content of the new catalogue sheets. The aim of the joint work was to create a regulatory framework that works in practice – both serving the EU energy efficiency goals and supporting the technological and sustainability development of market players.
The new regulation will allow for the replacement of old, outdated vehicles – such as buses with at least eight passengers, trucks over 3.5 tonnes, diesel locomotives and multiple units – if the new vehicles are more energy-efficient, zero-emission or use other non-fossil fuel technology. The replacement of fossil fuel-powered forklifts, which are widely used in logistics, with environmentally friendly, more modern alternatives will also be eligible for support.
Important change in intermodal transport
An extremely important change has also occurred in the support for intermodal transport. The new rules no longer only support the diversion of road semi-trailers to rail, but also traffic diverted to 45-foot containers or swap bodies can be accounted for. In addition, the role of freight forwarders is now regulated, so the intermodal traffic they organize can also be included in the settlement. Another significant change is that the duration of the support has increased from the previous 1 year to 6 years, thus encouraging market players to make a long-term commitment. This not only provides planning, but also encourages those companies that previously did not dare to embark on the development of intermodal logistics in the long term.
In 2024, the number of road semi-trailers on trains was 27,913, a 21.3% increase compared to the turnover in 2023. This nice increase was the result of the impact of the previous version of the EKR, which shows that it is worth providing additional support on this line in order to greener transport.
The new system broadens the scope of those who can participate in the EKR program. In addition to the current 5-6 road transport companies, the testing and introduction of intermodal transport will also be available to those who have not been able to use this opportunity so far. At the same time, the new rules also require greater awareness and professional discipline: long-term sustainability does not only mean vehicle replacement, but also a planning culture, corporate commitment and deeper professional knowledge.
"The creation of the current decree is not just a technical set of rules - but a shared success, which shows that if the profession and the state engage in a real dialogue, tangible, long-term results can be achieved. And this is just the beginning," said Ajtony Koppány Bíró, Secretary General of the MLSZKSZ.
Anyone who would like to learn first-hand about the practical application of the new EKR catalogue can do so at the 5th Eastern European Intermodal Conference on October 9 or contact their advocacy organization (NiT Hungray, MLSZKSZ, MKFE, Hungrail). The event will be hosted by the Marriott Hotel in Budapest, where decision-makers, regulators and market players will jointly review the opportunities and challenges presented by the regulation. The event is also an excellent opportunity for stakeholders to ask questions, share experiences and build relationships for the sustainable logistics of the future.