Link: https://www.railfreight.com/policy/2025/06/27/fusion-of-combined-transport-and-weights-and-dimensions-directive-remains-unlikely/

‘Fusion of Combined Transport and Weights and Dimensions Directive remains unlikely’

Many representatives of the rail freight industry have been calling on European institutions to consider the Combined Transport Directive (CTD) and the Weights and Dimensions Directive (WDD) as one entity. However, institutions do not seem to have the political will to make this happen, as Flavio Tosi MEP, rapporteur of the CTD, told in an exclusive interview with RailFreight.com.

Tosi pointed out that the reasons brought forward by the industry to combine the two directives are surely understandable, as they both have a direct impact on rail freight competitiveness and intermodal efficiency. He highlighted how such a move could reduce the current regulatory fragmentation and possibly favour the modal shift.

“However, these are two separate legislative initiatives, with independent processes, including in terms of timing and negotiation phases. The decision on any alignment rests primarily with the European Commission and the Member States in the Council, but at present I have not perceived any institutional willingness to proceed with a merger,” he added.

‘Avoid top-down measures’

The main obstacles in finalising the CTD lies in the rigidity of the original proposal, which Tosi described as “not very attentive to the operational reality of the sector and a product of the Green Deal”. This approach, according to him, creates an inflexible environment, where the needs of Member States often go unheard. “This is why we must avoid regulations imposed from above and instead develop a text that specifically promotes combined transport, especially in countries where intermodal logistics is still in its infancy or where it could have a greater impact”, Tosi stressed.

What to expect next for the Combined Transport Directive?

When it comes to further developments on the CTD, Tosi said that the next few months will be quite intense. “As rapporteur, I am promoting open dialogue with all stakeholders, from logistics operators to local and national authorities”, he stated, adding that he already met with Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the European Commissioner for Transport. Moreover, discussions will continue with the shadow rapporteurs, who will continue the discussion on behalf of the different European political parties.

Some further help should come from a study recently commissioned by the European Parliament. The study will provide an updated map of the terminals across the Old Continent, with their capacity and services offered. In addition, there will be an analysis of TEN-T connections, estimations on average road legs needed to reach the terminals (first and last-mile) and an overview of the main infrastructural issues.

All of these initiatives should help the European Parliament to approach the next trialogues (with the Commission and the Council) in a more prepared manner, which would balance the environmental ambition with the economic stability needed. “As rapporteur, I believe that we do not need a directive that is merely a regulatory exercise, but rather a reform that really works for those who work in intermodal transport every day”, Tosi concluded.