News

ELP EVENT ON EU CUSTOMS REFORM

The European Logistics Platform (ELP) is hosting an event entitled "EU Customs Reform: Industry Challenges and Solutions" on 26 March 2025, from 16:00 to 17:30 at the Stanhope Hotel in Brussels.

EC OPENS CONSULTATION ON CONNECTING EUROPE FACILITY

Last week, the European Commission launched a public consultation as part of its interim and ex-post evaluation of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) covering the periods 2014-2020 and 2021-2027.

EC LAUNCHES THE UNION OF SKILLS

Last week, the European Commission issued a Communication entitled “The Union of Skills”, an initiative addressing labour shortages, enhancing workforce capabilities across various sectors, including transport and aiming to bridge the gap between the needs of employers and the skills of the workforce.

FREIGHT RATES CONTINUE TO FALL DESPITE RISING DEMAND

The Loadstar reported today that after a small hike last week, container spot freight rates on the Asia-Europe trades resumed their downward trajectory this week, with prices to both North Europe and Mediterranean ports falling.

EU RESPONDS TO US TARIFFS ON STEEL AND ALUMINIUM

On 12 March, the United States reintroduced tariffs of up to 25% on steel, aluminium, and related products from the EU. In response, the European Commission is reinstating and expanding countermeasures to protect European industries from these trade restrictions.

VAT IN DIGITAL AGE PACKAGE ADOPTED

On 11 March 2025, the European Commission adopted the VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) package, aiming to modernise and streamline the EU's VAT system. This comprehensive reform will be implemented progressively until January 2035.

ENISA NIS360 2024 REPORT

Last week, the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) released its ENISA NIS360 2024 Report: A Comprehensive Look at Cybersecurity Maturity and Criticality of NIS2 Sectors.

CLECAT Meetings and participation in events

ECTA General meeting
18 March, Amsterdam

Smart Freight Week
18-20 March, Amsterdam

FIATA HQ meeting
18-20 March, Geneva

European Shipping Summit
19-20 March, Brussels

CLECAT Maritime Logistics Institute
28 March, Online

CLECAT General Assembly
17 June, Gdansk

CLECAT Customs and Indirect Taxation Institute meeting
17 June, Gdansk

EU Meetings

European Parliament

European Parliament Environment Committee
17-18 March, Brussels

European Parliament Transport Committee
17-18 March, Brussels

European Parliament Plenary
31 March - 3 April, Strasbourg

Council of the EU

Informal meeting of transport ministers
17-18 March, Warsaw

Informal meeting of environment ministers
28-29 April, Warsaw