This Week in Freight & Ports — Brussels (#28, 2026)
EU tightens vehicle circularity rules; new real-world CO2 data for trucks; Belgium gets green light for port shore power tax cut; marine equipment standards updated.
July 19, 2026 to July 25, 2026
EU tightens vehicle circularity rules; new real-world CO2 data for trucks; Belgium gets green light for port shore power tax cut; marine equipment standards updated.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
European Commission
Commission approves €54 million Luxembourgish State aid for road and rail transport firms facing increased fuel prices
On 23 July 2026, the European Commission approved a €54 million State aid scheme by Luxembourg to support road and rail freight transport companies affected by increased fuel prices amid the Middle East crisis. The aid will take the form of direct grants covering up to 70% of eligible fuel cost increases between 1 March and 31 December 2026. The measure was assessed under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and Sections 1 and 2.2 of the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF), adopted on 29 April 2026. The Commission concluded the scheme is necessary, appropriate, and proportionate, and does not negatively impact EU trading conditions.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Regulation (EU) 2026/1738 on circularity requirements for vehicle design and end-of-life management
Regulation (EU) 2026/1738, adopted on 8 July 2026 and published on 24 July 2026 (CELEX: 32026R1738), sets stricter EU-wide rules on the circularity of vehicle design, use of recycled materials, and end-of-life vehicle management. It introduces mandatory minimum recycled content for plastics, steel, and aluminium in new vehicles, streamlines requirements for vehicle traceability, and harmonises rules on dismantling and recycling across Member States. The regulation amends or repeals several prior acts, including Directives 2000/53/EC and 2005/64/EC, aiming to boost resource efficiency and reduce environmental impacts throughout vehicle lifecycles.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1787 on procedures for collecting real-world CO2 data from heavy-duty vehicles
On 23 July 2026, the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1787 (CELEX: 32026R1787), detailing the procedures for Member States to collect and report real-world fuel consumption and CO2 emission data from new heavy-duty vehicles. The data collection uses on-board monitoring devices and will occur during periodic roadworthiness tests from 1 July 2028. Data transmission protocols, reporting deadlines, and data confidentiality requirements are established, supporting Regulation (EU) 2019/1242's monitoring and verification of vehicle emissions.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1762 on brake particle emissions of light vehicles
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1762, adopted on 13 July 2026 (CELEX: 32026R1762), provides technical and procedural requirements for type-approval of brake systems regarding particle emissions for M1 and N1 vehicles under the Euro 7 regulation. The act aligns EU testing methodologies with UN Regulation No 179 and details administrative documentation and reporting for manufacturers and authorities. The provisions on in-service conformity and reporting apply from 2028.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1434 updating marine equipment standards for ships
On 30 June 2026, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1434 (CELEX: 32026R1434) was adopted, updating the design, construction, and testing standards for marine equipment under Directive 2014/90/EU. The regulation lists the applicable international instruments and introduces transition periods for new items conforming to former national approval before harmonisation. It repeals Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1533 and applies from September 2026, with transition measures for equipment already type-approved under national rules.
EU Council
Council Implementing Decision authorises Belgium to apply reduced tax rate on shore-side electricity for vessels in ports
The Council adopted Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1776 on 10 July 2026, authorising Belgium to apply a reduced rate of taxation to electricity directly supplied to vessels berthed in ports, other than private pleasure craft, in line with Article 19 of Directive 2003/96/EC. The decision aims to promote use of shore power to lower pollutant emissions from ships at berth. The authorisation applies from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2032.
