POLISH EU PRESIDENCY SETS TRANSPORT AND CUSTOMS REFORM PRIORITIES
The Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union, which runs from January to June 2025, has outlined ambitious priorities for transport and customs reform, aimed at enhancing resilience, competitiveness, and security across the Union.
In the transport sector, the presidency has highlighted the vital role of infrastructure in supporting Europe’s economic growth and security, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical challenges. A key focus will be on implementing the revised Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) policy to promote decarbonisation, digital transformation, and enhanced safety, while also addressing military mobility requirements. Rail transport is positioned as a cornerstone of the green transition, with significant investment planned to strengthen its infrastructure and ensure its resilience. Particular emphasis will be placed on finalising the draft Regulation on the use of railway infrastructure capacity in the Single European Railway Area, which positions rail as a key enabler of the transition to green transport.
Similarly, the maritime sector will see an expanded role for the European Maritime Safety Agency, supporting efforts towards both digitalisation and the shift to greener practices. Road transport will also receive attention through proposed revisions to vehicle weight and dimension regulations, as well as efforts to update road safety frameworks. The Presidency will support the development of a comprehensive and horizontal approach to cybersecurity, working on updating and strengthening the EU's cyber crisis coordination framework. The revision of the combined transport directive is mentioned as a priority for the presidency.
In the area of customs, the Polish Presidency will continue work on the reform of the customs union, including the creation of the EU Customs Authority. The aim will be to agree a Council position and adopt a mandate for negotiations with the European Parliament. The presidency aims to establish an EU Customs Alliance for Borders to improve coordination and cooperation in managing the Union’s external borders. The presidency will also prioritise the effective enforcement of EU sanctions against Russia and Belarus, placing emphasis on the role of customs authorities in this regard. Additionally, Poland intends to strengthen the EU’s presence and influence in the World Customs Organization, enabling the Union to play a more prominent role in shaping global customs standards.
The work programme of the upcoming Polish Presidency can be access here.