Newsletters

Under the motto “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World”, Cyprus holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 January to 30 June 2026. The Presidency places European strategic autonomy at the centre of its agenda, seeking to balance openness to global trade with the EU’s ability to act independently where necessary

With the mandatory implementation of the EU Catch Certification IT system (CATCH) scheduled for 10 January 2026, CLECAT has taken urgent action to alert EU institutions to serious operational risks linked to the system’s current design and readiness.

On 18 December, CLECAT’s Rail Logistics Institute met to exchange views on developments in rail freight in Europe. A presentation was received from Joost Naessens, Director Transport and Logistics of the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), which provided industry perspectives on current challenges and priorities for rail and combined transport.

On 10 December, the Commission launched a four-week public feedback period on a draft Delegated Decision proposing to exempt economic operators from the 100% reuse requirements for pallet wrappings and straps, as outlined in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.

On 17 December 2025, the European Commission published an extensive package of documents completing and expanding the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) framework ahead of its definitive phase starting in 2026. The package consists of 24 separate legal acts, annexes, reports and legislative proposals, all released on the same day.

The EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is entering a decisive phase for road transport operators. From 1 January 2026, several Member States will switch off the old ICS1 system, meaning that Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) for goods entering or transiting the EU by road must be submitted through ICS2. There will be no grace period, so lack of readiness may lead to delays and penalties at the border.

On 18 December 2025, the Council of the EU formally adopted a targeted revision of the rules, confirming a further postponement and limited simplification measures.

On 17 December, the European Parliament adopted an own-initiative report calling for the removal of remaining barriers to the cross-border movement of military personnel and equipment across the EU, underlining the strategic importance of military mobility in light of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. MEPs stressed that faster and more seamless military movements are essential for European security and defence, particularly for the protection of the EU’s eastern flank.

On 16 December, the European Commission adopted and presented its Automotive Package to the European Parliament. The package aims to support the competitiveness and decarbonisation of Europe’s automotive and transport sectors, including through initiatives on clean mobility, industrial resilience and the greening of corporate fleets.