Six European industry organisations, including Cefic, BusinessEurope, CLECAT, ECTA, the European Shippers Council, and UIRR, released a joint position paper on 15 April 2026 calling for a revision of the Combined Transport Directive. The paper argues that the current framework relies on outdated definitions and fragmented national approaches, creating legal uncertainty, administrative complexity, and an uneven playing field that hinders multimodal transport uptake. The associations urge the EU to restart legislative work, establish clear eligibility criteria, harmonise rules across member states, advance digitalisation, and ensure swift implementation of national measures.
Combined transport is a key contributor to the European Green Deal's goal of reducing transport greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2050, and also improves energy efficiency, reduces road congestion, and addresses driver shortages. The call for revision follows broader EU efforts to decarbonise transport, including the European Commission's automotive package adopted in December 2025, which introduced flexible CO2 standards for cars and vans, and the ongoing debate on CO2 emission targets for heavy-duty vehicles. The Environment Council on 17 March 2026 failed to reach a unified position on CO2 standards, exposing divisions between member states on the pace of the transition.
The industry position aligns with earlier calls for regulatory clarity and flexibility. Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas on 27 March 2026 proposed technology-neutral CO2 standards and large-scale automated vehicle testbeds, while Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra on 17 March 2026 advocated for a balanced revision of automotive CO2 standards. The joint paper emphasises that a well-functioning combined transport system is essential for reliable, competitive, and predictable freight services by rail, inland waterways, and short sea shipping, which are critical for European industry supply chains.