Welcome to the sixth edition of the Transport Chronicles, your premier destination for the latest developments, trends, and insights in EU-UK transport affairs. As we gear up for the upcoming elections on Sunday, June 9th, anticipation mounts in Brussels. In the coming months, expect the new Parliament to gain new motivation to progress in ongoing files alongside broader uncertainty of top EU appointments. In this edition, dive into the latest happenings on the transport front in the past few weeks, a somewhat calm period before the election results are presented. From pivotal developments like the green light for the Net Zero Industry Act to the dynamics of the Franco-German relationship, alongside scrutiny on airlines for greenwashing, read on for more information.
If you seek more insights or want to join UKTiE, don’t hesitate to reach out! 🌿🛫🌱
🌍3 May: The European Union investigates 20 airline carriers for potential greenwashing
Several major airlines, including Air France, KLM, Norwegian, and various Lufthansa Group carriers, are under investigation by the European Union for potential greenwashing. The EU is examining claims made by airlines regarding their efforts to reduce aircraft CO2 emissions, emphasising the need for substantiated claims supported by scientific evidence. While some airlines have been named by the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), the full list of carriers under investigation has not been disclosed by the EU. Industry group Airlines for Europe (A4E) acknowledges the importance of clear sustainability information but notes regulatory variations across EU countries.
🌍7 May: Call for proposals amounting to €124.5 million for projects supporting safe, resilient and smart mobility🚅✈️🚋
The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Energy (CINEA) has opened a call for proposals, under Horizon Europe, for projects supporting safe, resilient and smart mobility. The total pot is €124.5 million, with the deadline for submissions being the 5 September 2024. The call is divided into subtopics, of interest to UKTiE, now that the UK is back in Horizon:
- Improved transport infrastructure performance – innovative digital tools and solutions to monitor and improve the management and operation of transport infrastructure.
- Optimising multimodal network and traffic management, harnessing data from infrastructure, mobility of passengers and freight transport.
🌍21 May: €1.7B Freight Rail Support: German Bias?🛤️🇩🇪
On 21 May, the European Commission gave its greenlight a German €1.7 billion subsidy for shorter freight trains, which reportedly primarily aids state-owned DB Cargo. Aimed at bolstering rail freight over road transport, the move seeks to align with emission reduction goals. However, private competitors, represented by trade association NEE, contest the subsidy’s priority amid recent reductions in track access subsidies. DB Cargo welcomes the decision, emphasizing its positive impact on rail freight operations. The scheme targets single wagon transport, deemed economically challenging yet crucial for flexibility.
🌍27 May: Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) formally approved by the Council📝
On the 27 May, the Council formally approved the NZIA, the last step in the legislative process before being published in the Official Journal and entering into force. In a press release by the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen positions the legislation as crucial to reach net-zero by 2050 and meet growing demand both in Europe and globally. The Act’s main goal will be to further scale up the EU’s manufacturing capacity of “key clean technologies”, while maintaining the Union’s open strategic autonomy.
🌍28 May: Scholz and Macron meet in Berlin, but shared leadership within the EU is reportedly precarious 🇩🇪🇫🇷🇪🇺
As the European election approaches, French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Berlin highlights some efforts to assert influence alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Doubts arise regarding their joint leadership role, according to Politico, given strained personal relations, conflicting agendas, and domestic political challenges. Economic stagnation and electoral setbacks further weaken their standing – in Germany, AfD is polling ahead of Scholz’ SPD, and in France, Marine Le Pen’s National party is ahead Macron’s Renaissance by 16 percentage points.
🗓️Key dates
- European elections: 6-9 June
- 1st Plenary: 16-19 June
- 1st meetings on TRAN and ENVI committees: 23-26 June
- UKTiE engagement days in Brussels: 14-15 October
- UKTiE UK-EU event in London to be scheduled for later in the year.
UKTiE members also receive a thorough update on current proposals called “the Briefing”. If you are not a member, do not hesitate to reach out to us for more information.
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