This Week in Freight & Ports — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission refers Bulgaria, Slovakia, Finland to Court; Spain gets excise duty reduction for fuels; Decision on ETCS deployment in Greece; Port Køge joins EU approved ports list; Dangerous Goods transport rules updated.
September 28, 2026 to October 04, 2026
Commission refers Bulgaria, Slovakia, Finland to Court; Spain gets excise duty reduction for fuels; Decision on ETCS deployment in Greece; Port Køge joins EU approved ports list; Dangerous Goods transport rules updated.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On October 05, the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Connecting Europe through high-speed rail.
European Commission
Commission refers Bulgaria to Court for failure to transpose hired vehicle rules
On 30 September 2026, the European Commission decided to refer Bulgaria (INFR(2023)0192) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to transpose Directive (EU) 2022/738, which sets minimum standards for the use of hired vehicles without drivers for transporting goods by road. Bulgaria has not incorporated almost all measures of the Directive into national law, despite the transposition deadline of 6 August 2023. Only one provision, proof of compliance, has been transposed. The Commission requests financial penalties and notes the Directive's role in modernising the internal market for road freight transport.
Commission refers Slovakia to Court for failing to deploy electronic Temporary Storage system for air transport
On 30 September 2026, the Commission referred Slovakia (INFR(2025)2021) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to deploy the electronic system for Temporary Storage for air transport required under Regulation No. 952/2013 (Union Customs Code) and Regulation No. 2015/2447. Member States had to make the system operational by 31 December 2023. Slovakia did not comply, despite previous formal notice and reasoned opinion. The system is essential for monitoring non-Union goods entering the EU and ensuring effective customs controls.
Commission refers Finland to Court for Seveso III Directive non-alignment
On 30 September 2026, the European Commission decided to refer Finland (INFR(2020)2218) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to align its national rules with Directive 2012/18/EU (Seveso III Directive). The case concerns issues of inspections, access to information for the public, and access to justice. Finland's rules do not allow disclosure of non-sensitive parts of reports on dangerous substances and lack coordination of inspections with other EU legislation. The Commission had issued a letter of formal notice in July 2020 and a reasoned opinion in December 2025.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council authorises Spain to apply reduced excise duty rates for motor fuels
Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2194 of 22 September 2026 authorises Spain to apply reduced rates of excise duty for gas oil and unleaded petrol, pursuant to Article 19 of Directive 2003/96/EC. The measure responds to energy price shocks linked to developments in the Middle East and is limited in duration until 30 September 2026.
Commission approves Port Køge for EU port listing in fisheries control
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2155 of 28 September 2026 adds Port Køge (Denmark) to the list of approved ports under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1474 and amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/897. The port meets conditions for accurate weighing of landed catches and monitoring with weighbridges and CCTV.
Council decision updates EU position on Dangerous Goods transport agreements
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2233 of 28 September 2026 sets the EU position on amendments to the ADR and ADN agreements for the carriage of dangerous goods by road and inland waterways. The amendments, adopted by the UNECE Working Party and ADN Administrative Committee, update requirements to reflect scientific and technical progress.
Commission Decision on Greek ETCS deployment derogation for rail vehicles
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2189 of 24 September 2026 allows Greece to not apply the requirement for the latest ETCS on-board specifications to 111 rail vehicles operated by Hellenic Train until 31 December 2040, under Directive (EU) 2016/797 and Regulation (EU) 2023/1695. The alternative provision applies older ETCS Baseline 2, compatible with current Greek infrastructure.
EU Council
Council informal energy ministers meeting held
The Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council held an informal meeting of energy ministers on 28 September 2026.
