News

COMMISSION ADOPTS NEW STATE AID RULES TO BOOST THE USE OF MORE SUSTAINABLE WAYS OF TRANSPORT

European Commission has adopted a revised framework for State aid in land and multimodal transport, aimed at accelerating the shift towards more sustainable transport modes while simplifying procedures for Member States. The new rules will enter into force on 30 March 2026.

CLECAT MILITARY MOBILITY WORKING GROUP MEETS

On 20 March, CLECAT’s Military Mobility Working Group convened to exchange views on the latest developments regarding the proposed European Military Mobility Regulation.

TRAN DEBATES TARGETED REVISION EUROVIGNETTE

The targeted revision of the Eurovignette Directive was discussed at the TRAN Committee meeting this week. The rapporteur, Matteo Ricci (S&D, Italy), presented a draft report that focuses on outstanding implementation challenges.

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT APPROVES TARGETED AMENDMENT CO2 RULES FOR HDV’S

On Thursday, 12 March 2026, the European Parliament approved a targeted amendment to the EU Regulation on CO₂ emission performance standards for heavy-duty vehicles, marking a swift response to mounting concerns from automotive industry stakeholders.

ITALY FACES COURT ACTION OVER EUROVIGNETTE NON-COMPLIANCE

Italy is facing escalating legal and financial pressure over its failure to correctly transpose the Eurovignette Directive, following a formal referral by the European Commission to the Court of Justice of the European Union.

ASIA–EUROPE CONTAINER RATES REMAIN STABLE DESPITE MIDDLE EAST DISRUPTIONS

The container market on the Asia–Europe route is, for now, showing no signs of the sharp rate increases that were anticipated just a week ago. According to the latest figures from Drewry’s World Container Index, the average spot rate for a forty-foot container rose only marginally, from USD 2,443 to USD 2,478.

ECJ RULING ON GERMAN TRACK ACCESS CHARGES OPENS DOOR TO REFUNDS FOR RAIL FREIGHT

On 19 March, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled against Germany’s system for track access charges (TAC), finding that the existing mechanism for local passenger transport is not in line with EU rules. The decision is expected to have significant implications for rail freight operators in Germany.

CLECAT ATTENDS 73RD TCG PLENARY

On the 19th March CLECAT participated in the 73rd Plenary Meeting of the Trade Contact Group (TCG) organised by DG TAXUD. The meeting covered a broad range of trade and customs policy topics including CBAM, e-commerce and EU Customs Reform.

CLECAT PARTICIPATES IN DG TRADE MARKET ACCESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (MAAC)

On 11 March 2026, CLECAT participated for the first time in a meeting of the Market Access Advisory Committee (MAAC), an advisory body that brings together the DG Trade of the European Commission, EU Member States and European business associations on a monthly basis to exchange information and coordinate on trade and market access issues affecting EU companies in third countries.

US CBP FACES DELAYS IN PROCESSING IEEPA TARIFF REFUNDS

European Commission has adopted a revised framework for State aid in land and multimodal transport, aimed at accelerating the shift towards more sustainable transport modes while simplifying procedures for Member States.

CLECAT Meetings and participation in events

CLECAT - OLF  webinar
23 March, Online

CLECAT Supply Chain Security Institute meeting
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

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

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

DG TAXUD Centralised Clearance for Import Business Group Meeting (CCI BCG)
15 April, Brussels

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
8-9 April, Brussels

European Parliament Environment Committee
24 March, Brussels

European Parliament Internal Market Committee
23-24 March, Brussels

European Parliament Plenary
25-26 March, Brussels

Council of the EU

Informal meeting of Transport Ministers
28-29 April, Lefkosia

Environment Council
17 March, Brussels