This Week in Freight & Ports — Brussels (#21, 2026)
Major EU reforms on customs origin; Inland navigation certificates for Serbia recognised; France secures exemption for locomotive ETCS retrofits; Port Victoria added to tuna landing list; Maritime strategy on Council agenda.
May 31, 2026 to June 06, 2026
Major EU reforms on customs origin; Inland navigation certificates for Serbia recognised; France secures exemption for locomotive ETCS retrofits; Port Victoria added to tuna landing list; Maritime strategy on Council agenda.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Transport): On June 08, the EU Council's Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Transport) configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
- Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Telecommunications): On June 09, the EU Council's Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Telecommunications) configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Comprehensive overhaul of preferential origin procedures and new EU electronic system for proof of origin
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1183 of 2 June 2026 introduces substantial amendments to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447, reforming procedural rules on the preferential origin of goods. The Regulation restructures origin rules, introduces and harmonises supplier's declarations, establishes definitions for preferential agreement documentation, and simplifies procedures for approved exporter authorisation. Importantly, it creates the central EU Proof of origin Certificates (e-PoC) system, facilitating electronic issuance and verification of origin documents from June 2030, and mandates its use for pan-Euro-Mediterranean movement certificates from 2030 (with full interoperability in 2033). Enhanced monitoring, administrative cooperation, and anti-fraud mechanisms are outlined. The Regulation applies progressively from December 2027 (CELEX: 32026R1183).
Recognition in the EU of inland navigation certificates and documents issued by Serbia
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1179 of 1 June 2026 recognises, under Directive (EU) 2017/2397, the certificates of qualification, service record books, and logbooks in inland navigation issued by Serbia. The decision follows a Commission-led assessment and site inspection of Serbian certification processes, including legislative changes to meet EU requirements. As of its entry into force, these Serbian documents are valid on Union inland waterways. The Decision applies from June 2026 (CELEX: 32026D1179).
France granted limited exemption from mandatory ETCS installation for Traxx locomotive fleet
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1193 of 1 June 2026, pursuant to Directive (EU) 2016/797 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1695, approves France's request to extend the area of use for 234 Alstom Traxx locomotives without requiring retrofitting with the European Train Control System (ETCS) until 31 December 2029. France must instead apply SCMT and GSM-R technical standards as interim safety measures. The exemption is limited to the specified locomotives and requires notification to the Commission of any identification changes (CELEX: 32026D1193).
Port Victoria (Seychelles) approved for EU-flagged unsorted tuna purse seine landings
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1171 of 1 June 2026 adds Port Victoria, Mahé (Seychelles), to the list of ports authorised under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1474 and (EU) 2025/897 for unsorted landings and transhipments of tropical tuna purse seine fisheries under Article 14(4)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009. The inclusion follows a compliance assessment and confirmation of Seychelles' adherence to international fisheries control measures (CELEX: 32026R1171).
EU Council
Transport Council to address maritime strategy, EU ports, and post-2030 decarbonisation
On 8 June 2026, the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Transport) is scheduled to discuss EU decarbonisation efforts in transport after 2030 and adopt conclusions on a new maritime industrial strategy and an EU ports strategy.
EP Committee Work
TRAN committee considers cross-border road passenger transport and vehicle emissions reforms
The Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) met on 3 June 2026 to discuss authorising Austria to amend its bilateral road transport agreement with Switzerland, enabling cabotage operations in cross-border coach and bus passenger services. Other agenda items included consideration of opinions on amendments to Regulation (EU) 2019/631 concerning CO2 emission standards for new light-duty vehicles and vehicle labelling, and a report on exemptions from speed limitation device requirements for certain N2-class electric vehicles.
INTA committee votes on provisional EU-US trade tariff agreements
The Committee on International Trade (INTA) held an extraordinary meeting on 2 June 2026, voting on provisional agreements with the Council regarding the adjustment of customs duties and opening of tariff quotas for certain US-origin goods, as well as non-application of duties for others. Rapporteur Bernd Lange (S&D) presented the committee's positions ahead of electronic votes on the outcomes of interinstitutional negotiations.
