News

CLECAT URGES ENVI COMMITTEE TO MAKE ETS II FAIR FOR ALL ROAD USERS

CLECAT calls on Members of the ENVI Committee to support the creation of a separate EU ETS for heating and road transport (ETS II) only if it enables to pursue the objectives of the European Green Deal and respects the ‘polluter-pays’ principle.

CLECAT CALLS FOR A FAIR AND EFFECTIVE CBAM

Ahead of the vote on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) report on 17 May, CLECAT called on the European Parliament’s ENVI Committee to secure an effective CBAM and pave the way for its uniform and proper implementation, which will be indispensable for achieving CBAM’s goals as originally intended.

EU DAG MEETS TO DISCUSS EU-UK TCA IMPLEMENTATION

On 10 May, CLECAT attended the third meeting of the EU Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) under the EU-UK Trade and Facilitation Agreement (TCA), which advises the EU Commission on the TCA implementation. The EU DAG discussed the progress made in implementing the TCA and reflected on possible future cooperation with the Commission, the TCA Civil Society Forum and the EU DAG counterpart in the UK.

EP ADOPTS RESOLUTION ON THE IMPACT OF THE WAR IN UKRAINE ON TRANSPORT

On 5 May, the European Parliament adopted with a large majority a resolution on the impact of Russian’s illegal war against Ukraine on the EU transport and tourism sectors. MEPs recognise transport as a strategic tool for the EU to provide solidarity and support to Ukraine and its people.

EC TO ESTABLISH ‘SOLIDARITY LANES’ TO SUPPORT UKRAINE EXPORT AGRICULTURAL GOODS

On 12 May, the European Commission presented a set of actions to help Ukraine export its agricultural produce. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its blockade of Ukrainian ports, Ukrainian grain and other agricultural goods can no longer reach their destinations. In its communication, the Commission sets out an action plan to establish ‘Solidarity Lanes' to ensure Ukraine can export grain, but also import the goods it needs, from humanitarian aid to animal feed and fertilisers.

STUDY ON TRANSHIPMENT OPTIONS FOR MORE COMPETITIVE INTERMODAL TRANSPORT AND TERMINAL CAPACITY

On 5 May, the European Commission’s Directorate General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) published a report that compares the performance of different intermodal transhipment technologies in combination with various loading units. The study sheds light on which combinations are most used, how cost- and time efficient and available they are and what their future potential is. The study also analyses the available capacity and limitations of terminals on the TEN-T network.

CARRIERS RAMP UP BLANK SAILINGS AS CHINA LOCKDOWNS PERSIST

The Loadstar reported on 10 May that ocean carrier alliances are preparing to blank more than a third of their sailings from Asia over the coming weeks in response to a reduction in export freight, according to the latest report from Project44. The blanking strategies by the alliances to mitigate the impact of the COVID lockdowns in China will further extend cargo lead times, particularly to North Europe.

WAR IN UKRAINE AND OMICRON RESULT IN DROP IN AIR CARGO DEMAND

On 3 May, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air cargo markets in March 2022, showing a drop in demand. According to the analysis, the effects of the Omicron variant in Asia, the war in Ukraine, and a challenging operating backdrop contributed to the decline.

EASA PUBLISHES REVIEW OF AVIATION SAFETY ISSUES ARISING FROM THE WAR IN UKRAINE

Following the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has developed a safety risk portfolio to identify safety issues affecting commercial aviation which stem from or are associated with this conflict. EASA developed the portfolio in close cooperation with Member State regulators and industry partners to capture new or emerging safety issues.

ENVI COMMITTEE ADOPTS REPORT ON CO2 STANDARDS FOR CARS AND VANS

On 11 May, MEPs of the ENVI Committee adopted its report on the proposed rules to revise the Regulation on CO2 standards for new light-duty vehicles, by 46 votes in favour, 40 against and two abstentions. MEPs largely backed the Commission proposal on the emission reduction pathway for new cars and vans to reach zero-emission road mobility by 2035 but failed to raise the intermediary targets for 2027 and 2030.

STRENGTHENING EU TAX COOPERATION WITH NORWAY

The European Commission has published a Recommendation to step up cooperation between the EU and Norway in the fight against VAT fraud and recovery of claims.

ACCESS2MARKETS PORTAL WITH NEW FEATURES

On 10 May, the Commission launched the new homepage of the Access2Marekts portal. On the new homepage, information is now organised in a clearer and more intuitive manner. New features have also been added, including a trade assistant for services and investment.

NEW POWERS FOR EUROPOL

On 4 May, the European Parliament’s plenary approved the deal reached between Parliament and Council negotiators in February on a renewed mandate for Europol, granting the EU police agency new powers.

ELP WEBINAR ON MARITIME SUPPLY CHAIN IN DISRUPTED TIMES

At a webinar organised by the European Logistics Platform (ELP) on 26 April more than 75 EU policymakers and industry representatives met to discuss with experts the challenges of the maritime logistics supply chain. Over the past years, global supply chains have been under stress due to many disruptions. COVID-19 and measures related to the pandemic, such as lockdowns and border closures, have disrupted value chains and demonstrated the lack of resilience in global maritime supply chains. How can European economy sustain this situation and what can policy makers do to support business?

CLECAT Meetings

CLECAT Air Freight Institute
14 June 2022, Brussels (hybrid-meeting)

CLECAT Supply Chain Security Institute
14 June 2022, Brussels (hybrid-meeting)

CLECAT Road Logistics Institute
15 June 2022, Brussels (hybrid-meeting)

CLECAT Maritime Logistics Institute (tbc)
15 June 2022, Brussels (hybrid-meeting)

CLECAT Board
16 June 2022, Brussels (hybrid-meeting)

CLECAT General Assembly
16 June 2022, Brussels (hybrid-meeting)

CLECAT Customs and Indirect Taxation Institute
17 June 2022, Brussels (hybrid-meeting)

EU Meetings

European Parliament

European Parliament Plenary
18-19 May 2022, Brussels

European Parliament Transport Committee
16-17 May 2022, Brussels

European Parliament Environment Committee
16-18 May 2022, Brussels

Council of the EU

Transport Council
2 June 2022, Luxembourg

Environment Council
28 June 2022, Luxembourg