Newsletters

PARLIAMENT REFERS EU-MERCOSUR AGREEMENT TO EUROPEAN COURT

The European Parliament held a vote on 21 January on the next procedural steps concerning the EU-Mercosur agreement, deciding to request a legal opinion from the European Court of Justice on the conformity of the agreement with the EU Treaties. The resolution was adopted by a narrow margin, reflecting the highly divided views within Parliament on the agreement.

CLECAT PARTICIPATES IN TCG WORKING SESSION

The Trade Contact Group (TCG) held a working session on 21 January 2026, bringing together the European Commission and trade representatives to continue the structured dialogue on key customs policy developments.

ELECTRIC TRUCKS SET TO REACH 5% MARKET SHARE IN EUROPE BY 2026, ING PREDICTS

Sales of electric trucks in Europe are expected to continue their upward trend in 2026. According to new analysis by ING Research, the market share of heavy-duty electric trucks (over 16 tonnes) is forecast to exceed 5% in 2026, up from around 3% last year.

TEN-T 2030 DEADLINE INCREASINGLY OUT OF REACH, EUROPEAN COURT OF AUDITORS WARN

The completion of the EU’s core Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) by 2030 is now widely considered unattainable, following the publication of a new report by the European Court of Auditors. The findings confirm long-standing concerns within the transport and logistics sector about persistent delays, cost overruns and governance challenges affecting major cross-border infrastructure projects.

CONTAINER MARKET OUTLOOK HIGHLIGHTS CHALLENGING PERIOD AHEAD

According Drewry’s Container Market Outlook webinar this week, global container shipping profitability is expected to fall sharply, with the sector barely remaining above break-even in 2026. Drewry experts estimate that the combined profit of all container carriers worldwide will amount to around USD 1 billion this year, a dramatic decline compared to previous years.

RAIL STRIKES AND CUSTOMS ACTIONS SET TO DISRUPT BENELUX LOGISTICS

Logistics flows in north-west Europe are expected to face renewed pressure next week due to a combination of industrial action in Belgium and the Netherlands. In Belgium, rail unions have confirmed a nationwide stoppage from Monday 26 to Friday 30 January, affecting both SNCB/NMBS and infrastructure manager Infrabel.

CLECAT Meetings and participation in events

CLECAT Digitalisation Working Group
4 February, Online

FIATA HQ meeting
30 March - 1 April, Geneva

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
27 January, Brussels

European Parliament Environment Committee
28-29 January, Brussels

European Parliament Plenary
27 January, Brussels

Council of the EU

Informal meeting of Transport Ministers
28-29 April, Lefkosia

Environment Council
17 March, Brussels