News

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.

COUNTEMISSIONSEU: A GLOBAL FRAMEWORK FOR MEASURING TRANSPORT EMISSIONS - WHY A LIFE CYCLE METHODOLOGY DOESN’T FIT THE SCOPE

As trilogue negotiations between the European Parliament, the Council, and the European Commission begin on the proposed CountEmissionsEU Regulation, CLECAT remains firm in supporting the original Commission proposal without the inclusion of life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transport, mostly stemming from manufacturing, maintenance and disposal of vehicles.

COUNCIL PAVES THE WAY FOR 15TH SANCTIONS PACKAGE AGAINST RUSSIA

On 11 December, Permanent Representatives of EU Member States approved a new sanctions package against Russia. The 15th package since the start of the war in Ukraine sees additional measures to counter Russia’s shadow fleet, the increasing number of old tankers often uninsured and with unclear ownership allowing Russia to export its crude oil and petroleum products abroad, despite international sanctions.

FMC REQUESTS FURTHER INFORMATION FROM PREMIER ALLIANCE

The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has paused the entry into force of the Premier Alliance (HMM, ONE and Yang Ming) as it requested more information to determine the potential competitive impacts of the agreement.

EU ON TRACK TO MEET 2030 SAF TARGETS, BUT INVESTMENT GAPS PERSIST

Last week, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published its ‘State of the EU Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Market in 2023’ report, offering insights into their development across the EU.

COM PROPOSES METHODOLOGY FOR CALCULATING SAF-KEROSENE PRICE GAP

On 9 December, the European Commission unveiled its proposed methodology for calculating the price difference between sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and traditional kerosene. This initiative, mandated under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), aims to address the cost disparity and partially compensate airlines for the higher costs of SAF.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION OPEN ON THE REVISION OF AVIATION STATE AID GUIDELINES

On 11 December, the European Commission launched a public consultation to gather stakeholders feedback on the proposed revision of the 2014 Guidelines on State aid to airports and airlines.

SWEDEN EXTENDS ETS2 TO RAIL TRANSPORT

This week, the European Commission approved Sweden’s request, submitted in July, to extend its carbon market to the rail freight and passenger sectors. Sweden joins Austria and the Netherlands, which have similarly expanded ETS2.

A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD THROUGH A GREEN LANE FOR COMPLIANT TRADE

On December 11, 2024, CLECAT participated at a high-profile event titled “A Level Playing Field Through a Green Lane for Compliant Trade” in Brussels, organised by the Federation of Polish Entrepreneurs and the European Express Association. With a packed agenda and an impressive turnout, the seminar drew immense interest from policymakers, trade associations, and industry leaders eager to discuss the ongoing EU Customs Reform.

68TH PLENARY MEETING OF DG TAXUD’S TRADE CONTACT GROUP

The 68th plenary session of DG TAXUD’s Trade Contact Group (TCG) was held online on 13th December. Mr Mathias Petschke, Director opened the meeting with an overview of recent developments, marking 13 days since Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič assumed responsibility for customs and trade matters.

CLECAT Meetings and participation in events

ELP members meeting
18 December, Brussels

CLECAT General Assembly
17 June, Gdansk

CLECAT Customs and Indirect Taxation Institute
17 June, Gdansk

EU Meetings

European Parliament

European Parliament Transport Committee
29-30 January, Brussels

European Parliament Environment Committee
13 January, Brussels

European Parliament Plenary
16-19 December, Strasbourg

Council of the EU

Environment Council
17 December, Brussels

Informal meeting of transport ministers
17-18 March, Warsaw