Newsletters

Prior to the summer break, CLECAT’s Rail, Road and Maritime Institutes convened in July to address several pressing EU policy developments requiring member input and positioning. Key topics included military mobility, the upcoming EU Port Strategy, road freight transport decarbonisation and ongoing digitalisation initiatives across all modes.

CLECAT’s Rail Logistics Institute met to discuss recent EU developments in rail freight legislation, military mobility, and digitalisation. Members were briefed on developments in Council and Parliament with regards to the Rail Capacity Regulation, Combined Transport Directive, and Weights and Dimensions Directive.

Discussions highlighted the urgent need for policymakers to advance these files to ensure European legislation is up to date and capable of addressing ongoing sector challenges, such as limited harmonisation of rules at the EU level and outdated requirements that hinder the rail freight sector’s competitiveness compared to other transport modes. The Institute also the upcoming Military Mobility Package and the gaps that need to be addressed in rail freight.  CLECAT is preparing a response to the targeted consultation.  

Members of the Road Logistics Institute met on 1 July to discuss key developments impacting road transport and logistics at both national and EU levels. They received an update on the latest policy initiatives, including the Roadworthiness Package, the targeted amendment to the Eurovignette Directive and the upcoming Clean Corporate Fleets legislation. Members reiterated that ZEV targets for transport operators’ fleet would not be the right tool to drive road freight decarbonisation, and propose that the EU and national governments should provide the enabling conditions to increase the uptake of zero-emission light- and heavy-duty vehicles. The meeting was also the opportunity to exchange on the latest developments regarding the implementation of ICS2 Release 3 for road. Companies continue to prepare as the 1^st of September deadline for the end of the deployment window is approaching. Particular attention was given to the implementation of NCTS Phase 6 which will be delayed in several Member States and would lead to increase administrative burden for goods entering the EU via road.

The Maritime Logistics Institute meeting took place on 11 July, with members exchanging on the latest developments in maritime freight transport, focusing on the ongoing congestion in European ports and the upcoming EU Ports Strategy. Members held an exchange with Lamia Kerdjoudj, Secretary General of FEPORT, on the recent developments regarding tonnage tax schemes in Europe, and explored collaboration to jointly call for the revision of the Maritime State Aid Guidelines. The meeting was also the opportunity to discuss the upcoming EU Ports Strategy, of which CLECAT is currently preparing its submission to the call for evidence. The paper will outline key recommendations to support the competitiveness of EU ports and ensure future-ready skills and working conditions.