A total of 60 countries have pledged to reject tariffs and tolls on international shipping routes.

On Monday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a pact addressed to the heads of state and government of the European Union. The initiative aims to prevent member states from adding unnecessary requirements, administrative burdens, and red tape when incorporating EU rules into their national legislation.

In a separate but concurrent international development on the same day, a total of 60 countries committed to an EU-backed initiative to reject the imposition of fees, tariffs, and tolls on international maritime shipping routes. The multi-nation pledge is designed to safeguard freedom of navigation and prevent the implementation of restrictive maritime transit fees.