European Shippers’ Council welcomes the transport priorities set out by the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union and believes that the focus on stronger road transport frameworks, improved connectivity and resilient networks, and enhanced maritime competitiveness reflects the real-world needs of Europe’s goods owners and logistics operators.
ESC notes that the Presidency’s commitment to advancing key road transport files, including the Weights and Dimensions Directive, aligns with the broader need to modernise rules that support cleaner and more efficient freight operations across the EU internal market. At the same time, ESC has consistently warned against rigid, binding zero-emission truck mandates. They risk placing disproportionate burdens on small and medium-sized operators when enabling conditions such as charging networks, grid capacity and vehicle affordability are not yet in place for operators across the EU, especially SMEs. Instead, industry stakeholders call for targeted incentives and accelerated investment in both depot and public charging infrastructure, as well as coherent financing frameworks that reinvest revenues from instruments such as ETS 2 directly into road transport decarbonisation to ensure environmental goals are achieved without undermining competitiveness or operational viability.
ESC also strongly supports the Cyprus Presidency’s emphasis on boosting European connectivity and resilience, recognising that reliable cross-border transport links and interoperable infrastructure are essential for the smooth movement of goods, economic cohesion, and supply chain stability in a complex geopolitical environment. Improved transport networks are key to enabling equal participation in the Single Market for all regions.
In the maritime domain, where Cyprus has underscored the importance of safeguarding and strengthening EU maritime transport competitiveness globally, ESC highlights the need for transparent market conditions, efficient information flows between carriers, ports and terminals, and fair competition that supports sustainable shipping operations and reliable service levels across Europe. ESC looks forward to continued constructive dialogue with the Cyprus Presidency, the European Commission, and the European Parliament to ensure EU transport policy delivers tangible improvements in sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience for the entire European transport system.