Greening Freight Transport Package
Objective
On 11th July 2023, the European Commission (EC) presented its Communication on Greening Freight Transport Package. It shall support shifting cargo from road to rail and waterways, incentivising the purchase of low-emission lorries, and establishing an easier and more accurate method to calculate the carbon footprint of freight journeys.
The Package is composed of the following legislative initiatives:
- Proposal for a Regulation on the use of railway infrastructure capacity in the single European railway Area (see below)
- Proposal for a revision of Directive 96/53/EC on the maximum weights and dimensions of heavy goods vehicles, buses, and coaches
- Proposal for a Regulation establishing an EU framework for the harmonised measurement of transport and logistics emissions
- Proposal for a revision of Directive 92/106/EC on Combined Transport Directive.
In March 2024, the European Parliament adopted its position on Capacity Management, followed by the Transport Council’s compromise in June 2024. Trilogues negotiations began in December 2024.
Regarding Weights & Dimensions, the EP also adopted its position in March 2024, while the Council continues to work on a position.
The CountEmissions EU legislative text is pending EU approval, with a final adoption anticipated in the first half of 2025.
The negotiations on the Combined Transport Directive are still ongoing, as the EP and the Council have yet to reach an agreement on their respective positions.
EIM actions in 2024
- EIM analysed the different elements of the package and duly informed its members.
- EIM produced several analyses, sent amendments to MEPs and answered public consultations of the EC.
- EIM also held regular exchanges with MEPs, the sector and other relevant stakeholders.
Outlook 2025
- EIM will continue to closely follow the legislative process of the different elements of the Package
- EIM will continue to inform and consult its members and exchange with all relevant stakeholders
- 2025/2026 (tbc): adoption of the different proposals of the Greening Freight package
Combined Transport
Objective
The Combined Transport Directive 92/106/EEC is considered as the only legal instrument on EU level to directly incentivise the shift from road to freight to lower emission modes such as inland waterways, maritime transport and rail.
On 7th November 2023, the European Commission (EC) published a proposal for a revision of the Combined Transport Directive. The proposal introduces a new definition of Combined Transport (road, rail and/or waterways and/or maritime) on short distances, (partly) within the EU and of which the external costs are at least 40% inferior to an alternative transport route with only road vehicles. In the proposal the EC reserves itself the right to define the calculation method of the external costs via a delegated act. It also makes several support measures mandatory and introduces new requirements for intermodal transhipment terminals.
The Combined Transport Directive 92/106/EEC remains the only EU legal instrument directly incentivising the shift from road freight to lower-emission modes such as inland waterways, maritime transport, and rail.
In 2024, discussions on the proposal progressed slowly. The EP TRAN Committee published a working document in March 2024, but the European Parliament did not reach a position. Meanwhile, the Council failed to reach a compromise, primarily due to diverging views on the criteria (emissions vs distance) to define Combined Transport.
EIM in action
- EIM supports the proposal, as it is expected to positively impact rail freight operators.
- EIM monitors all legislative developments related to the revision of the Directive.
- EIM analyses the impact of the proposal on rail/road interoperability and operational efficiency.
- EIM actively engages with sector representatives and policymakers to ensure rail infrastructure needs are considered.
EIM actions in 2024
- EIM analysed the impact of the proposal on rail infrastructure managers and intermodal connectivity.
- EIM exchanged views with EU institutions and sector stakeholders on opportunities and challenges.
- EIM discussed the issue within the broader context of the revision of the Weights and Dimensions Directive.
Outlook 2025
- EIM will continue to closely follow the legislative process and monitor ongoing discussions.
- EIM will engage with stakeholders to advocate for a balanced and effective Combined Transport framework.
- EIM will assess the impact of the proposal in relation to technical and operational interoperability, as well as its interaction with the revised Weights and Dimensions Directive.
- EIM will monitor and prepare for potential trilogue negotiations, which may start in late 2025 (tbc).
Council Directive 92/106/EEC
Combined Transport Directive
European Rail Capacity and Traffic Management
Objective
In July 2023, the European Commission (EC) published a Communication on the use of railway infrastructure capacity in the single European railway area. The proposal seeks to harmonise rail capacity management at the European level while modernising it through the phased deployment of digital tools.
As part of its proposal, the EC also proposes a new European governance structure, i.e. an EU Network of Infrastructure Managers (ENIM) and a Network Coordinator (NC). ENIM’s work shall be supervised by the EU Network of Rail Regulatory Bodies (ENRRB) and supported by a new Performance Review Body (PRB).
To prepare for the implementation of the future Regulation, the EC has set up a task force under the umbrella of the Platform of Rail Infrastructure Managers in Europe (PRIME) as well as three subgroups under the Single European Railway Area Forum (SERAF). These subgroups focus on:
- Commercial conditions and Track Access Charges (TACs)
- Stakeholder consultations
- Implementation of the SERA Directive (2012/34/EU)
In its proposal, the EC repeals the Regulation on Rail Freight Corridors (RFC) and amends the Directive on the Single European Rail Area (SERA).
In November 2023, the Rapporteur of the TRAN Committee published her draft report. In June 2024, the Council adopted its general approach. The trilogue negotiations officially began in December 2024.
EIM in action
- EIM welcomes the holistic approach to capacity management on a European level and the fact that it builds on the projects and processes developed by rail infrastructure managers.
- EIM strongly underlines that it is absolutely essential to maintain the suggested two-layer governance structure as suggested by the EC, i.e. the ENIM and the NC so that the objectives of the EC proposal can be achieved.
- EIM engages with EU institutions and stakeholders to shape the future framework.
- EIM actively contributes to discussions within PRIME and SERAF subgroups.
EIM actions in 2024
- EIM monitored and analysed the legislative process, providing assessments of the EC proposal and the Council’s General Approach.
- EIM set up a an internal Task Force on Capacity Management to develop a joint position on the entire EC text and all compromises reached on EU level.
- EIM produced several analyses, sent amendments to policymakers and answered public consultations of the EC.
- EIM also held regular exchanges with the Rapporteur and the shadow-rapporteurs of the EP as well as with other relevant stakeholders.
- EIM contributed to discussions within PRIME and SERAF.
- EIM attended all RNE meetings accessible to EIM.
- EIM supported a joint sector position to develop a common approach among rail stakeholders on key aspects of capacity management.
- EIM published a joint vision on capacity management with CER.
Outlook 2025
- EIM will continue to closely follow the legislative process, ensuring regular updates and consultations with its members and experts.
- Trilogue negotiations, which began in December 2024, are set to continue throughout 2025 and possibly also during 2026.
- EIM will engage with EU institutions and stakeholders to advocate a balanced and practical implementation of the new governance framework.
Different charts on the legislative background (e.g. blocks, timeline, process, …)
Weights and Dimensions
Objective
The Weights and Dimensions Directive (Directive 96/53/EC) sets the maximum authorised dimensions and weights for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) in national and international transport within the EU. The aim is to ensure interoperability between national transport systems, support modal shift objectives, and enhance the efficiency and sustainability of freight transport.
On 11th July 2023, the European Commission (EC) proposed a revision of the Directive as part of the Greening Freight Transport Package. The key objectives of this revision include:
- Encouraging the adoption of zero-emission vehicles by allowing weight and dimension exemptions for such HDVs,
- Simplifying intermodal operations, Clarifying the regulations regarding longer and/or heavier vehicles,
- Improving enforcement efficiency.
A key provision in the proposal allows 44-tonne HDVs to operate on fossil fuels in international road-only transport between Member States that already permit such vehicles at the national level. This initiative is highly relevant for the competitiveness of rail, as it impacts modal shift dynamics between road and rail freight.
In March 2024, the EP TRAN Committee adopted its position in first reading and decided to enter into interinstitutional negotiations with the Council. The Council has not reached a common position on the text 2024.
EIM in action
- EIM closely monitors legislative developments on Weights and Dimensions.
- EIM advocates a regulatory approach that ensures fair competition between road and rail transport.
- EIM exchanges regularly with stakeholders to highlight the risks of a modal shift from rail to road due to heavier and longer HDVs.
- EIM coordinates with its members to assess the potential impact of the proposed changes on rail infrastructure and intermodal transport.
EIM actions in 2024
- EIM analysed the EC proposal and provided input to members.
- EIM participated in discussions with MEPs and the EC on the potential consequences of the revised directive.
- EIM contributed to sector-wide advocacy efforts to ensure rail competitiveness remains a priority.
Outlook 2025
- EIM will continue to closely follow trilogue negotiations which may begin in 2025.
- EIM will collaborate with members to provide technical input from the sector.
- EIM will engage in discussions with stakeholders on the impact of 44-tonne HDVs on modal shift and intermodal logistics.
Proposal for a directive 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