Newsletters

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.

On 28 June, the Commission published its published its Annual Report on Taxation 2022, which assesses the recent trends in EU tax systems, and identifies how tax policy, implementation or compliance could be improved. The report highlights that EU Member States' tax revenue has decreased for the first time since the 2009 financial crisis, while public expenditure jumped from 46.5% in 2019 to 53% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis. This report shows that the pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine are testing both the resilience of our economies and our capacity to respond.

On 28 June, the EU signed road transport agreements with Ukraine and Moldova, which will help secure supply chains with both countries, including food security, following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine which has closed traditional transport routes.

On 24 June, the European Commission launched the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation, calling on the members of the aviation community to join forces in preparing for the advent of zero emission aircraft. The Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation aims to prepare the aviation ecosystem for the entry into service of hydrogen and electric-powered aircraft, to ensure that air transport contributes to Europe's 2050 climate neutrality objective.

On 27 June, MEPs on the Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Committee adopted a draft negotiating mandate on the legislative proposal for ReFuelEU. The adopted text aims to increase the uptake of sustainable fuels by aircraft operators and EU airports to cut emissions from aviation and ensure Europe becomes climate neutral by 2050.