This Week in Freight & Ports — Brussels (#27, 2026)
EU signs Gibraltar Agreement; Commission publishes ETS review, Electrification Plan; Austria-Switzerland border coach cabotage liberalised; EU-US-Norway-Iceland air deal takes effect.
July 12, 2026 to July 18, 2026
EU signs Gibraltar Agreement; Commission publishes ETS review, Electrification Plan; Austria-Switzerland border coach cabotage liberalised; EU-US-Norway-Iceland air deal takes effect.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
European Commission
Commission unveils Electrification Action Plan and ETS review targeting 2040 goals
On 16 July 2026, the European Commission presented its Electrification Action Plan alongside a review of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). The Action Plan sets a target for the electrification rate of energy demand to reach 46% by 2040, up from the current 23%. Measures aim to address persistent barriers including cost disparities, grid connections, and adoption of new technologies, especially in transport and logistics. The review of the ETS introduces new investment tools: the Industrial Decarbonisation Bank with €100 billion, an ETS Investment Booster, and obligations for Member States to reinvest national ETS revenues in decarbonisation. The ETS will expand coverage to waste incineration and broaden its application for maritime and aviation sectors, including new provisions for sustainable fuels. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated these proposals are in line with the conclusions of the European Council of June 2026 and support the Clean Industrial Deal.
Commission, UK sign EU-UK Agreement in respect of Gibraltar
On 13 July 2026, the European Commission and the United Kingdom signed the EU-UK Agreement in respect of Gibraltar. The agreement, set to provisionally apply from 15 July 2026, finalises Gibraltar's legal framework post-Brexit. It is aimed at supporting the prosperity and legal certainty of the region, promoting closer cooperation between Gibraltar and Spain, while maintaining the integrity of the Schengen area and EU Customs Union. This follows the Council's decision to proceed with the signing on 1 July and submission for Parliament consent.
Commission approves Estonia’s €135.5 million RRF payment request
On 15 July 2026, the European Commission endorsed Estonia’s fourth payment request for €135.5 million under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) of NextGenerationEU. The assessment covers a broad set of reforms and investments, including sustainable mobility infrastructure and digital gateway development. Estonia has now completed 76% of milestones and targets in its plan; payment will proceed following Economic and Financial Committee opinion.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Austria empowered to liberalise coach cabotage with Switzerland in border regions
Decision (EU) 2026/1769, adopted 14 July 2026 and published on 17 July, authorises Austria to amend its bilateral road transport agreement with Switzerland. The decision allows cabotage operations by coach and bus in specific Austrian border districts (Vorarlberg and Tyrol), provided there is no discrimination or distortion of competition. Austria must notify the Commission of the agreed amendment text.
Ancillary air transport agreement between EU, US, Norway, and Iceland enters into force
The ancillary agreement facilitating the application of the Air Transport Agreement between the US, EU, Norway, and Iceland will enter into force on 2 August 2026, as announced in the Official Journal on 17 July 2026 (2026/1745). The final notification was deposited on 2 July 2026, enabling broader transatlantic aviation cooperation.
Gibraltar Agreement between EU, Euratom, and UK published; provisional application from 15 July
The full text of the Agreement in respect of Gibraltar, signed between the EU, European Atomic Energy Community, and the UK, was published in the Official Journal on 14 July 2026 (OJ L 2026/1562). The agreement removes physical barriers for goods and people between Gibraltar and the EU, introduces cooperation on customs, border control, transport, and law enforcement, and defines a governance framework including cooperation councils and dispute resolution. The Council Decision (EU) 2026/1732, also published 14 July, sets out the signing and provisional application on behalf of the Union.
Commission adjusts trackside signalling rules for selected Italian rail vehicles
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1559, adopted 10 July 2026, permits Italy not to apply specific ERTMS trackside supported levels to 570 Siemens Vectron X4 locomotives until 31 December 2026. The measure responds to an Italian request under Directive (EU) 2016/797 and applies only with alternative safety procedures in place.
EU Council
Foreign Affairs Council reviews Ukraine, Middle East and Black Sea Strategy
On 13 July 2026, the Foreign Affairs Council discussed developments in Russia’s war against Ukraine and the Middle East, including the situation in Gaza, and implementation of the Black Sea strategy.
EP Committee Work
TRAN Committee: Budget opinion covers funding priorities for transport
On 16 July 2026, the TRAN Committee, led by rapporteur Rosa Serrano Sierra, issued its opinion on the draft EU general budget for 2027. The document identifies main funding lines for transport, including infrastructure, decarbonisation, and support for freight innovation within the multiannual financial framework.
TRAN Committee discusses aviation fuels, legislative files on vehicles, and passenger rights
At its 15 July 2026 meeting, the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) held a briefing on sustainable aviation fuels, considered amendments to the regulation on CO2 standards for new light-duty vehicles, and reviewed negotiations on updating enforcement of passenger rights regulations and CO2 classifications for heavy-duty vehicles. The agenda also included presentations from Irish Presidency officials and an exchange on seafarer issues.
