Newsletters

ICS2 WORKSHOP – LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER

On 6 July, CLECAT & DG TAXUD are organising a workshop to support freight forwarders to prepare for the new EU customs advance cargo information system. The workshop will be held in Brussels, but participants can join online. So far more than 200 participants have registered.

CLECAT WELCOMES COUNCIL AGREEMENT ON ETS

On 29 June, the Environment Council adopted the Council position on the revision of the EU Emission Trading System (ETS). . Member States supported the inclusion of emissions from maritime transport into the main ETS, the creation of a separate ETS for road transport emissions, and the 100% CO2 emission reduction target by 2035 for new vans.

EU INVESTS €5.4 BILLION IN SUSTAINABLE, SAFE, AND EFFICIENT TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

On 29 June, the European Commission selected 135 transport infrastructure projects for EU grants, from 399 project proposals submitted under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), the EU's funding instrument for strategic investment in transport infrastructure. The funding will support projects across all EU Member States along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

GSF-MDS QUATERLY REVIEW: LACK OF COMPETITION IN CONTAINER SHIPPING

The Global Shippers Forum (GSF) and MDS Transmodal published on 28 June the latest edition of the Container Shipping Market Quarterly Review for Q1 2022 with an accompanying press release. The main finding of this report highlights that concentration in global liner shipping market have been miscalculated and underestimated by authorities.

TRANSPORT COMMITTEE ADOPTS POSITION ON REFUEL EU AVIATION

On 27 June, MEPs on the Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Committee adopted a draft negotiating mandate on the legislative proposal for ReFuelEU. The adopted text aims to increase the uptake of sustainable fuels by aircraft operators and EU airports to cut emissions from aviation and ensure Europe becomes climate neutral by 2050.

COMMISSION LAUNCHES ALLIANCE FOR ZERO EMISSION AVIATION

On 24 June, the European Commission launched the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation, calling on the members of the aviation community to join forces in preparing for the advent of zero emission aircraft. The Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation aims to prepare the aviation ecosystem for the entry into service of hydrogen and electric-powered aircraft, to ensure that air transport contributes to Europe's 2050 climate neutrality objective.

EU SIGNS ROAD TRANSPORT AGREEMENTS WITH UKRAINE AND MOLDOVA

On 28 June, the EU signed road transport agreements with Ukraine and Moldova, which will help secure supply chains with both countries, including food security, following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine which has closed traditional transport routes.

2022 ANNUAL REPORT ON TAXATION

On 28 June, the Commission published its published its Annual Report on Taxation 2022, which assesses the recent trends in EU tax systems, and identifies how tax policy, implementation or compliance could be improved. The report highlights that EU Member States' tax revenue has decreased for the first time since the 2009 financial crisis, while public expenditure jumped from 46.5% in 2019 to 53% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis. This report shows that the pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine are testing both the resilience of our economies and our capacity to respond.

COMMISSION WAIVES IMPORT DUTIES AND VAT ON VITAL GOODS FOR UKRAINE

On 1 July, the European Commission adopted a Decision enabling Member States to temporarily waive customs duties and VAT on the importation from third countries of food, blankets, tents, electric generators and other life-saving equipment destined for Ukrainians affected by the war. This measure, which was requested by Member States, will apply retroactively from 24 February 2022 and will be in place until 31 December 2022.

EU AND NEW ZEALAND CONCLUDE TRADE DEAL

On 30 June, the EU and New Zealand concluded negotiations for a Trade Agreement, which is set to open significant economic opportunities for companies and consumers on both sides. Bilateral trade is expected to grow by up to 30%, with EU annual exports potentially growing by up to €4.5 billion. EU investment into New Zealand has a potential to grow by up to 80%. The deal can cut some €140 million a year in duties for EU companies from the first year of application.

2022 EDITION OF WCO E-COMMERCE PACKAGE

On 24 June, the WCO Council endorsed the revised versions of the Framework of Standards on Cross-Border E-Commerce (E-Commerce FoS) and the Technical Specifications to the FoS resulting from the first periodic review of the Framework and the tools that support its implementation and form part of the WCO E-Commerce Package.

NEW EUROPOL MANDATE ENTERS INTO FORCE

On 28 June, a new and stronger mandate entered into force for the EU agency for law enforcement cooperation (Europol). Under this reinforced mandate, Europol will be able to step up its operational and analytical support to Member States in tackling emerging security threats and fighting serious and organised crime as well as terrorism. It will also enable the agency to cooperate directly with private parties, in full compliance with strict data protection requirements.

CLECAT Meetings

CLECAT ICS-2 Workshop
6 July, Brussels (hybrid-meeting)

CLECAT Customs and Indirect Taxation Institute
13 July 2022, Online

CLECAT Air Freight Institute
4 October 2022, Online

CLECAT Supply Chain Security Institute
4 October 2022, Online

CLECAT Air Freight Institute
22 November 2022, Brussels (hybrid-meeting)

CLECAT Supply Chain Security Institute
22 November 2022, Brussels (hybrid-meeting)

EU Meetings

European Parliament

European Parliament Plenary
4-7 July 2022, Strasbourg

European Parliament Environment Committee
4 July 2022, Strasbourg
11-12 July 2022, Brussels

European Parliament Transport Committee
27 June 2022, Brussels

Council of the EU

Transport Council
5 December 2022, Brussels