News

CLECAT CALLS FOR STRONGER EU FUNDING IN MFF CONSULTATION

On 6 May, CLECAT submitted its contribution to the public consultation on the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). While transport infrastructure is not the central focus of the review, the consultation offered an important opportunity to call for strong and dedicated EU funding to support future transport and logistics projects.

GERMAN FEDERAL AUDIT OFFICE CALLS TO REVIEW TONNAGE TAX SCHEME

In April, the German Federal Audit Office (Bundesrechnungshof) issued a report with recommendations to consolidate and strengthen the German federal budget. One of the recommendations suggests reviewing the current tonnage tax scheme, which exempts shipping companies from standard corporate taxation.

NORTHERN EUROPE’S PORT CONGESTION SET TO DRAG INTO SUMMER

The Loadstar reported last week that congestion across Northern Europe’s major container ports is forecasted to continue well into the summer months, raising concerns across the logistics sector as delays ripple through the supply chain.

MEDITERRANEAN EMISSION CONTROL AREA ENTERS INTO FORCE

On 1 May, the Mediterranean Sea officially became an Emission Control Area, according to IMO regulations, where stricter controls are in place to minimise air pollution from ships, notably sulphur oxides emissions leading to sea and land acidification and contributing to fine dust, which is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

LEGISLATORS CONTINUE TALKS ON RAIL CAPACITY REGULATION

Despite recent technical progress on the proposed Rail Capacity Regulation, negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council remain at an impasse over a critical issue which is funding.

EC TAKES THREE MEMBER STATES TO COURT OVER EUROVIGNETTE

On 7 May, the European Commission decided to refer Bulgaria, Greece and Poland to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to transpose the Eurovignette Directive.

EUROPE’S TRUCK DRIVER SHORTAGE WORSENS AS AGE GAP GROWS

The International Road Transport Union (IRU) has published its 2024 Global Truck Driver Shortage Report, sounding the alarm over a growing demographic crisis that threatens road freight capacity and economic competitiveness across Europe.

EP AND COUNCIL ADOPT AMENDMENT TO CO2 STANDARDS FOR CARS AND VANS

On 8 May, the European Parliament adopted in Plenary session the targeted amendment to the Regulation setting CO2 standards for cars and vans. The proposal, adopted without amendments, introduces a flexibility measure for manufacturers to comply with the 2025 CO2 targets.

CANADA ENFORCES PRE-LOAD AIR CARGO TARGETING (PACT) TO ENHANCE SECURITY

As of 1 April 2025, Canada has begun enforcing its new Pre-Load Air Cargo Targeting (PACT) program, requiring carriers to submit detailed shipment data to Transport Canada prior to loading cargo bound for Canada. The goal is to identify and mitigate high-risk shipments before they are placed on board aircraft.

AIR CARGO DEMAND SHOWS CONTINUED GROWTH IN MARCH

On 29 April, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) published its latest air cargo market data, reporting a continued increase in global air freight demand for March 2025. The data confirms a strong performance, marking a historic peak for the month.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON EU COUNTERMEASURES IN US TARIFFS DISPUTE

The European Commission has opened a public consultation on a draft list of US products potentially subject to EU countermeasures, should ongoing negotiations with the United States fail to yield an agreement that leads to the removal of recently imposed US tariffs.

EC APPROVES TEMPORARY FRENCH EXPORT CREDIT SCHEME TO OFFSET US TARIFF RISKS

On 8 May 2025, the European Commission approved a €5 billion French export credit re-insurance scheme to support exporters of wines and spirits in light of the impending US tariffs.

COMMISSION LAUNCHES LEGAL ACTION AGAINST SIX MEMBER STATES OVER CUSTOMS IT DELAYS

The European Commission has initiated legal proceedings against six Member States for failing to comply with key obligations under the Union Customs Code (UCC). Letters of formal notice have been sent to Czechia, Denmark, Greece, Austria, Romania and Slovakia for not fully deploying the electronic systems for Temporary Storage and the National Import System required for air transport.

CLECAT Meetings and participation in events

International Transport Forum
21-23 May, Leipzing

CLECAT Air Freight Logistics Institute meeting
26 May, Online

CLECAT Supply Chain Security Institute meeting
28 May, Online

CLECAT Board
17 June, Gdansk

CLECAT General Assembly
17 June, Gdansk

CLECAT Customs and Indirect Taxation Institute meeting
17 June, Gdansk

EU Meetings

European Parliament

European Parliament Environment Committee
12-13 May, Brussels

European Parliament Transport Committee
14-15 May, Brussels

European Parliament Plenary
21-22 May, Brussels

Council of the EU

Transport Council
5 June, Luxembourg

Environment Council
17 June, Luxembourg