A coalition of logistics industry associations today called on the European Commission to urgently resume work on the revision of the Combined Transport Directive, arguing that the current regulatory framework is outdated and hindering the shift of freight from road to more sustainable modes. In a joint statement issued on April 15, 2026, the group—representing rail, inland waterway, and intermodal operators—warned that delays in updating the directive undermine EU climate goals and the competitiveness of combined transport.
The coalition's appeal comes amid a busy period for EU transport and energy policy. On April 14, the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) proposed enhanced coordination for electricity distribution investment, a move that could support the electrification of rail and port infrastructure. The same day, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision raised minimum bank capital requirements to 7%, tightening risk rules and liquidity standards—a development that may affect financing for transport infrastructure projects.
Earlier in April, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) published detailed application forms for biocontrol products and data processing records for its EudraVigilance safety platform, while the European Council of the Paint, Printing Ink and Artists' Colours Industry (CEPE) launched a consumer campaign highlighting paint benefits. These actions, though unrelated to transport, illustrate the breadth of EU regulatory activity in April 2026.
The logistics coalition's demand for a swift restart of the Combined Transport Directive revision reflects industry frustration with the slow pace of EU legislative processes. The directive, which aims to promote intermodal freight transport by harmonizing rules and providing incentives, has not been updated since 1992. The coalition argues that without modernized rules—including clearer definitions of combined transport, improved support for digitalization, and better alignment with the European Green Deal—the EU will fail to meet its target of shifting 30% of road freight to rail and waterways by 2030.
Cleavage: Environmental goals vs. regulatory inertia
The coalition's push highlights a tension between the EU's ambitious climate objectives and the slow pace of regulatory reform. On one hand, a revised directive could accelerate modal shift, reducing CO2 emissions and road congestion. On the other, industry groups warn that prolonged uncertainty deters investment in intermodal terminals and rolling stock. The European Commission has not yet announced a timeline for resuming the revision, leaving logistics operators in limbo.
Stakeholder impacts
- EU logistics operators: Positive impact if revision proceeds, as modernized rules could lower administrative costs and improve competitiveness of combined transport. Negative impact if delays persist, as road transport remains cheaper and more flexible.
- Rail and inland waterway companies: Strongly positive impact from a revised directive that levels the playing field with road transport. Negative impact from continued regulatory uncertainty, which hampers long-term investment.
- EU road hauliers: Negative impact if combined transport becomes more attractive, potentially reducing demand for long-distance trucking. However, some may benefit from new intermodal partnerships.
- EU consumers: Indirect positive impact if modal shift reduces supply chain emissions and road congestion. Negative impact if higher transport costs are passed on to prices.
The coalition's statement follows similar calls from the European Parliament's Transport Committee, which in March 2026 urged the Commission to prioritize the directive's revision. The Council has not yet taken a formal position.