News

CLECAT WELCOMES EUROPEAN PORTS STRATEGY

CLECAT issued a press release this week following the European Commission’s publication of the EU Ports Strategy. The strategy acknowledges that ports are increasingly evolving into multifunctional hubs supporting logistics operations, the energy transition, industrial activity and supply chain security.

2026 ESPORG SECURE TRUCK PARKING CONFERENCE

On 4th March, CLECAT attended the ESPORG annual Conference in Brussels, where representatives from the European Commission, Members of the European Parliament, the European Union Military Staff, industry stakeholders, and truck parking operators discussed the role of Safe and Secure Truck Parking Areas (SSTPAs) in strengthening the European transport network.

ESPORG CONFERENCE: EXCELLENCE IN TRUCK PARKING AWARDS 2026

During the ESPORG Annual Conference held on 4 March in Brussels, the Excellence in Truck Parking Awards 2026 were presented, recognising leading operators that set high standards for safety, sustainability and driver wellbeing. CLECAT participated in the jury evaluating the applications.

CONTAINER LINES REROUTE GULF CARGO AS HORMUZ CRISIS TRIGGERS EXTRA COSTS ACROSS SUPPLY CHAINS

Cargo bound for ports in the Persian Gulf is facing major disruption as container lines begin diverting vessels and suspending services in response to the escalating security crisis in the region.

MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT PUSHES UP CONTAINER FREIGHT RATES

Escalating tensions in the Middle East and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz are already reshaping global shipping patterns. As security risks intensify, carriers are reassessing how to maintain reliable freight flows to and within the region while managing rising operational costs and growing supply chain uncertainty.

AIR FREIGHT RATES SURGE AS MIDDLE EAST DISRUPTIONS HIT GULF CARGO HUBS

Air freight markets are reacting rapidly to the escalating disruption across the Middle East, as the regional crisis begins to affect one of the world’s most important aviation transit corridors. Capacity is tightening across key long-haul routes, particularly between Asia and Europe, at the very moment when demand is recovering following the Lunar New Year production slowdown in Asia.

COMMISSION SIGNALS FLEXIBILITY ON E-SAF PENALTIES UNDER REFUELEU AVIATION

Recent discussions between the European Commission and industry representatives at the fourth general assembly of the Renewable and Low-Carbon Fuels Value Chain Industrial Alliance (RLCF) indicate a more flexible approach regarding potential penalties linked to the supply of synthetic sustainable aviation fuels (e-SAF) under the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation.

AIR CARGO GROWS 5.6% IN JANUARY

On 2 March, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its latest air cargo market data for January 2026, showing continued growth in global demand.

ENERGY COUNCIL ON THE GRIDS PACKAGE

Energy ministers are set to hold a policy debate on the the European Grids Package at the Energy Council meeting on 16 March, with discussions expected to focus in part on measures to accelerate the deployment of charging infrastructure across Europe.

CLECAT AND EURTRADENET JOIN FORCES TO SUPPORT MEMBERS ON ICS2 IMPLEMENTATION

On 6 March 2026, CLECAT, in collaboration with EurTradeNet (ETN), the international association of IT service providers specialising in EU customs, successfully organised a pilot webinar to raise awareness the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) obligations.

EUROPEAN COMMISSION EXPANDS TRAINING FOR CUSTOMS AND TAX PROFESSIONALS

The European Commission has introduced a new course for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and tax officials, alongside an updated version of the SAMANCTA training programme. Announced on 2 March 2026, these initiatives form part of TAXUD’s efforts to strengthen professional competence in customs and taxation across the EU.

CLECAT Meetings and participation in events

DG TRADE Market Access Advisory Committee (MAAC) meeting
11 March, Brussels

CLECAT Board
17 March, Online

Stakeholders Advisory Group on Aviation Security (SAGAS) meeting
19 March, Brussels

DG TAXUD Trade Contact Group (TCG) Plenary
19 March, Brussels

CLECAT - OLF  webinar
23 March, Online

CLECAT Road Logistics Institute meeting
24 March, Online

FIATA HQ meeting
30 March - 1 April, Geneva

Smart Freight Week
14-16 April, Amsterdam

CLECAT Supply Chain Security Institute meeting
23 April, Online

DG TAXUD Trade Contact Group (TCG) Plenary
19 March, Brussels

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

DG TAXUD Electronic Customs Coordination Group (ECCG) meeting
16-17 April Brussels

CLECAT General Assembly
16 June, (place tbc)

EU Meetings

European Parliament

European Parliament Transport Committee
18-19 March, Brussels

European Parliament Environment Committee
16-17 March, Brussels

European Parliament Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee
16-17 March, Brussels

European Parliament Plenary
9-12 March, Strasbourg

Council of the EU

Informal meeting of Transport Ministers
28-29 April, Lefkosia

Environment Council
17 March, Brussels