Newsletters

On 7 July, the European Parliament’s plenary adopted its position on ReFuel EU Aviation, a legislative proposal enshrining rules to increase the uptake of sustainable fuels in order to cut emissions from aviation and ensure Europe becomes climate neutral by 2050. Following this adoption, trilogues can start.

The Loadstar recently reported on the latest edition of project44’s Ocean Carrier Report, concluding that ocean carriers are resorting to more aggressive blanking strategies to manage a dip in demand and decreasing freight spot rates.

On 6 July, the European Commission published a call for evidence concerning an amendment to the proposed guidelines for the Trans-European Transport (TEN-T) network in light of the war in Ukraine.

The Czech Republic officially took the reins of the Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1st July. The Presidency’s motto “Europe as a Task: Rethink, Rebuild, Repower” will drive the agenda of the Czech government at EU level for the next six months as also detailed in the Presidency’s work programme.

On 6 July, CLECAT & DG TAXUD held a joint workshop on the new Import Control System 2.0 (ICS2), organised to support freight forwarders to prepare for the new EU customs advance cargo information system. More than 170 participants joined the event in Brussels and online and actively exchanged directly with the Commission on various aspects of the upcoming requirements and processes, and issues encountered during companies’ ongoing preparations.

On 28 June, a new and stronger mandate entered into force for the EU agency for law enforcement cooperation (Europol). Under this reinforced mandate, Europol will be able to step up its operational and analytical support to Member States in tackling emerging security threats and fighting serious and organised crime as well as terrorism. It will also enable the agency to cooperate directly with private parties, in full compliance with strict data protection requirements.

On 24 June, the WCO Council endorsed the revised versions of the Framework of Standards on Cross-Border E-Commerce (E-Commerce FoS) and the Technical Specifications to the FoS resulting from the first periodic review of the Framework and the tools that support its implementation and form part of the WCO E-Commerce Package.

On 30 June, the EU and New Zealand concluded negotiations for a Trade Agreement, which is set to open significant economic opportunities for companies and consumers on both sides. Bilateral trade is expected to grow by up to 30%, with EU annual exports potentially growing by up to €4.5 billion. EU investment into New Zealand has a potential to grow by up to 80%. The deal can cut some €140 million a year in duties for EU companies from the first year of application.

On 1 July, the European Commission adopted a Decision enabling Member States to temporarily waive customs duties and VAT on the importation from third countries of food, blankets, tents, electric generators and other life-saving equipment destined for Ukrainians affected by the war. This measure, which was requested by Member States, will apply retroactively from 24 February 2022 and will be in place until 31 December 2022.