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On 5 April, CLECAT Rail Logistics Institute met to discuss its position on ongoing policy initiatives at EU level, including the revision of the Combined Transport Directive, the RFC Regulation, and the TEN-T Guidelines, as well as to discuss contentious issues such as the quality issues in rail freight and how to resolve them.

CLECAT members received a presentation from Ms Maria Koidu, Policy Officer at the European Commission’s DG MOVE on the ongoing public consultation on the revision of the Combined Transport Directive. Following the presentation, a lively exchange was held between the members and Ms Koidu on the CLECAT position, including existing problems and expectations for how to address these in a new policy instrument. These include particularly the extension to all multimodal transport operations in the EU, the establishment of clear definitions to ensure a common understanding and application throughout the EU, the introduction of appropriate financial and non-financial incentives to support the industry, as well as the need to allow for mixed trains, the provision of high-quality reliable infrastructure, heavier load authorisations for multimodal transport, the introduction of eco-premiums and a reduction of administrative burdens and costs.

Additionally, members discussed the position of CLECAT on increasing the share of cross-border rail freight traffic, as well as the Commission’s proposal on the TEN-T Guidelines and the revision of the RFC Regulation. CLECAT’s Rail Logistics Institute is currently finalising its position on the various policy initiatives, which will be submitted to the European Commission in the course of the coming months.