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The CLECAT Road Logistics Institute met on 24 March to discuss a number of ongoing policy files and to take stock of the mounting pressures facing the European road freight sector. Recent increases in fuel prices due to the war in the Middle East are putting significant strain on operators’ cost structures and cash flow. CLECAT Members shared national experiences with governments introducing measures to mitigate recent energy price hikes and provided updates on national approaches to compensation for waiting times for road hauliers at ports and airports. Whilst the long-term direction towards decarbonisation remains clear and necessary, Members stressed that the current energy environment highlights the importance of realistic transition pathways, supported by adequate infrastructure, grid capacity, and stable framework conditions across Member States.

Against this backdrop, the Institute reviewed a series of key legislative initiatives, including the Automotive Package. CLECAT particularly welcomed the Commission’s decision to exclude heavy-duty vehicles from the scope of the Clean Corporate Vehicles proposal, reflecting current limitations in infrastructure development and market maturity. Concerns were raised that differentiated national targets for cars and vans risk fragmenting the internal market if not accompanied by EU-wide enabling measures.

On the Weights and Dimensions Directive, Members noted the continued political sensitivity of the file, particularly regarding cross-border operations. The outcome of the ongoing trilogues will be critical in determining whether meaningful efficiency gains can be achieved without creating further fragmentation in the internal market. Further, CLECAT Members received a report on developments related to the targeted amendment of the Eurovignette Directive. Members highlighted the importance of ensuring that pricing mechanisms effectively incentivise low-emission solutions.

The upcoming Fair Mobility Package and ist potential on cross-border operations was also discusse. Members reiterated concerns that new legislative initiatives should focus on simplifying and improving enforcement of existing rules, rather than adding further complexity. It was underlined that subcontracting, as such, is not the source of the problem and remains an essential and legitimate feature of logistics operations. Any future policy approach should therefore focus on addressing abusive practices through enforcement and transparency, rather than additional legislation.

Participants reviewed Spain’s upcoming requirement for mandatory digital transport declarations from October 2026. Whereas the possibility to use eCMR was welcomed, concerns were raised about remaining uncertainties regarding practical implementation, notably the requirement for a Spanish identification number for non-Spanish operators. The meeting concluded by touching on broader simplification efforts under the forthcoming Transport Omnibus initiative, as well as ongoing concerns around cargo theft and supply chain security.