News

CLECAT MARITIME LOGISTICS INSTITUTE MEETS

Members of the CLECAT Maritime Logistics Institute met this week to discuss the latest developments regarding maritime freight transport, notably the impacts of the Red Sea crisis, the implementation of ICS2 Release 3 for maritime transport and the European Ports Alliance.

CLECAT SUSTAINABLE LOGISTICS INSTITUTE MEETS

Members of the CLECAT Sustainable Logistics Institute met yesterday to exchange views on the latest developments regarding sustainability policies affecting transport and logistics at national and EU level. Members discussed the legislative developments on the CountEmissions EU proposal, the development of corporate sustainability reporting standards and the CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles.

CLECAT PUBLISHES POSITION ON REVISED COMBINED TRANSPORT DIRECTIVE

On 13 February, CLECAT published its position paper on the Commission’s proposal for amendments to the Combined Transport Directive 92/106/EEC. CLECAT and its members welcomed the proposal amending Directive 92/106/EEC on the establishment of common rules for certain types of combined transport of goods between Member States as the current rules are outdated, ambiguous and create barriers to the effective operation of combined transport.

TRAN COMMITTEE ADOPTS REPORT ON WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS

On 14 February, the EP’s TRAN Committee adopted its report on the revision of the Weights & Dimensions Directive. MEPs sets incentives for the uptake of zero-emission vehicles while setting additional obstacles to the use of EMS vehicles.

NEW PROOF OF UNION STATUS SYSTEM LAUNCHED 1 MARCH

Starting from 1 March 2024, the European Union will introduce the new Proof of Union Status (PoUS) system, which will transform how economic operators can apply for T2L and T2LF union status certificates. This system is a recent launch within the UCC Work Program, which outlines projects and electronic systems aimed at achieving a harmonized exchange of European customs information.

NAVIGATING THE BALTIC BORDER: THE CHALLENGE OF ENFORCING EU SANCTIONS

Politico published an interesting report on how the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are facing significant challenges in policing their combined 1,600-kilometer border with Russia and Belarus. The article claims that this frontier has become a focal point for attempts to circumvent sanctions on dual-use goods and luxury items, straining the resources of customs officials and exposing gaps in enforcement capabilities.

NEXT PHASE OF EMCS LAUNCHED TO ALLOW INTEROPERABILITY WITH AES

The EU Excise Movement and Control System (EMCS), monitoring excise goods like tobacco, alcohol, and energy products, has launched phase 4.1 This phase introduces interoperability with the EU Automated Export System (AES), enhancing efficiency in export operations.

POLISH FARMERS TO BLOCK AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS FROM UKRAINE

Starting 20 February, Polish farmers intend to block all border crossings between Poland and Ukraine, seaports and rail hubs with the aim to stop Ukrainian freight. After a temporary pause in the protest following a compensation deal reached with the Polish government in January, farmers returned to their blockades on 9 February.

EC PUBLISHES 2024 SINGLE MARKET AND COMPETITIVENESS REPORT

On 14 February, the European Commission published the Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report (ASMCR). The report details the competitive strengths and challenges of Europe's Single Market, tracking yearly developments according to the nine competitiveness drivers identified in the EU's 2023 Long-term competitiveness Communication.

CLECAT Meetings and participation in events

Moving forward together: what's next for EU mobility & transport?
21 February, Brussels

CLECAT Board
14 March, online

Connecting Europe days
2-5 April, Brussels

2nd Transport Security Conference
2 May, Brussels

EU Meetings

European Parliament

European Parliament Environment Committee
4 March, Brussels 

European Parliament Transport Committee
4 March, Brussels

European Parliament Plenary
26-29 February, Strasbourg

Council of the EU

Environment Council
25 March, Brussels

Informal meeting of transport ministers
3-4 April, Brussels