EU Commission Withdraws Proposed Amendments to the Combined Transport Directive

On 22 October 2025, the European Commission confirmed in its 2026 Work Programme its decision to withdraw the November 2023 proposal to amend the Combined Transport Directive (CTD). The CTD had been a cornerstone of the Greening Freight Package, a legislative initiative intended to shift freight transport from road to rail and inland waterways, thus supporting the EU’s Fit for 55 and Green Deal targets. The now-withdrawn proposal sought to streamline administrative processes, update definitions for combined transport, and strengthen economic incentives for multimodal logistics. The Commission’s move follows extended consultations with member states and industry bodies, some of which raised concerns about the complexity of the original text and its uneven feasibility across diverse national transport systems.

Industry associations such as the International Union for Road-Rail Combined Transport (UIRR) and the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) expressed disappointment and concern, warning that the decision could slow the EU’s progress toward sustainable logistics goals. The amendment would have provided clearer rules for state aid, introduced simplified reporting mechanisms, and harmonized taxation measures for multimodal operations. Without it, stakeholders fear that modal shift incentives may weaken, keeping freight transport dominated by road carriers and increasing carbon emissions in the logistics sector. Moreover, the absence of a modernized directive may discourage investment in intermodal terminals and digital freight solutions crucial for cross-border operations.

The Commission, however, has not ruled out revisiting the directive under a more comprehensive approach that better aligns with upcoming legislative initiatives, including the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. New consultations and impact assessments are expected in 2026, focusing on how to balance environmental ambition with industry competitiveness. Until then, the withdrawal leaves a temporary policy gap in the EU’s multimodal freight agenda, prompting calls from the rail and logistics community for renewed dialogue and a clear roadmap to strengthen Europe’s green transport transition.