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Against the backdrop of CLECAT’s General Assembly and the annual Logistics for Europe event, several of CLECAT’s Institutes convened last week in Brussels to take stock of key policy developments and operational challenges shaping European logistics.

On 12 November, CLECAT’s Maritime Logistics Institute, held at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, kicked off with an analysis by Mr Christophe Van Mechelen (Lawyer, Van Doosselaere & Partners) on the legal challenges freight forwarders face under Belgian law regarding detention and demurrage, particularly the practice of containers being held hostage until excessive charges are paid. The meeting also addressed key EU policy files, including the upcoming EU Port Strategy, efforts under the European Ports Alliance to tackle organised crime and port infiltration, and updates on Military Mobility and sustainability priorities, such as the IMO Net Zero Framework and the EU Sustainable Transport Investment Plan.

On 14 November, CLECAT Sustainable Logistics Institute brought together members to discuss policy developments shaping the future of sustainable transport. The meeting began with an update on the latest trilogue results for CountEmissions EU, where CLECAT had welcomed the recent trilogue agreement. Participants also reviewed recent progress on the Omnibus I package, including the revision of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the upcoming trilogue negotiations between the Parliament and Council. Members further explored initiatives related to the transition to zero-emission road vehicles, including updates on the Clean Corporate Fleets initiative and CLECAT’s ongoing advocacy against mandatory ZEV targets. Discussions also covered the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan and the latest developments in aviation and maritime decarbonisation. including the future revision of the ETS for maritime and aviation.

CLECAT’s Customs and Indirect Taxation Institute (CITI) meeting followed on the same day. Members shared updates on national practices, highlighting concerns over diverging approaches that impact logistics and customs operations, particularly regarding the uneven rollout of ICS2 Release 3 for road and rail, data quality issues, and inconsistent border instructions. The Secretariat also reported on varying readiness levels for the UCC Work Programme, including delays in major systems like AES and challenges with NCTS–ICS2 interactions. The meeting also addressed the ongoing Customs Reform negotiations, focusing on liabilities, sanctions, and new procedural models, as well as the rise of national e-commerce handling fees and the need for coordinated industry input. Recent developments, such as ECOFIN’s rapid action on small parcels, Commissioner Šefčovič’s call for a pragmatic solution, and updates on the European Customs Authority and Data Hub, were also discussed. CLECAT remains committed to advocating for a pragmatic, competitive framework that supports efficient supply chains and reflects the operational realities of European traders.