This Week in Automotive — Brussels (#11, 2026)
EU Customs Code reform agreement; new handling fee for e-commerce imports; EU Customs Authority to be based in Lille; stricter platform liability; environmental procurement rules for wind tech.
March 22, 2026 to March 28, 2026
EU Customs Code reform agreement; new handling fee for e-commerce imports; EU Customs Authority to be based in Lille; stricter platform liability; environmental procurement rules for wind tech.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission welcomes historic agreement to reform EU Customs Union
On 25 March 2026, the European Commission announced support for the interinstitutional agreement on the EU Customs Union reform, marking the most significant overhaul of customs rules since 1968. The reform introduces a digital, data-driven customs architecture, new measures for e-commerce, and the establishment of the EU Customs Authority (EUCA) in Lille, France. The EUCA will coordinate operations and manage the EU Customs Data Hub, centralizing information and enabling real-time risk management for all 27 Member States. The agreement removes the €150 duty exemption for low-value e-commerce parcels and replaces it with a €3 duty from 1 July 2026, followed by standard customs duties once the Data Hub is fully operational. A handling fee will also be implemented for goods imported into the EU, with the amount set by delegated act and applicable by 1 November 2026. The reform strengthens platform liability by obliging online sellers and platforms to provide customs data and ensure regulatory compliance. Measures for trusted traders are enhanced, and a timeline is set for the Customs Data Hub's phased implementation: e-commerce in 2028, all businesses in 2031, and mandatory usage by 2034.
Commission approves €500 million Luxembourgish cleantech manufacturing capacity State aid scheme
On 26 March 2026, the European Commission approved a €500 million Luxembourgish scheme to support investments in clean technology manufacturing capacity under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted on 25 June 2025. The scheme provides direct grants for manufacturing final cleantech goods and components, including batteries, solar, wind, and related critical raw materials. Aid is open to companies throughout Luxembourg and can be granted until 31 December 2030. The Commission found the scheme consistent with Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and CISAF conditions, incentivizing cleantech production and supporting the EU's net-zero objectives.
Commission greenlights Greece's seventh payment request for €1.18 billion under NextGenerationEU
On 25 March 2026, the European Commission positively assessed Greece's seventh payment request under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, totaling €1.18 billion. Greece met 20 milestones and 6 targets, including digitalization of driving licence services and significant investments in energy transition and transport. The payment awaits the Council's Economic and Financial Committee opinion and Commission approval.
Commission welcomes selection of Lille as seat for EU Customs Authority
On 24 March 2026, the Commission welcomed the agreement between the European Parliament and Council to select Lille, France, as the seat of the EU Customs Authority (EUCA). The selection followed a joint call for applications and represents a key step before adoption of the Customs Reform legislative package. The EUCA will coordinate risk management, oversee the EU Customs Data Hub, and strengthen cooperation among national customs authorities.
EU road deaths drop by 3% in 2025
On 23 March 2026, the Commission published preliminary figures showing 19,400 road deaths in 2025—a 3% decrease from 2024. Progress varied by country, with Estonia and Greece showing the largest reductions. The report notes most Member States remain off track to meet the EU's target of halving fatalities by 2030. Vulnerable road users continue to account for the majority of urban fatalities.
Commission approves French State aid scheme for production of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen
On 22 March 2026, the Commission approved a French State aid scheme to support 1 GW of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen electrolysis capacity. The measure aligns with the EU Hydrogen Strategy and Clean Industrial Deal, with funding awarded via competitive tenders. Beneficiaries must comply with EU criteria for renewable and low-carbon fuels. The scheme, assessed under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and the 2022 CEEAG, is intended to help France reach 4.5 GW of electrolyser capacity by 2030.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Minimum environmental sustainability requirements for wind technology procurement set
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/718 of 20 March 2026 establishes minimum environmental sustainability requirements for public procurement of onshore and offshore wind technologies under Regulation (EU) 2024/1735. Wind turbine blades must achieve a recyclability rate of at least 70%, measured per EN 45555:2019. These requirements apply to public procurement procedures launched from 30 June 2026.
Union Customs Code reform: classification and data requirements updated
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/665 of 4 March 2026 amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2552, updating technical specifications for industrial production statistics and establishing an updated industrial products classification breakdown (Prodcom list). The new requirements apply to data transmissions for reference periods from 1 January 2025.
EU–Switzerland Inland Transport Committee extends transitional measures
Decision No 1/2025 of the Community/Switzerland Inland Transport Committee, adopted on 9 December 2025, extends the validity of certain transitory provisions in Annex 1 of the EU–Switzerland Agreement on Carriage of Goods and Passengers by Rail and Road until 31 December 2027, to maintain smooth rail traffic and allow further review of Swiss national rules.
EU Council
Upcoming: Informal meeting of telecommunications ministers
An informal meeting of telecommunications ministers under the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council is scheduled for 23 March 2026.
Upcoming: Foreign Affairs Council (Trade)
The Foreign Affairs Council in its Trade configuration will convene on 26 March 2026.
EP Committee Work
Draft report: Connecting Europe Facility for 2028–2034
On 25 March 2026, the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) published its draft report on the proposal for a regulation establishing the Connecting Europe Facility for 2028–2034 (rapporteur: Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez). The draft amends Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 and repeals Regulation (EU) 2021/1153, with implications for funding of trans-European transport infrastructure.
What We're Reading This Week
- EU road deaths drop by 3% in 2025: EU traffic fatalities decrease, reflecting ongoing progress toward the bloc’s long-term road safety targets.
- EU citizens show growing interest in electric vehicles, survey reveals: Survey data indicates a significant rise in EU citizens considering electric vehicles for their next car purchase.
- UK backs switch to electric trucks and vans with £1bn funding: The UK government commits £1bn to accelerate the adoption of electric trucks and vans, aiming to cut transport emissions.
- Iran war effect: boost for solar panels, US buyers turn to electric cars, but EU car sales may drop: Rising tensions from the Iran conflict accelerate clean energy adoption in the US, while Europe faces potential car sales declines.
- Uber, Verne, and Pony.ai bring a commercial robotaxi service to Europe: Uber partners with Verne and Pony.ai to launch Europe's first commercial robotaxi service, signaling a shift toward autonomous urban transport.
