All news & events

On 11 November, the European Commission approved, under EU State aid rules, a €180 million Czech scheme to support rail and urban public transport operators using electric traction. The measure shall contribute to improving the environmental performance of rail and urban transport, in line with the objectives of the Commission's Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy and the European Green Deal.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for September 2022 global air cargo markets showing that air cargo demand softened. Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs), fell 10.6% compared to September, but continued to track at near pre-pandemic levels (-3.6%). Capacity was 2.4% above September 2021, but still 7.4% below September 2019 levels.

Last week, the senior cybersecurity representatives of EU Member States, the EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and the Commission took part in a two-day ‘Blueprint Operational Level Exercise' (Blue OLEx 2022) to test crisis management procedures. In light of the upcoming implementation of the revised Network and Information Systems Directive (NIS2), the large-scale cybersecurity exercise serves to improve common coordination, situation awareness and decision-making process, while fostering trust-building and information sharing, including between Member States and the Commission.

On 10 November, the European Commission and the High Representative put forward a Joint Communication on an EU Cyber Defence policy and an Action Plan on Military Mobility 2.0 to address the deteriorating security environment following Russia's aggression against Ukraine and to boost the EU's capacity to protect its citizens and infrastructure. With its new cyber defence policy, the EU will enhance cooperation and investments in cyber defence to better protect, detect, deter, and defend against a growing number of cyber-attacks.

On 10 November, the European Parliament formally adopted the proposal for a Directive on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the Union (NIS2). The legislation, already agreed between MEPs and the Council in May, will set tighter cybersecurity obligations for risk management, reporting obligations and information sharing. The requirements cover incident response, supply chain security, encryption and vulnerability disclosure, among other provisions.

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched the online AEO Compendium (OAC), which contains concrete and structured information of the current AEO programmes and Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) implemented by WCO Members, as well as the programmes/initiatives under development.

On 10 November, the European Commission presented a proposal for new air pollutant standards from new road vehicles, named Euro 7. The proposal replaces and simplifies previously separate emission rules for cars and vans (Euro 6) and lorries and buses (Euro VI).

Last week, the European Parliament in Plenary session gave its formal approval to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). For reference, a provisional agreement was struck between the Parliament and Council in June 2022.