Brussels — Industry leaders and Members of the European Parliament gathered on Tuesday for a high-level debate on the future of EU commercial road transport, with a focus on tackling driver shortages, decarbonisation, and digitalisation.
The exclusive event, hosted by the International Road Transport Union (IRU) at the European Parliament, brought together 250 key figures from the sector and EU policymakers. The IRU EU Manifesto, centred around people, environment, and prosperity, was at the heart of the discussions, aiming to align industry priorities with the legislative agenda.
Raluca Marian, IRU EU Advocacy Director, emphasised the event’s importance, stating, “Together, we must take decisive action on key issues, including addressing the shortage of drivers […] and advancing digitalisation.”
The debate was structured around the Manifesto’s three pillars:
People: Addressing the driver shortage was a pressing concern, with Paul Jackman of Irish Trucking highlighting the potential of EU licences to reduce youth unemployment. Anna, representing the Swedish bus federation, warned of imminent labour shortages without EU reform.
Environment: Decarbonisation was another hot topic. UPS stressed the need to tackle energy issues for heavy-duty vehicles, while the Greek transport association called for public-private partnerships to boost renewable fuels. Raluca Marian, IRU EU Advocacy Director, also noted the need for “realistic CO2 standards”, referring to the recently agreed CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs), which set a challenging path towards decarbonisation. Under these rules, manufacturers must cut average emissions of new trucks and coaches by 43% by 2030, 64% by 2035, and 90% by 2040, which, according to some in the industry, is unfeasible with current infrastructure and technology.
Prosperity: Jan-Christoph Oetjen, MEP, advocated for reduced bureaucracy and improved infrastructure to enhance job quality and attractiveness.
The event was hosted by prominent MEPs, including Roberts Zīle, Vice-President of the European Parliament, and Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, Chair of the Committee on Transport and Tourism.
The debate also highlighted the diverse challenges faced in EU various member states. The Dutch transport organisation, for instance, noted lower staffing issues due to a comprehensive educational system, while the Greek transport association emphasised the unique connectivity challenges faced by island nations.
As the EU grapples with climate change, technological innovation, and economic competitiveness, the outcomes of Tuesday’s debate are expected to significantly influence road transport policies in the coming years.
The consensus was clear: concerted effort and cooperation between industry and policymakers are crucial to driving the EU road transport sector towards a more sustainable, efficient, and prosperous future.
Phot: IRU via LinkedIn.
