Source: DVZ Brief nr 31 - 30 July 2026
The revision of the Combined Transport Directive remains on the table after all.
At its last meeting before the summer recess, the College of 27 Commissioners decided not to withdraw the reform proposal from November 2023, a European Commission spokesperson told DVZ-Brief. The Commission had previously indicated this intention in its work programme for 2026, citing a lack of progress in the legislative process as the reason. In deciding not to abandon the reform efforts after all, the Commission took into account the views of the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. In the spring, the EP political groups spoke out in favour of continuing to work on the reform proposal. At the most recent Transport Council meeting in June, Malta called for the proposal not to be withdrawn. However, the Council did not publicly state its position on the matter.
UIRR is pleased that the modernisation of the directive can now go ahead without being postponed indefinitely.
UIRR Director-General Ralf-Charley Schultze expects the legislative process in the European Parliament to gain momentum after the summer recess, beginning with a public hearing on the reform plans. Prior to the Commission’s decision, he believes that the Irish EU Council Presidency had not intended to discuss the directive further in the Council, but that this is likely to change. The UIRR has already proposed an informal discussion among transport experts from the Member States. This could take place at the EU representation of one of the countries that are advocating for a reform of the directive.