Webinar Recap: Can We Fix the Greening Freight Package?

Why It Matters

Delays in the Greening Freight Package hinder EU climate targets and erode rail freight’s competitive edge, raising logistics costs and emissions.

Key Takeaways

• Fragmentation stalls progress on Greening Freight Package.
• Combined Transport Directive under EU debate.
• Capacity Management Regulation pending publication, 2031 rollout.
• Infrastructure managers' role remains undefined.
• Sector urges greater rail and intermodal emphasis.

Pulse Analysis

The European Union’s Greening Freight Package is a cornerstone of its 2030 climate agenda, aiming to shift more cargo onto low‑carbon modes such as rail. Yet the package’s effectiveness is being undercut by regulatory fragmentation – differing national interpretations and a lack of coordinated implementation across the freight ecosystem. This disjointed landscape not only slows policy adoption but also creates uncertainty for shippers evaluating intermodal solutions, ultimately dampening the emissions‑reduction potential that the EU seeks.

At the heart of the current debate are three legislative pillars. The Combined Transport Directive seeks to harmonise rules for multimodal journeys, while the Weights and Dimensions Directive addresses vehicle standards that impact road‑rail integration. The Capacity Management Regulation, however, remains the most time‑sensitive; it has cleared technical review but still awaits formal publication, with a projected operational start no earlier than 2031. A critical gap is the undefined authority of infrastructure managers, whose decisions on network capacity will dictate whether rail can absorb additional freight volumes without bottlenecks.

Industry stakeholders are pressing for a more decisive EU stance. By streamlining the directives, clarifying infrastructure governance, and accelerating the Capacity Management Regulation’s entry into force, the bloc could unlock significant modal shift benefits. Faster implementation would lower logistics costs, improve supply‑chain resilience, and deliver measurable CO₂ cuts. As the freight sector grapples with rising demand and stricter environmental standards, aligning policy with market realities will be essential for Europe’s sustainable transport future.