CECE experts reconvene before the summer break for the June Technical Week

The CECE Technical Commission (TC) and its active Project Teams (PTs) gathered the technical experts nominated by CECE members for the "Technical Week" quarterly meetings, which took place from 17^th to 20^th June in Brussels.

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The Technical Week started with the meeting of PT Engine Emissions & Alternative Fuels where the PT discussed retrofitting measures applied across the EU and notably reviewed the new EU CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles. The same PT was also introduced to France Hydrogène ‘Position paper on the regulatory issues surrounding hydrogen non-road mobile machinery: Meeting the challenge of harmonising European regulations’.

PT 3R extensively discussed the Digital Product Passport (DPP) and its implications for Original Equipment Manufacturers of construction equipment. Regarding revised F-Gases Regulation, PT 3R members were provided with an overview of the implementing acts being drafted. On ESPR, the PT was informed of the timeline for the development of the sector-specific ecodesign requirements as well as the DPP, following the Commission webinar held in May. In addition, The PT reviewed the Commission Communication on the Guiding criteria and principles for the essential use concept in EU legislation dealing with chemicals. On Batteries and Waste Batteries Regulation, the PT was updated on the next steps of the implementation of the Regulation. As regards the implementation of Chapter VIII (‘Management of waste batteries‘), an exchange of views with Mr Eric Ruyters, Secretary-General at EUCOBAT, the European association of national collection schemes for batteries, was held.

In the aftermath of the significant number of legislative procedures finalised under the term just concluded, PT Data experts reconvened in June to take stock of the actions required for the implementation of the key digital regulations adopted in Parliament. The meeting mainly revolved around the state of play of the CECE works for the development of the Data Act  implementation guidance for the industry. The CECE ad-hoc group responsible for the project, led by Orgalim, was established in March. The first batch of deliverables elaborated within the ad-hoc group were presented and approved during the meeting. Members were also reported on the latest institutional developments in relation to Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. The final text of the Artificial Intelligence Act has been officially signed, whereas Commission’s standardisation works on the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) are progressing.

In an interesting exchange CECE's PT Machinery meeting focused on the Machinery Regulation (MR), standardization efforts, and industry responses to recent legal developments. CECE, with its guest, Federica Boledi (policy manager at Orgalim), discussed the ongoing Evaluation of Regulation 1025/2012 and the feedback we will share with the public consultation that aims at informing the assessment on the functioning of the Regulation, cornerstone of the European Standardization System. The group also covered the recent ECJ judgement on case C-588/21 P, its preliminary identified implications for our sector, and what we can expect as next steps. PTM members also agreed on how CECE should intervene in the next Sector Forum meeting, identifying points that CECE should raise during that meeting. Members also reviewed the upcoming machinery-related appointments, such as the next machinery expert group meeting and how CECE can contribute. A few discussions revolved around the state of play of the work CECE, together with Orgalim and other industries, are conducting on the guidance to application on the MR, particularly on the ongoing work on Protection against Corruption and Supervisory Function. Finally, members dialogued on the recent initiative launched by the EC on the Evaluation of PED and Simple Pressure Vessels Directives. CECE, with the unanimous consensus of its members, also decided to provide its support in the ongoing call for evidence under this evaluation, specifically disseminating the message that PED and SPVD are fit for purpose and recommending against merging them.

During a tailored session of the Technical Commission (TC) meeting, Daniel Wennick (Orgalim’s Policy Director) was invited to present the Orgalim’s advocacy activities planned in relation to the gradual phasing in of the European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). 

In addition, TC members exchanged views on the new Turkish regime on import controls. Specifically, the Technical Commission was reported on the key takeaways from the online meeting with the Turkish Ministry of Trade held in late May. CECE Secretariat, accompanied by a delegation of CECE member companies’ representatives, as well as officials from the EU Delegation to Türkiye informed the Turkish Government of the persisting issues encountered by CECE members to shed light on the matter. The June TC meeting concluded with an update on the UK’s approach to product legislation post Brexit. The session touched upon the announced extension of the continued CE marking recognition, designated standards, and latest meeting of the Equipment & Machinery Industry Forum. The Brexit update also covered the recent developments on chemicals and decarbonisation registered in UK, including corresponding UK Construction Equipment Association (CEA) activities. 

The next CECE Technical Week will take place in Brussels from 25^th to 28^th November 2024. Considering the timeframe required for the nominations of elected MEPs and establishment of the new Commission, it was agreed to merge CECE Q3 and Q4 Technical Weeks in one session scheduled in November.