Today, the European Commission presented a new proposal on the combined transport with the aim of updating the specification This directive was last amended in 1992. The In fact, in 1998 and 2017 the Commission had presented two proposals to update it, but in both cases the proposal to was withdrawn by the Commission because the the co-legislators had not reached a satisfactory agreement.

In addition to the regulatory measures in place, the new proposal introduces an exemption from temporary driving bans, such as weekend driving bans for transport short-distance road transport in combined transport. In addition sets a reduction target for Member States of at least 10% of the average costs of combined transport operations door-to-door within seven years and calls on them to implement the policies necessary to achieve this end. The proposal also provides that operators of intermodal terminals will be required to to provide, on their respective websites, minimum information on the services and on the facilities of their terminals located on the territory of the EU.

"In 2022 - recalled the European Commissioner to the Transport, Adina Valean, presenting the proposal - on the roads 13.6 billion tonnes of goods were transported. This transport of goods is essential for the economy and, as demand increases, we need to keep an eye on the control costs and emissions. With our proposal - has explained - Trucks will maintain their role in the freight transport, but their combination with other modes more sustainable transport systems, such as barges, Short Sea Shipping or Trains will reduce external costs and optimise the use of the transport network at benefit for citizens and the economy'.

The proposal will now be examined by the European Parliament and by the Council under the ordinary legislative procedure.