Can platooning keep its promises?
The European project ENSEMBLE has developed a communication protocol approved by all major European truck manufacturers for platooning multi-brand road convoys. Combining tests on simulators, demonstrations...
Need for a long-term strategy regarding the problem of drought and inland shipping
The European Commission answered the European Parliament regarding the major bottlenecks in inland navigation caused by droughts and the solutions that the EC envisages. As the...
Inland waterways: investments and innovation will make this transport reliable, flexible, and agile
At the event “Role of Inland Waterways Transport in the Framework of EU's Mobility and Supply Policy" organised by the European Barge Union on 17 November 2022,...
Predictability : where is my cargo in the era of disruptions?
What do beneficiary cargo owners expect from port authorities and shipping lines? What are the data that BCOs are looking from ports authorities? What are the...
Logistics for Europe: let’s move towards resilient and competitive supply chains
23rd November 2022, the 2022 Logistics for Europe event brought together shippers, freight forwarders, logistics sector professionals, and European law makers. They engaged in a constructive...
Funding opportunities, November-December 2022
ESC has outlined the relevant funding opportunities in the area of logistics and transport. The EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation is Horizon Europe....
Free online workshop: Italian/Piedmontian initiatives supporting road zero emission freight and logistics
Date and Time: 19 October 2022, 10:00 – 12:10 h (CET) (via Zoom) This workshop belongs to the series of online workshops on “countries and regions...
The end-to-end supply chain
In his article for Port Technology International, ESC Secretary General Godfried Smit explains the end-to-end supply chain and its recent changes and challenges. Due to Covid...
Overcoming the European truck drivers’ shortage
During the Roundtable “Overcoming the European truck drivers’ shortage” at the European SDG (sustainability development goals) Summit 2022 last week, ESC Secretary General Godfried Smit stressed...
Experts are calling the European Commission for a dialogue on taxation and customs issues
ESC is a member of the Trade Contact Group (TCG) of the European Commission’s Directorate-General Taxation and Customs Union. The TCG provides a platform for regular...
Charter on improving the treatment of drivers
On October 11, 2022, Jordi Espin Vallbona, ESC’s Strategic Relations Manager, took part in an event organised by the International Road Transport Union (IRU) at the...
Global Shippers publish manifesto on minimal service levels in maritime container transport
The goal of this manifesto is to describe a minimal level of service and fair treatment that shippers can expect in maritime container transport. It works...
MARKET ANALYSIS ON INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR MEDIUM- AND HEAVY-DUTY ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLES FOR ROAD FREIGHT TRANSPORT!
In the frame of the ENTRANCE project, a market analysis on innovative solutions for Medium- and Heavy-duty Zero-Emission Vehicles for Road Freight Transport has been developed...
Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) 2022 CALL is OPEN for pre-proposal submission
The purpose of this Call is to support transnational research and/or innovation projects addressing urban challenges to help cities in their transition towards a more sustainable...
Review of the EU Consortia Block Exemption Regulation: stakeholders call the EC for a change in legislation
ESC together with other stakeholders are calling the European Commission for a change in the legislative framework in the maritime shipping sector. « As consumers or...
Workshop on Swedish initiatives supporting road zero emission freight and logistics
Date and Time: 11 October 2022, 10:00 – 11:30 h (CET) (via Zoom) As part of the series of online workshops on “countries and regions initiatives...
SAVE THE DATE: Logistics for Europe, Brussels, 23 November 2022
ESC, CLECAT, and ELA are pleased to invite you to the Logistics for Europe event taking place on the 23rd of November 2022 (13:00-20:00) at the...
European Parliament: draft report on resilient supply chains in EU trade to address current shortages
The Committee on International Trade of the European Parliament produced a draft report on resilient supply chains in EU trade to address current shortages. In its...
Supply and pricing of energy threaten Europe’s modal shift objectives
The ongoing crisis in European energy markets triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine will have a significant impact on all sectors. Despite its energy-efficiency rail...
International Carriage of Dangerous Goods
On 20 September 2022, the Council took a decision on the position to be adopted on behalf of the European Union on the amendments to the...
Commission moves to ban products made with forced labour on the EU market
The Commission proposed to prohibit products made with forced labour on the EU market. The proposal covers all products, namely those made in the EU for...
Tracking the EU Commissioners’ commitments
The policy departments of the European Parliament produced a compilation of briefings that track the commitments made by the Vice-Presidents and Commissioners to the European Parliament...
Funding opportunities, October
ESC has outlined the relevant funding opportunities in the area of logistics and transport. The EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation is Horizon Europe....
Maritime industry unites to call for earmarking of ETS revenues
European shippers, ports, shipowners, cruise sector, shipyards and equipment manufacturers, fuel suppliers, forwarders and port operators join forces and call on the Member States and the...
2022 State of the Union Address by President von der Leyen
On September 14th, 2022, President von der Leyen delivered the annual State of the Union Address. In the course of her speech, President von der Leyen...
Funding opportunities in research and innovation
ESC has outlined the relevant funding opportunities in the area of logistics and transport. The EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation is Horizon Europe....
CENELEC offers a new tool to manage electrical compatibility in railways
Ensuring the electrical compatibility between rolling stock and electric traction systems is crucial for organizing a railway network. The train operating companies must be able to...
Leaflets for drivers and operators on Posting of Drivers and Driving and Resting Time
The European Labour Authority (ELA or the Authority) prepared and published two information leaflets for drivers and operators in the road transport sector. In some cases,...
Implications of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine for the European Economy
The cost of the war, so far, can be estimated at around one-and-a-half point of lower real growth and about three additional points of headline inflation....
Commission amends TEN-T proposal in view of the impact brought by the war situation in Ukraine
The Commission proposes to amend its December 2021 proposal on the revision of the TEN-T Regulation. Russia’s war against Ukraine has redefined the geopolitical landscape, highlighting...
Decarbonizing Road Freight Transport: Zero Emissions Vehicles availability roadmap
WHY THIS WEBINAR Freight transport, logistics companies and shippers are developing and implementing their decarbonization roadmaps. Battery Electric and Fuel Cell Hydrogen Electric vehicles are key...
DCSA and the European Shippers’ Council agree to collaborate to drive adoption of DCSA standards
AMSTERDAM, BRUSSELS, 3 August, 2022 — Ongoing supply chain disruption has highlighted the urgency for closer collaboration between cargo owners and ocean carriers to improve cargo...
Open letter to the European Commission on CO2 standards for heavy duty vehicles
Time to recognise the role of renewable fuels to decarbonise road transport In the context of the upcoming legislation on CO2 standards for Heavy Duty Vehicles,...
European Parliament pushes for greener aviation fuels
On July 7, the European Parliament plenary held a debate and vote on the ReFuelEU Aviation report. Parliament adopted its position on new draft EU rules...
Mobility Package I: questions on implementation and enforcement
The European Commission commented on the questions coming from the European Parliament regarding preliminary observations on the implementation of the Mobility Package I. One of the...
Study: the future of transport in the context of the Recovery Plan
The report requested by the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism provides an overview of the EU's 29 transport sector priorities and the National Recovery...
Corporate sustainability due diligence and value chains versus supply chains
In its answer to the European Parliament, the European Commission explains the concept of the ‘value chain’ as used in the proposal on Corporate Sustainability Due...
Flexibility and quality of air cargo services will attract shippers
The International Air Cargo Association announced that the first edition of the Regional event series was a success. On the 28th of June, during the panel...
Flexiwaggon: cost reductions for the value chain
By taking freight transport from the highway to the railway, the Swedish company Flexiwaggon enables significant cost reductions across the value chain while improving sustainability in...
Discussing shippers’ needs and expectations at TIACA symposium on 28 June
Global supply chains have come under more sustained pressure in the past two years than any time in the last 70 years. Borders closed borders open,...
What stakehoders think: the need for technology openness to achieve CO2 emissions reduction from vehicles
Various Stakeholders addressed Members of the European Parliament and Member States’ representatives with an open letter stressing the need for technology openness to achieve CO2 emissions...
Moving towards Fit for 55: IRU position
The European Shippers’ Council supports decarbonisation of transport sector and the greening transition. However, it is vital to choose correct tools and realistic directions on the...
MEPs back objective of zero emissions for cars and vans in 2035
In a plenary vote on the 8th of June, MEPs adopted their position on proposed rules to revise the CO2 emissions performance standards for new cars...
MEPs want stricter rules for Member States’ greenhouse gas emissions
On the 8th of June 2022, the European Parliament adopted its position on the effort sharing regulation which sets binding annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions...
Votes in the European Parliament
Last week, the European Parliament voted on several proposals in the framework of Fit for 55. Some proposals (amongst them the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) were...
Council adopts its position on three texts relating to the transport sector
On the 2nd of June 2022, European transport ministers adopted a common position (‘general approach’) on each of the three legislative proposals of the Fit for...
European Environment Agency: analysis on road transport gas emissions
Growing transport volumes have been driving Europe's road transport emissions up in the past two decades. A European Environment Agency (EEA) analysis, published on the 1st...
RAIL: Multimodal Freight Conference, 22 June, Le Havre
As customers all over the world are demanding environmentally sound freight transport solutions, many European ports are investing heavily into improving their rail infrastructure for the...
Transport Council conclusions: TEN-T and driver attestations for third country drivers
On the 2nd of June 2022, Ministers in the TTE Council (Transport) exchanged views on the draft Regulation proposed by the European Commission on the further...
Austria’s policy restricting lorry traffic through Tyrol
Austria’s policy to restrict lorry traffic through Tyrol is increasingly hampering transport services in the region and affecting supply chains across the EU. Following on from...
WEBINAR – How to calculate Greenhouse Gas Reduction from sustainable transport innovation
Transport accounts for approximately 21% of global GHG emissions according to the International Energy Agency. To enable market uptake of innovation, evidence-based impact assessment of the...
Commission’s Contingency Plan for Transport
A Contingency Plan for Transport, adopted by the European Commission on the 23rd of May aims to strengthen the resilience of the European transport sector in...
Suspended import duties on Ukraine products
At the Press Conference at the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis informed about the suspension of import duties on all Ukrainian exports for one...
WTO reform and preparations for the 12th WTO ministerial conference
Ministers discussed preparations for the 12th World Trade Organization ministerial conference (CM12), which will take place in Geneva from 12 to 15 June 2022 against the...
EU Legislative Tracker
The remaining priority files as identified by the European Commission in its Work Programme are available here. The document was updated on the 10th of June....
Supply chain ethics
« We do explain the causes of the misfunctioning of supply chain, such as the disruption by Brexit, the worldwide mismatch between demand and capacity due to...
Workshops: Countries and regions initiatives supporting zero emission road freight and logistics
ALICE and EMEurope, with the support of the POLIS Network and ENTRANCE project, are jointly organising a series of online workshops on “countries and regions initiatives...
Commission’s Contingency Plan for Transport
On Monday the 23rd of May, the European Commission adopted a Contingency Plan for Transport, which aims to strengthen the resilience of the European transport sector...
EIT Urban Mobility´s – Second Info Session: ChallengeMyCity | Madrid
Take part in the second Info Session for the Challenge My City Call for Proposals! On 26 May, from 15:00 to 16:00 CET, EIT Urban Mobility...
Electronic exchanges in transport and logistics
Current state of digital maturity in the transport and logistics will be discussed at the "Digitization beyond 2022" event on the 8th of June 2022. The...
Second ENTRANCE live webinar
Are you a Small and Medium Enterprise-Startup or spinout company and looking for funding for your innovation? The ENTRANCE project is designed to mobilise financial resources and boost sustainable...
Guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network
The European Commission is asking for feedback on guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network. EU policy on transport infrastructure aims to facilitate transport...
Increasing power of Chinese logistics and a need to maintain fair competition
ESC President Roman Stiftner commented on the increasing market power of Chinese logistics companies. In his interview to the BVL magazine he stated that the developments...
Conference “Fit for 55: the Road Ahead”, 1 June 2022
Brussels, 1 June 2022, International Road Transport Union and the European Commission are organising "Fit for 55: the Road Ahead" conference which will be held physically...
Emissions reduction, EU Emissions Trading system, and road transport
CO2 emission standards for cars and vans On April 20, the European Parliament Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) adopted its opinion on the Amending...
EMSA report on COVID-19 Impact on Shipping
The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) report provides figures on the impact of COVID-19 on shipping traffic; it is based on solid vessel movements statistics showing...
Metals for Clean Energy
Last week, at Metals for Clean Energy: Solving Europe's raw materials challenge event, experts debated how to bridge Europe’s metals supply gap, securely and sustainably. A...
European Commission answers European Parliament on extremely high container prices and impact on consumer prices
The recently published Eurostat figures mark a record high 5.1% inflation in the Eurozone in January 2022. In the Netherlands, inflation has even climbed to 6.4%...
The ESC supports the EC proposal for alternative fuel infrastructures and welcomes the EP´s draft report
European Shippers’ Council applauds the determined actions taken by the European Parliament and the European Commission to establish a proper and pan-European network of sufficient charging...
ENTRANCE & EIT Urban Mobility call: Intelligent Transport Systems for sustainable city logistics
European project ENTRANCE and EIT Urban Mobility are calling on all solution providers ready to deliver Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) for sustainable city logistics for European...
Webinar “Maritime Supply Chain Challenges in Disrupted Times”, 26 April 2022
Shippers are cordially invited to participate in "Maritime Supply Chain Challenges in Disrupted Times" webinar that will take place on the 26th of April 2022, 11.00-12.15...
Maritime market: Commission doesn’t consider behaviour of alliances anti-competitive; ESC wants the EC to do its job
24th March 2022, in its response to Member of the European Parliament Vera Tax regarding the situation in the maritime sector – competition, the selective picking...
Shifting cargo to rail, new shift2030 initiative
Last week, 28 March 2022, shift2030 – an enterprise that promotes the modal shift - launched the Time2Shift action to provide practical information to shippers and...
PLANET’s liaison with other EU-funded initiatives and projects
In the project PLANET - Progress towards Federated Logistics Through The Integration Of TEN-T into A Global Trade Network - ESC is leading a task on...
European Innovation Procurement Awards
The European Innovation Council has launched the second edition of the European Innovation Procurement Awards to promote and implement innovation procurement across Europe. “Innovation procurement boosts...
New guidance to support logistics industry towards zero emissions
As an associate partner of the Global Logistics Emissions Council, ESC welcomes a new initiative of the Smart Freight Centre and WBCSD co-developed with 30+ global...
Public consultation: extension of EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation
The European Commission has decided to propose a revision of the European Digital Certificate Regulation and to extend the use the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC)...
Commission state aid due to war situation in Ukraine
The current war situation in Ukraine, the sanctions imposed by the EU and international partners against Russia and Belarus, and the counter measures taken by Russia...
Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and UK
24 March 2022, European Commission published Annual Report on the implementation and application of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the United...
ESPORG Award Ceremony 2022
ESPORG, the European Secure Parking Organisation, in partnership with its public and private stakeholders from the road transport and supplier industries, established a dedicated Excellence in...
CLECAT, EEA & ESC – EU-UK transport of goods needs to be assured
CLECAT, EEA & ESC, representing European shippers, freight forwarders and express carriers, call on France to continue applying the COVID-19 measures in support of air cargo, shipping and road freight […]...
Project Sunrays: COVID-19 vaccines transport
The Covid-19 pandemic showed how important air cargo is. With the distribution of vaccines, air cargo will continue playing its vital role. Project Sunrays was initiated by TIACA and Pharma.Aero […]...
Transport Ministers focus on social issues in aviation
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Portugal are joining forces in an attempt to move the European Commission and their fellow-Member States towards an ambitious COVID-19 aviation […]...
Taking of daily rest periods by light vehicle drivers in France
The Commission is currently examining whether the new legal provisions introduced by France are compatible with the EU law: the ban on daily rest periods in light vehicles (up to […]...
Shortage of container ships in service is unsustainable
The largest problem facing the container shipping today is the lack of empty containers. This is what is causing very high spot rates. ESC addressed the European Commission with this […]...
Council agrees its stance on road charging reform
The EU is revising its road charging rules (Eurovignette directive) to address greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts, congestion, and road infrastructure financing. On the 18th of December, the […]...
EU guidelines on trials of Marine Autonomous Surface Ships
On the occasion of the 2nd International Ship Autonomy and Sustainability Summit, the European Commission together with EU Member States, Norway and with valuable industry input published the comprehensive EU […]...
Package of declarations and recommendations adopted to help small businesses trade globally
The Informal Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) officially adopted at its meeting on 11 December a package of six recommendations and declarations aimed at addressing challenges […]...
Bilateral reduction of customs duties for the EU and USA
On August 21, 2020, the European Union and the United States reached an agreement on a bilateral reduction of customs duties that facilitates market access for European exporters and lowers […]...
Let’s cross Brexit together
“Let’s cross Brexit together” webinar was organised by the Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects and took place on the 3rd of December. The participants examined the current and […]...
ICONET project: validating Physical Internet concepts in the Port of Antwerp
The strategic goal of the ICONET project is to establish a “cloud-based Physical Internet (PI) framework and platform”. This platforms builds upon leading-edge technologies in a pathway that integrates PI-driven […]...
E-commerce and customs declarations
Are you doing business in the e-commerce branch and are you importing goods from outside the European Union – including the United Kingdom? Then you’re facing many changes. To help […]...
French shippers are raising alarm over the disruption of the maritime market
Since the end of 2019, French shippers have gone through several crisis situations in maritime transport. At the national level there were port and rail strikes in December 2019 and […]...
ESC and CLECAT urge carriers to switch to a ‘new normal’
ESC and CLECAT urge carriers to review their operational and business practices, to ensure a regular flow of cargo and containers, and to respect schedule reliability and service quality in […]...
Get ready for Brexit: important information for UK transport
No customs document? No digital pre-registration at the ferry terminal? Then no crossing! Due to Brexit there will be customs formalities in freight traffic with the United Kingdom, effective from […]...
TIACA Digital Air Cargo Forum
TIACA is organising its Digital Air Cargo Forum 2020 on 1-10 December 2020. Every day of the event will be devoted to a specific topic. The topic will be discussed during a […]...
ESC calls European authorities to look into the actions of vessel operators
European authorities should be concerned about the shipping lines not returning benefits to the market users, as stipulated by the Consortia Blok Exemption Regulation (CBER). Main characteristics of what is […]...
Glyn Hughes to Take the Reins of TIACA as Its First Director General
Miami, 11 November 2020, The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) announced that Glyn Hughes will take the newly created role of Director General. He will manage the team, work with […]...
50 Days before Brexit: customs formalities
European Shippers’ Council held its seminar “50 Days before Brexit” on the 12th of November. The speakers presented what customs formalities will be introduced in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and […]...
Mitigating Risks of Marine Fuel Uncertainty
On 10th of November, European Shippers’ Council together with Ecumene Ventures organised a webinar called Mitigating Risks of Marine Fuel Uncertainty and New Emissions Regulations. The webinar provided a clear […]...
Lkw Maut (toll) in Germany: violation of European law
On 28th of October, 2020, the European Court of Justice ruled that the level of German Lkw-Maut is in violation of European law. According to the EU directive, only infrastructure […]...
ESC at Smart Ports event
ESC chaired panel session New Boost in Shipping: Shippers & Carriers into a Standard Mode of Understanding at the Smart Ports Conference with the participation of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, […]...
TIACA’s survey on sustainability
The entire air cargo industry: shippers, forwarders, airlines, airports, ground handlers, manufacturers, and IT solution providers are invited to respond to a sustainability survey organised by the International Air Cargo […]...
Implementation of rail noise ban in Germany: no sanctions during 2020-2021
ESC was calling the European and national authorities for a delay in the implementation of the national legislation in Germany on rail noise reduction. The national legislation was prepared following […]...
Government inaction will lead to a wave of bankruptcies in the road transport sector
ESC is supporting IRU in its call for action to governments worldwide. The transport sector will collapse without targeted action as government financial packages are failing road transport. Road transport […]...
ERM report: COVID-19 crisis led to doubling of EU restructuring job loss
The COVID-19 crisis has led to a doubling of restructuring job loss in the first half of 2020 compared to the rolling average. The labour market impacts have been highly […]...
IMO: crew changes and travel
An important reference set of protocols to ensure safe ship crew changes and travel during the COVID-19 pandemic has been recognised by IMO’s technical body, the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC). […]...
Mitigating Risks of Marine Fuel Uncertainty and New Emissions Regulations
10 November, 2020, ESC , together with Ecumene Ventures, are organising a webinar about new marine fuel emissions regulations and shipper-carrier fuel pricing mechanisms. Shippers need to be prepared to […]...
Shippers concerned about high rates and disruptions
Shippers are concerned about the rates increase, lack of service, and supply chain disruptions in maritime. This year the lines have been merging services, with blank sailings as a consequence. […]...
50 days before Brexit, 12 November
Brexit day is coming closer but practical questions in the different modes of transport still remain. To mention just one: will the availability of permits for hauliers be sufficient? Border […]...
World Ports Conference 2020
Cargo owners are usually among the first victims in a crisis. COVID-19 has taken that to another level, with shipments being delayed, blanked, subjected to demurrage, stranded, lost, dropped by […]...
Smart Ports: Piers of the Future, 17-18 November
ESC is supporting Smart Ports: Piers of the Future event which is organised as part of the Smart City Expo World Congress Event and will take place on the 17-18 […]...
Commission Communication on Covid-19 response measures and transport Green Lanes
28 October, 2020, the European Commission published Communication on additional COVID-19 response measures and a Communication upgrading the transport Green Lanes, both meant to coordinate Member States’ reaction to the […]...
EU Environmental Council on freight traffic
During the EU Environment Council on 23 October, 2020, the Ministers of Environment of the EU Member States asked the European Commission to introduce measures to maintain freight transport levels […]...
Financing energy transition towards zero emissions in inland navigation
The Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine published initial qualitative results of the in-depth study on the “Financing of energy transition towards a zero-emission European inland Navigation sector”. […]...
Phasing in greener engines slowed down by pandemic
Inland navigation currently has only one regulative framework regarding emission standards on vessels. This is the Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) Regulation 2016/1628, also known as the regulative framework for the […]...
Adequate minimum wages in the EU
The European Commission released a proposal for a directive on adequate minimum wages in the EU. BusinessEurope reacted to the publication of the proposal calling it “a recipe for disaster”. […]...
Withdrawal Agreement: European Commission sends letter of formal notice to the UK for breach of its obligations
1 October 2020, the European Commission sent the United Kingdom a letter of formal notice for breaching its obligations under the Withdrawal Agreement. This marks the beginning of a formal […]...
400,000 seafarers stuck at sea
24 September 2020, during a high-level event on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly Captain Hedi Marzougui appealed to Governments to act to allow seafarers to come home. […]...
New Customs Union Action Plan
28 September 2020, the European Commission launched a new Customs Union Action Plan setting out a series of measures to make EU customs smarter, more innovative, and more efficient over […]...
The Council approves granting €87.4 billion to support 16 Member States under SURE
The European Commission welcomes the Council’s approval to grant €87.4 billion of financial support to 16 Member States under the SURE instrument to help protect jobs and people in work. […]...
Allocation key for Next Generation EU instrument
In its answer to the European Parliament, the European Commission explains the grouping of the Member States in the modelling exercise for the Next Generation EU financial instrument. They also […]...
European Commission: adopting standards for inland waterways vessels
The European Commission issued the Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union on the technical standards for inland waterways vessels. […]...
ICONET project: improving performance of the supply chain
ICONET is a 30-month EU-funded project focusing on the implementation of the Physical Internet. The Smart PI Container is the cornerstone of the project. It is the brick that allows […]...
Shippers call for crew changes
European shippers together with the Global Shippers’ Alliance appeal to eliminate obstacles to crew changes. Letters have been sent to the International Maritime Organization and the European Commission. Seafarers have […]...
WTO issues report on measures to expedite access to COVID-19 critical goods, services
The WTO Secretariat has published a new information note on how WTO members have used trade measures to expedite access to critical medical goods and services as part of their […]...
2020 WCO Annual Report
The WCO Annual Report 2020 outlines the main activities carried out during the 2019-2020 financial year, the main developments within the WCO and its regional structures, and the future challenges […]...
Posting in the Netherlands
The Working Conditions Posted Workers Act in the European Union (WagwEU in Dutch) has been in force since 1 June 2016. The Act governs the employment conditions to which employees […]...
Mobility Package: dispute before the EU Court of Justice, hotel for foreign truck drivers, and consequences for shippers
Lithuania disputes the MOBILITY PACKAGE before the EU Court of Justice Some Member States do not approve of the new measures of the EU like the regular obligatory return of […]...
Adoption of Mobility Package I. Consequences for shippers
8th of July 2020, the European Parliament voted on the Mobility Package I in the second reading. This means that the text will be published in August and will enter […]...
European Commission on the final adoption of the Mobility Package I by the European Parliament
9th July 2020, the European Commission welcomes the social improvements of the Mobility Package I voted by the European Parliament. However, they regret that the new set of rules includes […]...
European Council on 17-18 July 2020
EU leaders will meet physically in Brussels to discuss the recovery plan to respond to the COVID-19 crisis and a new long-term EU budget. On 19 June, they exchanged views, […]...
German Presidency – “Emerging stronger from the crisis together”
Germany’s presidency of the Council of the EU covers the period from the 1st of July till the 31st of December 2020. The priorities of Germany’s presidency are driven by […]...
DG TRADE on the tools for economic recovery
DG TRADE presents findings from its in-house analysis regarding the post COVID-19 era. It stresses the importance of trade and highlights that protectionist measures are very harmful for economic recovery […]...
Longer trains tested in the Netherlands
Rail carrier LTE has tested 740-meter freight trains. The company will continue operating these trains next year. Main advantages of using longer trains include a boost in productivity, reduction of […]...
European Commission’s annual activity reports
The European Commission has published its Annual activity reports 2019. Every department and executive agency of the European Commission publishes an annual activity report. It details achievements, initiatives taken and […]...
Free trade agreement with Vietnam to enter into force on 1 August 2020
The EU has negotiated a comprehensive free trade agreement with Vietnam. This leads to a reduction of 99% of all customs duties and further trade facilitation. The European Parliament already […]...
EC Temporary Framework to support micro and small enterprises
12 June 2020, the European Commission proposed to further extend the scope of the Temporary Framework by enabling Member States (i) to support certain micro and small enterprises, including start-ups […]...
Motorways of the Sea: detailed implementation plan is ready
Detailed Implementation Plan for Motorways of the Sea sets the priorities for the creation of a sustainable, smart and seamless European Maritime Space. This plan is the result of a […]...
Norway ratifies e-CMR protocol
In June, Norway ratified the e-CMR protocol. In place since 2011, e-CMR, the electronic protocol of the standard consignment note under the United Nations Convention for the carriage of goods, […]...
European Commission is undertaking major EU trade policy review
The European Commission’s major review of the European Union’s trade policy will include a public consultation seeking input from the European Parliament, Member States, stakeholders, and civil society. The Commission’s […]...
CLECAT joins Drewry-ESC transparent tool for bunker charges
Brussels, London, 30 June 2020 – European forwarders’ association joins industry initiative on a fair, neutral bunker adjustment factor indexing mechanism for shippers, forwarders and shipping lines. The mechanism was […]...
TIACA launches its 2nd Air Cargo Sustainability Award
The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) announced that the second edition of the Air Cargo Sustainability Award is now open for applications. The competition aims to recognize outstanding businesses and […]...
EC guidelines: restoration of transport services and connectivity
The European Commission published Guidelines on the Progressive Restoration of Transport Services and Connectivity – COVID-19 2020/C 169/02. Given the global nature of the COVID-19 outbreak and the international nature […]...
Influence of COVID-19 on ports compared to 2008 financial crisis
The normal flow patterns in maritime sector are severely disrupted due to COVID-19. Global container shipping has a decrease of 8-10 % in the volumes transported. While exports to Asia […]...
Galileo Green Lanes application
The Galileo Green Lanes App is now open for use by all interested parties, companies, and drivers in the EU and neighbouring countries. The application was created as part of […]...
ESC and evofenedex focus on Turkey’s trade barriers
Due to COVID-19, Turkey has increased the import duties on products originating from third countries. Besides, European exporters will be asked to provide a declaration of origin, even though these […]...
Container transport: Drewry-ESC satisfaction survey
Availability of cargo space is number one customer requirement, according to the fourth annual shipper satisfaction survey of Drewry and ESC. Container shipping lines’ ability to provide cargo space as needed […]...
COVID-19: WTO reports growing number of export restrictions
Eighty countries and customs territories so far have introduced export prohibitions or restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic according to a new report by the WTO Secretariat. The […]...
COVID-19: Galileo Green Lane, easing pressure at the EU’s internal borders
The European GNSS Agency is working together with the European Commission on an application to facilitate the movement of goods and freight within the EU in support of the COVID-19 […]...
COVID-19: more news
ESC is following closely the developments related to COVID-19. For the measures per country and links to different organisations taking steps to respond to the coronavirus challenges, please see here. […]...
Post-COVID-19: ESC, CLECAT, and EEA on Green Lanes and Air Cargo guidelines
Brussels, 27 April 2020, European Shippers’ Council, CLECAT, and the European Express Association welcome last week’s Joint European Commission and European Council Roadmap towards lifting COVID-19 containment measures. The successful […]...
Interim appeal arrangement for WTO disputes
30 April 2020, the EU and other WTO members have formally notified the ‘Multi-party interim appeal arbitration arrangement’ (MPIA) to the World Trade Organization (WTO). This notification marks the start […]...
Decarbonization matters. Launch of Smart Freight Procurement Questionnaire
13 May 2020, Smart Freight Centre launches its Smart Freight Procurement (SFP) Questionnaire. Shippers and logistics service providers are welcome to join the online webinar sessions that will provide guidance […]...
New Council positions on Mobility Package files and e-freight transport information
On 7 April 2020, Council adopted its position on the 3 “Mobility Package I”-files (Posting of drivers, Driving times and rest periods/tachographs, and Access to the Market) and on the […]...
COVID-19: state aid for railway sector
There are possibilities to support the railway sector with state aid. EU regulation allows this under the current exceptional circumstances. Railway lobby organisations have been shouting from the roof to […]...
COVID-19: shippers and forwarders question air cargo handling surcharges
European shippers are challenging new cargo handling surcharges being imposed by air freight handlers. Together with freight forwarders they call on air freight handlers to justify new fees and question […]...
Update: ESC COVID-19 measures
Please see updated information on COVID-19 measures implemented by EU Member States and other links related to COVID-19 response....
COVID-19: deadline extension for autonomous tariff suspension requests
Following the decision of the European Commission, the French Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Rights (DGDDI) published a Notice to importers of certain agricultural and industrial products eligible for […]...
#EUvsVirus Pan-European Hackaton: 24, 25, 26 April 2020
The European Commission, in close collaboration with EU Member States, will host a pan-European hackathon to connect civil society, innovators, partners, and buyers across Europe to develop innovative solutions to […]...
COVID-19: EU state and temporary framework
On 19 March 2020,1 the European Commission adopted a State Aid Temporary Framework to enable EU Member States to use the full flexibility foreseen under EU State aid rules to […]...
COVID-19: WTO and WCO pledge joint efforts to facilitate trade in essential goods
6 April 2020, the heads of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and World Customs Organization (WCO) issued a joint statement pledging to work together to facilitate trade in essential goods […]...
Mobility package: Council adopts truck drivers reform
7 April 2020, the Council adopted a major reform of the EU road transport sector, known as the Mobility Package. The new rules will improve drivers’ working conditions, introduce special […]...
Additional customs duties on imports from the USA
The European Union shall apply additional customs duties as specified in Regulation (EU) 2020/502 of 6 April 2020 on certain commercial policy measures concerning certain products originating in the United […]...
Regular update on measures related to COVID-19
ESC prepares a regular update on the measured introduced by the EU Member States related to COVID-19. For the recent information, please see here....
Supply chain stakeholders alert President Von der Leyen about their disapproval of the CBER decision
The supply chain stakeholders alert the President of the European Commission, Ms Ursula Von der Leyen, that they disapprove of the prolongation of the Consortia Block Exemption Regulation for another […]...
COVID-19: loading and unloading sites. ESC and CLECAT joint recommendations
ESC and CLECAT reach out to drivers, road hauliers, logistics service providers, consignors, and consignees to work together to diminish the impact of COVID-19 at loading and unloading sites, follow […]...
Overview of open service points for truck drivers
Transportation of goods across and between countries is essential. However, truck drivers are facing more and more issues, caused by the presence of COVID-19 restrictions. Due to the lack of […]...
Update on the waiting times at the border
Corona has led to many new rules within the European Union. These rules are not only on the national level, but they are also focused on the border areas. The […]...
Coronavirus: ESC calls for additional freight flights after US entry ban
President Trump of the United States (USA) announced last night that, from Friday noon until end of April, an entry ban applies to residents of the European Union (EU). United […]...
European Commission proposes 2021 as the European Year of Rail
European Commission proposes 2021 as the European Year of Rail!...
CORONAVIRUS: container line shipping heavily hit
CORONAVIRUS: container line shipping heavily hit Ships that do sail between Asia and Europe are less loaded...
Fourth Drewry-ESC annual survey of shippers on container shipping service quality
The European Shippers’ Council, which represents the logistics interests of manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers across Europe, and Drewry, the leading international shipping consultant, invite you to complete this short survey […]...
Coronavirus impacts shippers
The whole world is following the news on coronavirus and hoping for the quickest development of proper preventive measures and for the cure for the infected people. It proves how […]...
Commissioner Hogan on WTO reform, Green Deal, and EU, US, China relations
EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan set out his vision for trade policy under the Von Der Leyen Commission at the Centre for European Reform’s third annual Conference on “Europe and […]...
Shippers together with other stakeholders call for a bold and realistic European Green Deal
The European associations representing logistics service providers, seaport and inland port authorities, shippers, inland waterways, combined transport operators, rail freight operators, port operators and terminal operators, marine equipment manufacturers and […]...
Objection to include CBER prolongation in Commission’s programme
Shippers, freight forwarders and port service providers strongly object to the inclusion of the prolongation of the CBER in the Commission’s Work Programme Brussels, 10th of February 2020, associations representing […]...
Postponed to 11th of June 2020
The conference ‘The EU, US, and China in the Age of Disruption: Impacts and Solutions’ will take place in Brussels on the 11th of June 2020. The event focuses on […]...
Stakeholders in the Maritime Logistic Supply urge the Commission to proceed to a proper objective evaluation of the Consortia BER.
JOINT PRESS RELEASE Stakeholders in the Maritime Logistics Supply Chain urge EC to proceed to a proper objective evaluation of the Consortia BER. Brussels, Belgium, 17 January 2020 Stakeholders […]...
3rd Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety
Stockholm, 19-20 February 2020, ESC will take part in the 3rd Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety hosted by Sweden. The theme of the conference is Achieving Global Goals 2030. […]...
Transport as a priority of the Croatian Presidency
A European transport area, high-quality and secure data infrastructure, and an integrated energy market are keys to make the European Union more connected. A Europe that connects is one of […]...
Mobility Package 1 on the way to adoption
On the 20th of December 2019, the Council’s Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER 2) approved a set of proposals – known as the Mobility Package – on drivers’ working conditions, […]...
Trade: tariffs suspension and REX
Autonomous common customs tariff duties on certain agricultural and industrial products are suspended as from the 1st of January 2020 following the publication in the Official Journal of the EU […]...
