12 January 2024
NEW SECRETARY GENERAL AT WCO
January 3rd marks a landmark moment for the World Customs Organization (WCO) as it welcomes Mr. Ian Saunders as the new Secretary General.
12 January 2024
COMMISSION ANNOUNCES CBAM DEFAULT VALUES
On December 22, 2023, the European Commission announced significant updates regarding the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a key component of the EU's climate strategy.
12 January 2024
RED SEA CRISIS DEEPENS AS CARRIERS INTRODUCE STEEP SURCHARGES
Over the last weeks, several attacks led by Houthi rebels occurred in the Red Sea leading the main carriers to suspend most voyages through the Suez Canal. These decisions were accompanied the imposition of surcharges, leading to a steep hike on freight rates between Asia and Europe. More operational difficulties are expected to arise in the coming days and weeks.
12 January 2024
COM PROPOSALS ON W&D FORESEE NO SIGNIFICANT REVERSE MODAL SHIFT TO ROAD
The European Parliament is set to engage in February in a crucial debate over proposed amendments to Directive 96/53/EC on weights and dimensions of heavy-duty vehicles used in national and international transport. This discussion comes at a pivotal moment, with the freight transport sector seeking to maximise efficiency, address driver shortages, and contribute to decarbonisation efforts.
12 January 2024
MEPS DEBATE COUNTEMISSIONS EU
On 11 January, MEPs from the TRAN and ENVI committees jointly debated on the CountEmissions EU proposal. Co-Rapporteurs Barbara Thaler (EPP, Austria) and Pascal Canfin (Renew, France) presented their draft report published in December.
12 January 2024
BELGIAN PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL KICKS OFF
Belgium assumed the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 January. In the field of transport, as outlined in the Presidency’s work programme, the Presidency will focus on decarbonising the EU transport sector and promoting sustainable and active modes of transport, while ensuring a level playing field with third countries.
21 December 2023
CLECAT Newsletter 2023/37
21 December 2023
EIB PROVIDES €41 MILLION LOAN TO MOLDOVA TO ENHANCE SOLIDARITY LANES
On 15 December, the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced that it will provide a loan of €41.2 million to Moldova, which will be invested to improve internal transport connections and fostering long-term economic benefits for the wider region.
21 December 2023
EC AND WESTERN BALKAN TRANSPORT MINISTERS MEET
On 12 December, transport ministers from the Western Balkans, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, as well as the European Commission, gathered at the annual Ministerial Council Meeting of the Transport Community in Skopje, North Macedonia.
21 December 2023
EC RAISES CEILINGS FOR SMALL AMOUNTS OF STATE AID
On 13 December, the European Commission adopted a Regulation amending the general rules for small amounts of aid (de minimis Regulation) which exempt small aid amounts from EU State aid control since they are deemed to have no impact on competition and trade in the Single Market.