News

AUTOMOTIVE PACKAGE: ENABLING CONDITIONS TAKE CENTRE STAGE IN STRASBOURG DEBATE

On 16 December, the European Commission adopted and presented its Automotive Package to the European Parliament. The package aims to support the competitiveness and decarbonisation of Europe’s automotive and transport sectors, including through initiatives on clean mobility, industrial resilience and the greening of corporate fleets.

EP PLENARY ADOPTS INI REPORT ON MILITARY MOBILITY

On 17 December, the European Parliament adopted an own-initiative report calling for the removal of remaining barriers to the cross-border movement of military personnel and equipment across the EU, underlining the strategic importance of military mobility in light of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. MEPs stressed that faster and more seamless military movements are essential for European security and defence, particularly for the protection of the EU’s eastern flank.

EU GIVES BUSINESSES MORE TIME ON DEFORESTATION RULES

On 18 December 2025, the Council of the EU formally adopted a targeted revision of the rules, confirming a further postponement and limited simplification measures.

ICS2 ROLLOUT FOR ROAD TRANSPORT ENTERS A CRITICAL PHASE

The EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is entering a decisive phase for road transport operators. From 1 January 2026, several Member States will switch off the old ICS1 system, meaning that Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) for goods entering or transiting the EU by road must be submitted through ICS2. There will be no grace period, so lack of readiness may lead to delays and penalties at the border.

CBAM MOVES INTO ITS FINAL PHASE – COMMISSION PUBLISHES MAJOR IMPLEMENTATION PACKAGE

On 17 December 2025, the European Commission published an extensive package of documents completing and expanding the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) framework ahead of its definitive phase starting in 2026. The package consists of 24 separate legal acts, annexes, reports and legislative proposals, all released on the same day.

EC PROPOSES EXEMPTING PLASTIC WRAPPING FROM REUSE TARGETS

On 10 December, the Commission launched a four-week public feedback period on a draft Delegated Decision proposing to exempt economic operators from the 100% reuse requirements for pallet wrappings and straps, as outlined in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.

RAIL LOGISTICS INSTITUTE MEETS

On 18 December, CLECAT’s Rail Logistics Institute met to exchange views on developments in rail freight in Europe. A presentation was received from Joost Naessens, Director Transport and Logistics of the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), which provided industry perspectives on current challenges and priorities for rail and combined transport.

CLECAT Meetings and participation in events

CLECAT Board
16 January, Brussels

CLECAT Customs and Indirect Taxation Institute meeting
20 January, Brussels and online
15 April, Brussels and online
17 June, Brussels and online
16 September, Brussels and online

CLECAT General Assembly
16 June (place tbc)
26 November, Brussels

EU Meetings

European Parliament

European Parliament Transport Committee
12 January, Brussels

European Parliament Environment Committee
19 January, Strasbourg

European Parliament Plenary
19-22 January, Strasbourg

Council of the EU

Transport Council
8 June, Brussels

Environment Council
17 March, Brussels