IRU’s new position paper on the European Commission’s proposed Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) calls for practical adjustments to ensure the framework strengthens industrial competitiveness and decarbonisation without undermining the road transport sector.

As of 19 June 2026, Brent crude is trading at around USD 80 a barrel, its lowest level since early March. Brent is now broadly flat year on year. At the pump, the relief is starting to show: the EU weighted diesel average has eased to EUR 1.783 a litre, now just 9% above the 27 February baseline. The US average diesel price has fallen to USD 1.354 per litre. Here’s the latest overview for the road transport sector.

IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto has been in the road transport industry for over 30 years. As he prepares to hand over the reins, we sat down with him to reflect on those three decades. The first part of the interview looks at the industry. The second is on IRU itself.

As new powertrain technologies emerge and EU policies push towards zero-emission vehicles, operators face growing pressure to make the right long-term fleet investments. IRU member AFTRI, the French International Road Transport Association, helped us unpack the key factors shaping those choices.