Omnibus Packages take center stage at first CECE Technical Week of 2026

The week opened with the PT Electrification meeting held remotely, picking up from it’s last TW held in September CECE hosted once again Emissieloos Netwerk Infra (ENI) and ElaadNL. Our guests provided a detailed presentation on the OEM Roundtable’s recommendations for voluntary market standards for electric machinery. Following a Q&A session and an extensive exchange, discussions focused on end‑user expectations and the responsibility placed on OEMs to deliver interoperable, practical solutions that work seamlessly in real operating conditions, the significant technical constraints linked to machine architectures. Members also discussed the scope and composition of the OEM Roundtable, as well as how CECE and the PT Electrification could best position themselves in relation to this initiative, while stressing the importance of progressing towards formal standardisation as a longer‑term objective.

PT 3R addressed a diverse environmental agenda, starting with the Environmental Simplification Package (Omnibus VIII), including the targeted amendments to the EU Batteries Regulation and the need for harmonised Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. In addition, the EU Batteries Regulation remains a major priority, where the discussion focused on Battery Passport and expected implementation timeline. On chemical policy, members reviewed the SEAC draft opinion on the proposed PFAS universal ban under REACH assessed by ECHA. In the context of the RAC and SEAC meetings in March (which CECE attended), the RAC opinion was adopted and the SEAC draft opinion agreed, with the long-awaited ECHA 60-day public consultation launched on 26 March (link). Members agreed that CECE will submit its contribution to the ECHA consultation by responding to the relevant surveys. Following a presentation by UNACEA, experts assessed the impact of the ecodesign requirements for cooling fans established under the Implementing Regulation 2024/1834 on construction machinery. Regarding the ESPR, members raised concerns about ongoing uncertainties surrounding the implementation and functioning of multiple potential Digital Product Passports (DPP).

PT Data focused on the Digital Omnibus package, which aims to simplify European rules across data, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. In addition, members took stock of the Data Act implementation and were reported on the latest legislative developments. Members were informed of the CECE response to the Digital Fitness Check, flagging critical inconsistencies in the current digital rulebook. Most of the meeting was dedicated to the analysis of the Commission’s draft guidance for the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) implementation. The possible development of sector-specific guidance to clarify certain aspects of the Regulation (e.g. determining the support period for construction machinery) was also discussed. Additionally on Artificial Intelligence, CECE is actively supporting the European Parliament’s position on the Digital Omnibus on AI that seeks to align the high-risk AI requirements under the AI Act with the EHSRs established under the Machinery Regulation.

The PT Machinery meeting focused on topics relevant to machinery safety, standardisation, ongoing CECE advocacy actions and EC initiatives. Regarding the Machinery Regulation (MR) Guide to Application, work is progressing consistently across the subgroups on vibrations, seating, safety components, contact with OPL, and digital instructions, reflecting the industry’s interest and commitment to seeing the work advance rapidly and the interpretation requirements made available without delay. In parallel, CECE remains highly committed to its advocacy actions concerning points 1.1.9 and 1.2.1(f) of the Machinery Regulation, on the request to postpone the application date of these requirements to align it with the CRA. Intense external outreach and exchanges are ongoing to ensure this initiative is brought to the attention of legislators, to avoid duplication (testing) costs for OEMs. On standardisation, members strongly welcomed the recent publication of Implementing Decision 2026/546, which successfully finalised the citation of EN 474‑1. Another priority remains the Omnibus IV initiative, where CECE, together with a broader industry coalition, continues to advocate for targeted amendments on common specifications, the MR transitional period, paper instructions and direct access. Finally, members were informed of the state of play of the upcoming European Product Act, and the expected revisions to the Standardisation Regulation, the Market Surveillance Regulation and the NLF, anticipated in Q3 2026, alongside ongoing and intensive stakeholder consultations.

The Technical Commission (TC) meeting on 26 March featured a high-level exchange of views with Ms. Ana Xavier, Head of Unit for Machinery & AI at Commission’s DG GROW. The open dialogue focused on several key points, including cybersecurity and artificial intelligence aspects of the Machinery Regulation (MR) and its interplay with the existing horizontal legislation. Furthermore, Ms. Xavier provided an overview of the Commission’s upcoming plans for the revision of the New Legislative Framework (NLF) and implementation of Digital Product Passport (DPP) requirements Members expressed significant concerns regarding the administrative burden of managing multiple passports potentially. Experts emphasized that the system should build on existing tools rather than introducing new requirements for European manufacturers. The meeting also included a Brexit update from Dale Camsell (CEA) which highlighted opportunities for continued UK-EU alignment on standardization and noted London’s zero-emission zones as a strategic example for industry decarbonisation. Preparations for the CECE Congress 2026, which will take place in London on 27-29 October 2026 were also discussed.

The next CECE Technical Week is scheduled for 15-18 June 2026.