CECE High-Level Group tackles decarbonisation, regulatory updates, and strategic EU policy
On 25th September, the CECE High-Level Technical Policy Advisory Group (HLTPAG) met to discuss updates on CECE activities, decarbonisation, sustainability, market surveillance and the next steps regarding the new College of Commissioners. The group, chaired by Eugen Schobesberger, Liebherr, meets every six months and advises CECE on strategic positioning, sector priorities and industry positions on technical and environmental subjects.
Participants were first led through the final preparations for the CECE Congress 2024. The completed programme of the Congress, which will be taking place on 23rd-25th October in Madrid, was presented to the group. The Technical Forum and Regulatory Update are of particular interest to the group as many topics overlap with those which the HLTPAG advises on.
Stefan Nilsson, of Volvo Construction Equipment and the CECE Technical Commission Chairman, then provided the group with an update on topics dealt with by CECE Project Teams and the Technical Commission. The work is extensive and few priority topics were highlighted to participants: the Data Act and the recent publication of FAQ, the Artificial Intelligence Act and an EC commitment to a guidance document, the PFAS dossier, the Outdoor Noise Directive and NRMM Road Circulation Proposal.
The HLTPAG then discussed the ongoing decarbonisation and sustainability activities. Recent developments in legislative and regulatory measures at the national/EU level were introduced to the group, with further dialogue to come. Next, the conversation at the last HLTPAG meeting covering the reduction of CO2 emissions in specific use-cases was expanded upon, with a presentation by Wirtgen and Liebherr. The role of the 4-pillar approach in structuring and facilitating the transition to net-zero emissions remains central and the group agrees that there is continued work to do. This is corroborated by a report given by Alan Tolley on the recent work of the CECE Decarbonisation Task Force (CO2TF), of which Mr Tolley is the Chairman.
Participants then broached the topic of market surveillance. Following the last HLTPAG meeting decision to address non-compliant machinery circumventing inspections and circulating on the EU market, the group is updated on subsequent CECE work and upcoming CECE participation in the AdCo group for machinery.
The HLTPAG then is presented with the political priorities of the EU in the next mandate and the proposed College of Commissioners. With the streamlined structure and new Commissioner for Energy and Housing, questions are raised about the next steps for the Green Deal and the impact on the CECE work.
Lastly, the group is led through a brief conversation on import duties on Chinese electric vehicles. It is agreed that the topic and protection from unfair competition is to be discussed further.
The HLTPAG will meet next in March of 2025.
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