This Week in Freight & Ports — Brussels (#23, 2026)
EU opens review of US biodiesel anti-dumping; Air transport agreement updated with Switzerland; Aviation security position at ICAO Council set.
June 14, 2026 to June 20, 2026
EU opens review of US biodiesel anti-dumping; Air transport agreement updated with Switzerland; Aviation security position at ICAO Council set.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On June 23, the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings.
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On June 23, the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Council Directive 96/53/EC laying down for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community the maximum authorised dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorised weights in international traffic; Chair’s announcements.
- Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy): On June 26, the EU Council's Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
European Commission
Commission greenlights Bulgaria's fourth payment request under NextGenerationEU
On 18 June 2026, the European Commission confirmed the preliminary approval of Bulgaria's fourth payment request under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), part of the NextGenerationEU framework. Bulgaria completed 23 out of 26 required milestones, covering reforms and investments in anti-corruption, digitalisation of justice, sustainable transport, decarbonisation, and the modernisation of rail transport. One milestone related to water supply legislation remains incomplete, and Bulgaria has until 31 August 2026 to fulfil pending requirements, with partial payment granted for fulfilled milestones. The Economic and Financial Committee will review the assessment within four weeks before final disbursement.
EU commits over €338 million for global ocean protection at Our Ocean Conference in Kenya
On 16 June 2026, Commissioner Costas Kadis announced a €338 million EU commitment at the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa. Funding will support ocean conservation, sustainable fisheries, and maritime security, including initiatives to bolster the Global Ocean Observing System and address maritime security risks in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa. The measures align with the European Commission's recently adopted Coastal Communities Strategy and include efforts against illegal fishing, marine pollution, and the expansion of marine protected areas.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission initiates review of anti-dumping and countervailing duties on US biodiesel imports
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1341, published 18 June 2026, opens a review of anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports of biodiesel originating in the United States, following an exemption request by Braya Renewable Fuels (Newfoundland) LP for consignments from Canada. The review will determine eligibility for exemption and covers duties imposed by Implementing Regulations (EU) 2021/1266 and (EU) 2021/1267, with imports subject to registration during the investigation period. The process is grounded in Regulations (EU) 2016/1036 and (EU) 2016/1037.
Council Regulation strengthens Ukraine-related sanctions with new supply chain derogations
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1336, adopted 15 June 2026, amends Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 concerning restrictive measures targeting entities undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity. New provisions introduce temporary derogations, enabling authorized asset releases and industry purchases from a listed entity to facilitate supply chain diversification, with specified deadlines for wind-down operations and payments for critical components. These changes follow Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1333.
EU and Switzerland update annex to Air Transport Agreement
Decision No 1/2026 of the Joint EU/Switzerland Air Transport Committee, dated 15 June 2026, replaces the Annex to the Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on Air Transport, effective 1 July 2026. The new annex ensures alignment of air transport rules and standards between the parties.
EU clarifies timing and administration of greenhouse gas allowances auctioning
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/787, in force from 15 June 2026, amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2830 with adjustments to auctioning procedures for emission allowances under Directive 2003/87/EC. Changes address auction timing, distribution of volumes, and participation criteria, particularly for allowances under Chapter IVa relating to buildings and road transport.
Council Decision on EU position at ICAO Council on aviation security standards
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1369 of 12 June 2026 establishes the Union’s position at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council’s 238th session regarding the adoption of Amendment 19 to Annex 17 on Aviation Security. The Union will support the amendment, which aligns ICAO’s security practices with existing EU regulations, including Regulation (EC) No 300/2008.
EU Council
Council agrees on position at ICAO for adoption of new aviation security standards
On 12 June 2026, the Council adopted its position ahead of the ICAO Council’s 238th session, supporting Amendment 19 to Annex 17 to the Chicago Convention on Aviation Security.
Council Regulation introduces new derogations for Ukraine-related asset freezes
On 15 June 2026, the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/1336, adjusting restrictions and granting temporary operational derogations to facilitate supply chain diversification from designated entities.
EP Committee Work
INTA committee to debate export credits and international procurement
On 19 June 2026, the International Trade (INTA) committee will hold debates with Commission officials on export credits, the modernisation of the OECD export credits arrangement, and will examine the first report on the International Procurement Instrument. Members will also exchange on the conclusion of negotiations for an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement with Eastern and Southern Africa States and hear from a recent committee delegation to South Africa.
PECH committee drafts opinion on the EU general budget for 2027
On 17 June 2026, the Fisheries (PECH) committee released its draft opinion on the 2027 EU general budget. Rapporteur Giuseppe Lupo assessed funding priorities for fisheries and maritime policy in the next financial year.
EMPL committee opinion on the 2027 EU budget
On 16 June 2026, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), under rapporteur Romana Tomc, issued its draft opinion on the general budget for the EU in 2027. The document addresses allocations for employment and social policy priorities.
