Belgium assumed the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 January. In the field of transport, as outlined in the Presidency’s work programme, the Presidency will focus on decarbonising the EU transport sector and promoting sustainable and active modes of transport, while ensuring a level playing field with third countries.
On 11 January, MEPs from the TRAN and ENVI committees jointly debated on the CountEmissions EU proposal. Co-Rapporteurs Barbara Thaler (EPP, Austria) and Pascal Canfin (Renew, France) presented their draft report published in December.
COM PROPOSALS ON W&D FORESEE NO SIGNIFICANT REVERSE MODAL SHIFT TO ROAD
The European Parliament is set to engage in February in a crucial debate over proposed amendments to Directive 96/53/EC on weights and dimensions of heavy-duty vehicles used in national and international transport. This discussion comes at a pivotal moment, with the freight transport sector seeking to maximise efficiency, address driver shortages, and contribute to decarbonisation efforts.
RED SEA CRISIS DEEPENS AS CARRIERS INTRODUCE STEEP SURCHARGES
Over the last weeks, several attacks led by Houthi rebels occurred in the Red Sea leading the main carriers to suspend most voyages through the Suez Canal. These decisions were accompanied the imposition of surcharges, leading to a steep hike on freight rates between Asia and Europe. More operational difficulties are expected to arise in the coming days and weeks.
On December 22, 2023, the European Commission announced significant updates regarding the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a key component of the EU's climate strategy.
EU COMMISSION SETS NEW PROTECTIVE DUTY RATES FOR SHIPBUILDING COMPONENTS
In order to protect local industry, on the 11th January the European Commission announced the imposition of duties on bulb flats, a specialized steel product integral to shipbuilding, imported from Turkey and China. This action comes as a relief to the EU's two main producers of these products, both small and medium-sized enterprises in Spain and Italy.
On 9 January, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that the global air cargo markets in November 2023 experienced the strongest year-on-year growth in roughly two years.