Newsletters

On 31st May, the US Federal Maritime Commission published the final report of the “Fact Finding Investigation 29” on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the US international ocean transportation supply chain. The report concludes a two-year investigation led by Commissioner Rebecca F. Dye.

On 3 June, the European Commission launched the EU-Ukraine Business Matchmaking Platform to help export Ukrainian agricultural goods which are currently blocked in the Black Sea ports. Operated by the Enterprise Europe Network, the platform aims to bring EU and Ukrainian businesses together quickly so that they may find pragmatic solutions to the export of agricultural produce from Ukraine starting immediately.

On 2 June, the Council of the EU adopted three general approaches on the transport-related files of the Fit for 55 Package, namely the Alternative fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), FuelEU Maritime and RefuelEU Aviation.

On 16 May, the European Commission approved a €1.8 million Spanish scheme to support private rail freight companies in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The scheme was approved under the State Aid Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted by the Commission on 23 March 2022, based on Article 107(3)(b) TFEU, recognising that the EU economy is experiencing a serious disturbance. Under the scheme, the aid will take form of direct grants.

On 19 May, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Sweden regarding its failure to notify the Commission of transposition measures for the rail interoperability and rail safety rules as set out in Directive (EU) 2016/797 and Directive (EU) 2016/798.

On 24 May, the Council adopted a regulation allowing for temporary trade liberalisation and other trade concessions on certain products originating in Ukraine.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has launched a new WTO data portal to provide easy access to key databases offering trade statistics and information on WTO members’ trade-related measures. The new portal allows users to navigate a wide range of WTO databases covering trade in goods, services, dispute settlement, environmental measures, trade-related intellectual property rights and more.

On 16 May, the EU and the US held the second Ministerial Meeting of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in Paris and reaffirmed their close cooperation to address global trade and technology challenges in line with their shared commitment to democracy, freedom and human rights. The EU and the US expressed strong shared commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian military aggression and agreed on concrete measures already delivered and to be further continued within the TTC.

On 20 May, CLECAT participated in an event organised by the French Presidency in Paris, to discuss social rights, technological challenges, and environmental issues in road transport. Speakers from the institutions and the sector emphasised that a proper enforcement and implementation of the new rules on road transport introduced by the First Mobility Package were essential to ensure a fairer single market and improved social rights for drivers.