News

TRAN MEPS EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH CYPRIOT PRESIDENCY

On 27 January, the Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Committee of the European Parliament held an exchange of views with the Cypriot Minister of Transport, Mr Alexis Vafeades, and Deputy Minister of Shipping, Ms Marina Hadjimanolis, on the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council.

TRAN SEEKS JOINT ROLE WITH ENVI ON AUTOMOTIVE PACKAGE

Discussions are ongoing in the European Parliament regarding the allocation of committee responsibilities for key legislative proposals under the Commission’s Automotive Package.

ELECTRIC TRUCK SALES IN THE EU JUMP 70% IN 2025, BUT GROWTH REMAINS HIGHLY UNEVEN ACROSS MEMBER STATES

Sales of electric heavy-duty trucks in the European Union rose sharply in 2025, increasing by more than 70% year on year to almost 13,000 vehicles, according to new figures published by ACEA. The data underline both the accelerating uptake of zero-emission trucks and the significant disparities between EU Member States.

EUROPEAN FISHERY PRODUCT IMPORTERS STRUGGLE TO COMPLY WITH NEW REGULATION

The mandatory implementation of the EU Catch Certification IT system (CATCH) as of 10 January 2026 represents a major shift in how imports of fishery products are controlled at the EU border.

EU AND INDIA CONCLUDE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

On 27 January, the European Union and India concluded negotiations on a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA), representing the largest trade agreement ever concluded by either party. The agreement is expected to significantly strengthen economic and political ties between the EU and India at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty and global economic challenges.

MSC FINED $22.67 MILLION BY FMC FOR MULTI-YEAR SHIPPING ACT VIOLATIONS

On 28 January, the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) announced that it had imposed a civil penalty of $22.67 million on Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) for a series of violations of the U.S. Shipping Act committed over several years.

COM LAUNCHES CONSULTATION ON EU RULES FOR AIRPORT NOISE-RELATED FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

On 29 January, the European Commission launched a targeted consultation as part of its evaluation of the EU rules governing the introduction of noise-related operating restrictions at airports.

COMBINED TRANSPORT DIRECTIVE PROPOSAL MIGHT SURVIVE

Following a vote of its political groups, the European Parliament’s Transport Committee (TRAN) has rejected a proposal to withdraw the revision of the Combined Transport Directive, offering a potential lifeline to a file that had been at risk of being abandoned altogether.

CLECAT Meetings and participation in events

CLECAT Digitalisation Working Group meeting
4 February, Online

Expert Group on Land Transport Security meeting
4 February, Brussels

European Port Alliance
5-6 February, Brussels

ESPORG Annual Conference
4 March, Brussels

FIATA HQ meeting
30 March - 1 April, Geneva

Smart Freight Week
14-16 April, Amsterdam

CLECAT Customs and Indirect Taxation Institute meeting
15 April, Brussels and online

CLECAT General Assembly
16 June, (place tbc)

EU Meetings

European Parliament

European Parliament Transport Committee
24 February, Brussels

European Parliament Environment Committee
28-29 January, Brussels

European Parliament Plenary
9-12 February, Strasbourg

Council of the EU

Informal meeting of Transport Ministers
28-29 April, Lefkosia

Environment Council
17 March, Brussels