This Week in Freight & Ports — Brussels (#20, 2026)
Fertiliser tariff quotas suspended; Vehicle emissions approval updated; Brexit Adjustment Reserve amounts revised; EU-Mexico trade interim agreement signed; Plant import checks frequency amended.
May 24, 2026 to May 30, 2026
Fertiliser tariff quotas suspended; Vehicle emissions approval updated; Brexit Adjustment Reserve amounts revised; EU-Mexico trade interim agreement signed; Plant import checks frequency amended.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
President von der Leyen pledges support for Baltic states
On 25 May, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a statement in Vilnius, Lithuania, addressing recent air raid alerts and transport disruptions along the EU's eastern border. She announced an additional EUR 12 billion through SAFE for Baltic states, with Lithuania’s plan already signed and Estonia and Latvia pending. Sixteen new projects have been selected under European Readiness Flagships, including the Eastern Flank Watch and European Air Shield. Cohesion funds were redirected for defence preparedness, border surveillance, and economic security, totalling EUR 1.5 billion. Von der Leyen called for bridging preparedness gaps, integrating Ukraine into Europe's defence-industrial strategy, and developing a protocol for hybrid and cyberattack situations.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Regulation suspends fertiliser tariff duties
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1181, adopted on 22 May 2026 and published on 29 May, suspends Common Customs Tariff duties for specific nitrogen-based fertilisers under Article 56(2), point (c) of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013. Quotas are set based on 2024 MFN import volumes, excluding Russia and Belarus, with a 20% top-up. The suspension applies for one year, aiming to diversify supply away from Russia and Belarus and reduce costs for European farmers. The Commission will monitor market conditions and may propose extensions or modifications.
UN Regulation No. 83: Updated vehicle emissions approval
Published 29 May 2026 as Regulation (EU) 2026/1086, this act updates technical requirements for type approval of motor vehicles regarding pollutant emissions, battery durability, security, and anti-tampering. Applicable from September 2026, the regulation incorporates amendments affecting M1 and N1 vehicles and details conformity of production, in-service conformity, and transitional provisions for small-volume manufacturers. Approval numbers and documentation requirements are outlined for EU and other contracting parties.
Imports: Minimum frequency rates for plant checks amended
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1101 of 22 May 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2022/2389, modifying minimum frequency rates for identity and physical checks on consignments of plants and plant products entering the Union. The changes respond to recent interception data and import volumes, decreasing rates for certain plants and raising them for others, including citrus from Mexico and roots of Curcuma longa. The regulation enters into force twenty days after publication.
Brexit Adjustment Reserve amounts revised
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1162 of 21 May 2026 revises the provisional amounts allocated to Member States from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, reflecting reductions following transfers to the Recovery and Resilience Facility and unused balances. The updated allocation is set out in the new annex, addressing EU Regulation 2021/1755 and subsequent amendments.
EU signs interim trade agreement with Mexico
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1163, adopted 11 May 2026 and published 27 May, authorises the signing of the Interim Agreement on Trade between the EU and the United Mexican States. The agreement covers trade and investment liberalisation and will be replaced by the Modernised Global Agreement upon its entry into force.
EP Committee Work
AGRI Committee draft opinion on 2027 EU budget
On 27 May, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) published a draft opinion on the EU's general budget for the financial year 2027. Rapporteur Wouter Beke prepared the document, covering all sections and addressing resource allocation for agriculture and rural development.
IMCO Chair responds to Temu fine and DSA enforcement
On 28 May, Anna Cavazzini (Greens/EFA, DE), Chair of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO), issued a press release responding to the Commission's enforcement action against Temu under the Digital Services Act. Cavazzini noted the significance of the DSA for consumer protection and referenced the need for further tools and market surveillance in the e-commerce sector.
Budgets Committee delegation assesses defence spending in Poland
On 28 May, a Budgets Committee delegation led by Janusz Lewandowski (EPP, PL) concluded a visit to Poland. Meetings included senior government officials and a tour of Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport, focusing on aid logistics, regional security, and the European budget's role in supporting Ukraine.
PECH Committee mission in Azores discusses maritime policy
The Fisheries Committee (PECH) conducted a fact-finding mission in the Azores, meeting regional officials and visiting research centres and fisheries associations. Discussions covered marine biodiversity, deep-sea ecosystems, maritime safety, and logistical constraints in fish exports, with participation from chair Carmen Crespo Díaz (EPP, ES) and other MEPs.
What We're Reading This Week
- A few thoughts on China-EU economic and trade relations: China-EU economic ties face new challenges and opportunities amid shifting global trade dynamics and policy adjustments.
- 5 EU countries call for tougher trade weapons to tackle China: Several EU nations urge stronger trade measures to counter China's economic practices and protect European industries.
