12 January 2024

CLECAT Newsletter 2024/01

CLECAT NEWSLETTER
 
Brussels News

BELGIAN PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL KICKS OFF

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.

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Brussels News

MEPS DEBATE COUNTEMISSIONS EU

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.

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Brussels News

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.

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MARITIME
 
Maritime

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.

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CUSTOMS & TRADE
 
Customs & Trade

COMMISSION ANNOUNCES CBAM DEFAULT VALUES

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.

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Customs & Trade

NEW SECRETARY GENERAL AT WCO

January 3rd marks a landmark moment for the World Customs Organization (WCO) as it welcomes Mr. Ian Saunders as the new Secretary General.

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Customs & Trade

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.

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AIR
 
Air

AIR CARGO DEMAND INCREASES IN NOVEMBER

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.

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EVENTS
 

CLECAT Meetings

CLECAT Customs & Indirect Taxation Institute
16 January, online

Connecting Europe days
2-5 April, Brussels

EU Meetings

European Parliament

European Parliament Environment Committee
24 January, Brussels 

European Parliament Transport Committee
23-24 January, Brussels

European Parliament Plenary
15-18 January, Strasbourg

Council of the EU

Informal meeting of environment ministers
15-16 January, Brussels

Informal meeting of transport ministers
3-4 April, Brussels