News

EU SUSPENDS RETALIATORY TARIFFS ON THE US

The European Union will suspend retaliatory tariffs on the US in response to Donald Trump’s decision on 9 April to ‘pause’ duties on most US trading partners, Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement on 10 April.

US TARIFFS: UNCERTAINTY REIGNS FOR GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS

The global trade landscape has entered a new phase of volatility, with escalating tariffs between the United States and China further straining supply chains.

CLECAT’S CUSTOMS AND INDIRECT TAXATION INSTITUTE MEETS IN BRUSSELS

On 8 April, CLECAT held its latest meeting of the Customs and Indirect Taxation Institute (CITI), gathering members in Brussels and online. The meeting provided an opportunity for national representatives to exchange views on the ongoing challenges and developments in the EU customs landscape.

FEPORT ANNUAL STAKEHOLDERS’ CONFERENCE 2025

On 9 April, CLECAT attended the FEPORT Eighth Stakeholders’ Conference in Brussels. Participants had the opportunity to exchange on the current geopolitical situation and the consequences for the competitiveness and resilience of EU ports and maritime supply chain.

IMO REACHES AGREEMENT TO REDUCE EMISSIONS FROM MARITIME SHIPPING

Today, after tense negotiations throughout the week, countries gathered at the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) provisionally approved a global climate agreement to reduce emissions from maritime transport.

EU EXTENDS ROAD AGREEMENT WITH UKRAINE

On 10 April, the European Commission announced that the EU and Ukraine have extended their Road Transport Agreement until 31 December 2025. The Agreement, first implemented in June 2022 helped to mitigate the impact of lost transport routes and markets in eastern Ukraine due to the Russian aggression.

OANA GHERGHINESCU SELECTED AS FUTURE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE EU RAILWAYS AGENCY

On 19 March 2025, Oana Gherghinescu was selected as the next Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA). Ms Gherghinescu, who has worked at ERA for the past 11 years, presented herself to the European Parliament’s TRAN Committee, outlining her vision for the agency's future.

EU SUPPORTS MODERNISATION OF ALBANIA RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE

On 8 April, the European Union (EU) announced a €90.5 million financial package to support the upgrade of the Durrës–Rrogozhina railway section in Albania. The initiative is part of the EU’s broader strategy to enhance connectivity and promote sustainable transport in the Western Balkans.

EU ETS REDUCED EMISSIONS IN THE SECTORS COVERED BY 50% SINCE 2005

On 4 April, the European Commission published its annual report on CO₂ emissions recorded under the carbon market (ETS) in 2024. While overall emissions decreased by 5% compared to 2023, aviation stood out negatively.

CLECAT Meetings and participation in events

CLECAT Board
24 April, 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
23-24 April, Brussels

European Parliament Transport Committee
14-15 May, Brussels

European Parliament Plenary
5-8 May, Strasbourg

Council of the EU

Informal meeting of environment ministers
28-29 April, Warsaw

Transport Council
5 June, Luxembourg