This Week in Freight & Ports — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission proposes Public Procurement Regulation; new strategy for outermost regions; Council to review India FTA proposal; upcoming Council: ECOFIN and Transport.
September 07, 2026 to September 13, 2026
Commission proposes Public Procurement Regulation; new strategy for outermost regions; Council to review India FTA proposal; upcoming Council: ECOFIN and Transport.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• 🤝 EU Council
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Informal meeting of transport ministers: On September 20, the EU Council's Informal meeting of transport ministers configuration is scheduled to hold an informal meeting ministerial meeting in Brussels.
European Commission
Commission presents landmark India trade deal to Council for signature
On 10 September 2026, the European Commission submitted proposals to the Council for the signature and conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and India. If authorized, this would be the largest trade agreement for both parties, covering over €180 billion in annual trade and supporting 800,000 EU jobs. The deal eliminates or reduces tariffs on 96% of EU goods exports to India, with expected annual savings of around €4 billion in duties for European exporters. The proposal follows the fast-track procedure outlined by Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and requires Council approval, followed by European Parliament consent, for entry into force. The Indian authorities are conducting parallel ratification procedures.
Commission proposes simpler and more strategic Public Procurement rules
On 8 September 2026, the Commission adopted a proposal for a new Regulation to modernise and simplify the EU's public procurement framework. The proposal consolidates three existing directives and relevant sectoral provisions into a single Regulation, aiming to reduce administrative complexity and support investments in transport, infrastructure, and public services. The Regulation introduces a digital procurement marketplace, unified award criteria with a minimum 30% weight for quality (50% for labour-intensive contracts), and new resilience and security provisions. The proposal responds to recommendations from the European Court of Auditors and the Draghi and Letta reports, and will be negotiated by Parliament and Council before adoption.
A new strategic vision for the outermost regions
On 9 September 2026, the Commission adopted a Communication outlining a new strategy for the EU's nine outermost regions, including French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, Saint-Martin (France), the Azores, Madeira (Portugal), and the Canary Islands (Spain). The strategy proposes a regulatory package with targeted adaptations to EU law for these regions, addressing areas such as agriculture, fisheries, migration, and taxation. It sets four objectives: strengthening geostrategic potential, improving competitiveness and single market access, enhancing resilience, and promoting social fairness. The package is based on Article 349 TFEU and will be submitted to Council after consultation with Parliament.
Press remarks by Executive Vice-President Fitto on the Outermost Regions Strategy
On 9 September 2026, Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto presented the Commission's new Strategy for the EU's outermost regions, emphasizing their dual status as both remote and integral parts of the Union. The strategy includes a regulatory package with adaptations on taxation, deforestation, agriculture, fisheries, and migration. Fitto described the approach as place-based, built in consultation with the regions and Member States, and underscored the need for differentiated obligations under Article 349 TFEU. The Commission intends to maintain ongoing dialogue and assess further sectoral adaptations as justified.
Press remarks by Vice-President Séjourné and Commissioner Zaharieva on the Public Procurement Act and the European Innovation Act
On 8 September 2026, Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and Commissioner Zaharieva presented the Public Procurement Act and the European Innovation Act. The Public Procurement Act consolidates existing directives into a single Regulation and introduces three streamlined procedures, a central digital platform, and a 30% minimum quality criterion in evaluations. The European Innovation Act proposes a single rulebook for R&D procurement with at least 50% of award criteria based on quality, including a minimum of 15% for innovation. The Act also includes a 'Made-in-Europe' preference for procurement and a competence centre for IP valuation.
EU Council
Upcoming informal meeting of economic and financial affairs ministers (ECOFIN)
An informal meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) is scheduled for 18 September 2026.
Upcoming informal meeting of transport ministers
Transport ministers will meet informally under the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council configuration on 20 September 2026.
