News

IMCO COMMITTEE VOTES ON EU CUSTOMS REFORM

The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO) concluded its vote on the Customs Reform on Wednesday 22nd February. Following the vote at the upcoming plenary session of the European Parliament at the beginning of March the IMCO report will represent the European Parliament's stance during the initial reading of the reform proposal.

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER: WHAT'S NEXT FOR EU MOBILITY & TRANSPORT?

On 21 February, CLECAT participated at the academic Conference organised by DG MOVE with the European University Institute Florence School of Regulation on the mobility and transport agenda for the next College of Commissioners. In three brainstorming panel discussions academics debated the state of play of transport policy and future challenges and priorities.

PARLIAMENT ADOPTS POSITION ON DRIVING LICENCE DIRECTIVE

The Parliament adopted today in Plenary session its position on the revision of the Directive on Driving Licences. Among other measures, the text should help to alleviate the shortage of professional drivers.

OCEAN ALLIANCE EXTENDS ALLIANCE PACT FOR FIVE MORE YEARS

The Ocean Alliance of CMA CGM, Cosco, OOCL and Evergreen has announced that they are extending their alliance for another 5 years, to 2032. In a webinar on Liner Alliances, Drewry consultancy experts analysed and compared the alliances post introduction of the Gemini Cooperation.

EU LAUNCHES MILITARY OPERATION IN THE RED SEA

On 19 February, the Foreign Affairs Council formally approved the launch of the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES military operation, which aims to restore and safeguard freedom of navigation in the Red Sea area.

FMC PUBLISHES FINAL RULE ON D&D BILLING PRACTICES

The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued last week its Final Rule on Detention & Demurrage (D&D) billing practices. Stemming from the implementation of the OSRA of 2022, the text sets out new requirements for how maritime carriers and terminal operator must bill for D&D charges.

WTO INTRODUCES NEW GLOBAL RULE FOR SIMPLIFYING TRADE IN SERVICES

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has launched new rules under the Joint Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation, streamlining trade in services across 71 members, covering 92% of global trade.

SCHIPHOL AIRPORT UPGRADES ITS PORT COMMUNITY SYSTEM

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has earlier this month launched the upgraded version of its Port Community System (PCS) after four years of development with its fully owned cargo information platform, Cargonaut. The improvements will deliver faster data processing, greater transparency and full compliance with the latest IATA standards and guidelines.

EC INVESTGATES DISTORTING STATE SUPPORT TO DB CARGO

Reuters reported recently that the German rail freight operator is under investigation by the European Commission to determine whether the €300 million annual financial support received from the German government to cover its losses is market-distorting. Last year only, DB Cargo losses amounted to almost € 500 million.

POLISH FARMERS BLOCK FREIGHT TRANSPORT FROM UKRAINE

Last week numerous actions have been held by Polish farmers along the border with Ukraine, to protest against the relaxation of import and transit restrictions on Ukrainian goods by the EU.

FRAUNHOFER INSTITUTE PUBLISHES NEW GUIDE ON LOGISTICS HUBS

The Fraunhofer institute has published an updated Guide for GHG emissions accounting at logistics hubs. The updated version 2 of the guide covers new terms and requirements set by ISO 14083.

CLECAT Meetings and participation in events

ESPORG conference
6 March, European Parliament (Brussels)

CLECAT Board
14 March, online

ECTA General meeting & Roundtable on financing ZETs
21 March, Brussels

Connecting Europe days
2-5 April, Brussels

Smart Freight Week
23-25, Amsterdam

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