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On 4 September, CLECAT released its position paper on the forthcoming Commission’s Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP). Expected by the end of the year, the STIP aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of freight transport by outlining actions to boost public and private investments into renewable and low-carbon fuels, making better use of existing financial instruments while identifying needs for additional measures. CLECAT stresses that STIP should deliver a coherent, mode-inclusive investment framework that bridges the cost gap between conventional and renewable/low-carbon fuels, de-risks private investment through predictable policy signals, and ensures equitable access for all market participants to the solutions needed to meet EU climate targets.

The paper, released in response to the Commission’s call for evidence in August, underlines that decarbonising aviation and maritime remains a major challenge, with Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and low-carbon maritime fuels facing significant barriers such as high production costs, limited infrastructure, and stalled projects. CLECAT warns that without immediate action - such as expanding feedstock flexibility, introducing robust book-and-claim systems, and earmarking ETS revenues for sector-specific projects - Europe risks missing binding targets under ReFuelEU Aviation and FuelEU Maritime. The paper also calls for greater transparency in SAF usage, as current reporting gaps prevent freight forwarders and shippers from verifying environmental claims or justifying surcharges, undermining trust and climate accountability.

CLECAT also cautions against overlapping regulations such as the EU ETS for maritime and the upcoming IMO Net-Zero Framework which risk creating double charging of GHG emissions and competitive disadvantages for European operators. For road transport, CLECAT emphasises the need to address infrastructure gaps and high vehicle costs, urging the Commission to prioritise charging networks and fleet renewal incentives. Logistics hubs, as vital nodes for multimodal fuel deployment, should be central to STIP funding, ensuring seamless integration between transport, energy, and digital systems.

CLECAT believes that the STIP presents a unique opportunity to transform Europe’s transport energy sector, enhance strategic autonomy, and turn decarbonisation into a competitive advantage. Achieving this requires tailored investment mechanisms and fuel strategies that address the distinct challenges of each transport mode. Success depends on unlocking private capital through effective de-risking tools, and dedicated public support while ensuring all operators, regardless of size or location, have fair access to sustainable fuels.