28 March 2025

CLECAT Newsletter 2025/12

CLECAT NEWSLETTER
 
Brussels News

ELP EVENT ON EU CUSTOMS REFORM

The European Logistics Platform (ELP) convened a high-level debate on the proposed EU Customs Reform on 26 March, hosted by MEP Dirk Gotink, Rapporteur on the reform, to explore the challenges and opportunities for business in navigating the most significant customs overhaul since 1968.

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Brussels News

COUNCIL ADOPTS THE OMNIBUS “STOP-THE-CLOCK” PROPOSAL

The Council of the EU has reached a general approach on the 'Stop the Clock' mechanism, the proposal postponing the dates of application of certain corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements, as well as the transposition deadline of the due diligence provisions,

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Brussels News

COM LAUNCHES THE EU PREPAREDNESS UNION STRATEGY

On 26 March, the European Commission and the High Representative launched the Preparedness Union Strategy, with the aim to enhance Europe’s capability to prevent and respond to emerging threats. The Strategy is based on the report by former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö on the EU’s civilian and military preparedness and readiness, to which CLECAT contributed on transport security-related aspects.

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Brussels News

EP AND COUNCIL STRIKE A DEAL ON THE REVISION OF DRIVING LICENCES DIRECTIVE

On 25 March, negotiators from the Parliament and the Council reached a political agreement on the revision of the Driving Licences Directive. This agreement, announced on 25 March 2025, aims to modernise the rules governing driving licences across the European Union and helping alleviate the shortage of professional drivers.

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MARITIME
 
Maritime

JOINT STATEMENT: RESILIENT WATERBORNE LOGISTICS SUPPLY CHAINS: A KEY TO EU COMPETITIVENESS

Ahead of the European Commission’s upcoming Maritime and Port Strategies, CLECAT and 16 organisations from across Europe’s logistics and transport sectors have adopted a joint statement titled “Resilient Waterborne Logistics Supply Chains: A Key to EU Competitiveness.”

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Maritime

CLECAT MARITIME LOGISTICS INSTITUTE MEETS

Members of the CLECAT Maritime Logistics Institute met today to discuss the latest developments in maritime freight transport, focusing on the implementation of ICS2 Release 3 for maritime transport, ETS Maritime, and the upcoming EU Ports Strategy.

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ROAD
 
Road

ECTA STUDY ON KPI FOR ZERO EMISSION TRUCKING IN EUROPE

The European Clean Trucking Alliance (ECTA) has released a comprehensive report detailing the progress and challenges of transitioning to zero-emission trucking across Europe

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CUSTOMS & TRADE
 
Customs & Trade

COURT OF AUDITORS PUBLISHES VAT FRAUD REPORT

On 21 March, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) published its Special Report 08/2025, focusing on VAT fraud on imports through simplified customs procedures, namely customs procedure 42 (CP42) and the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS). The report concludes that the EU’s financial interests are insufficiently protected under the current framework, revealing systemic weaknesses in legislation, enforcement, and cooperation among Member States and EU institutions.

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AIR
 
Air

COMMISSION STANDS FIRM ON SAF TARGETS DESPITE INDUSTRY CONCERNS

Gathered in Brussels on 27 March for the Airlines for Europe (A4E) Aviation Summit, the CEOs of Europe’s largest carriers voiced strong concerns over the feasibility of the 2030 sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) targets set by the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation.

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EVENTS
 

CLECAT Meetings and participation in events

CLECAT Customs and Indirect Taxation Institute meeting
8 April, Hybrid

CLECAT General Assembly
17 June, Gdansk

EU Meetings

European Parliament

European Parliament Environment Committee
31 March, Strasbourg

European Parliament Transport Committee
9-10 April, Brussels

European Parliament Plenary
31 March - 3 April, Strasbourg

Council of the EU

Informal meeting of environment ministers
28-29 April, Warsaw

Transport Council
5 June, Luxembourg