16 January 2026

POLICY UPDATE FROM BRUSSELS

EU policymaking on transport and mobility is gaining momentum. While much attention is currently focused on the European Commission’s Automotive Package, with a first Council discussion expected by the end of the month, the European Parliament will in the coming weeks decide on the allocation of the files between its committees. Given the significant operational implications for the logistics sector, CLECAT supports assigning these files to the Transport Committee rather than the Environment Committee.

According to several sources, the provisional allocation would see the Environment Committee (ENVI) take the lead on the proposal revising CO2 standards for cars and green corporate fleets and the target amendment on CO2 standards, with opinions from the Transport (TRAN) and Industry and Energy (ITRE) Committees. This allocation is not yet final, and the Transport Committee may contest it, seeking a more decisive role, particularly on corporate fleet greening and potentially also on CO2 standards for cars. TRAN has until 22 January to challenge the proposed allocation.

At the same time, trilogue negotiations on the revision of the Weights and Dimensions Directive are expected to begin within the coming weeks. One of the most sensitive and issues remains the cross-border circulation of 44-tonne vehicles and the conditions under which this would be permitted. Given the potential operational, cost and internal market implications for freight operators, CLECAT will continue to closely monitor developments and actively engage with policymakers involved in the trilogues. The Cypriot Presidency has expressed the ambition to reach a political agreement by June 2026.

By the end of January, the Commission is expected to present a broader industrial acceleration package aimed at strengthening European industrial capacity and long-term competitiveness. Early indications point to a strong focus on resilience, strategic autonomy and European production capacity, potentially including European content requirements and preferential treatment for EU-based manufacturing.

Looking beyond road transport, the Commission is also expected, according to its latest provisional planning, to present a European port strategy and a maritime industrial strategy on 18 February. These initiatives are intended to define the objectives and priorities needed to support the long-term competitiveness of ports, the maritime manufacturing sector and its broader value chain, including maritime and inland waterway transport.

CLECAT will keep members informed as these files progress.