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Future-proofing transport: Skills, technology and transition
3 Mar 2026 - 09:30 UTC+01:00

Future-proofing transport: Skills, technology and transition

Brussels | IRU event | Invitation only

The EU’s road transport sector is navigating a profound green and digital transformation. Zero-emission technologies, digitalisation and automation are reshaping operations and workforce requirements, while workforce shortages continue to challenge the sector.

On 3 March 2026, IRU will bring together EU policymakers, industry leaders and operators to focus on one priority: how to align skills, technology and regulatory frameworks to make the transition deliverable in practice.

The conference will open with contributions from Ambassador Cosmin Boiangiu, Executive Director of the European Labour Authority, and Roxana Mînzatu, the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President.

Two high-level panel discussions will examine the green and digital transitions and their implications for skills, safety and operational reality.

The event will be followed by a networking lunch.
 

Speakers

Roxana Mînzatu
Roxana Mînzatu
Executive Vice-President
European Commission
Cosmin Boiangiu
Cosmin Boiangiu
Executive Director
European Labour Authority
Pierfrancesco Maran
Pierfrancesco Maran
Member of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs
Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European P…
Merja Kyllönen
Merja Kyllönen
Member of the Committee on Transport and Tourism
The Left group in the European Parliament - GUE/NGL
Francesco Corti
Francesco Corti
Member of the Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Roxana MÎNZATU
European Commission
Moumen Hamdouch
Moumen Hamdouch
Head of Unit for Sustainable and Intelligent Transport, Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport
European Commission
Jos Sales
Jos Sales
Co-Owner
Sales-Lentz
Julia Poliscanova
Julia Poliscanova
Senior Director, Vehicles and Emobility
Transport and Environment
Antoine Grange
Antoine Grange
CEO Europe
Transdev
Hendrik Krukow
Hendrik Krukow
Executive Director Sales and Marketing
Nagel Group
Klaus Burgstaller
Klaus Burgstaller
Partner Development Manager
Lytx
Paul Jackman
Paul Jackman
Professional driver, Member of the Management Committee
Irish Road Haulage Association

Hosts

Radu Dinescu
Radu Dinescu
President
IRU
Raluca Marian
Raluca Marian
Director EU Advocacy & General Delegate
IRU
Agenda

08:45–09:30: Registration and welcome coffee

09:30–09:50: Opening remarks and introduction
 

  • Raluca Marian, Director EU Advocacy and Brussels General Delegate, IRU
  • Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness European Union, European Commission
  • Ambassador Cosmin Boiangiu, Executive Director of the European Labour Authority
  • Radu Dinescu, President, IRU


09:50–10:45: PANEL 1 – The Green Transition through skills, technology and infrastructure

How is the green transition reshaping daily transport operations and workforce requirements?

What new skills are needed for drivers, technicians and fleet managers as zero-emission vehicles and charging infrastructure are deployed? 

How can safety, regulatory clarity and operational feasibility be ensured on the ground?

 

  • Merja Kyllönen, Member of the European Parliament, GUE/NGL, Finland
  • Moumen Hamdouch, Head of Unit for Sustainable and Intelligent Transport, European Commission
  • Julia Poliscanova, Deputy Director General, Transport & Environment
  • Antoine Grange, CEO, Transdev Europe
  • Hendrik Krukow, Executive Director Sales and Marketing, Nagel Group
  • Moderator: Raluca Marian – Director EU Advocacy and General Delegate of IRU's Permanent Delegation to the EU, IRU


10:45–11:10: Coffee break


11:10–12:00: PANEL  2 – The digital and automated transition through skills, technology and safety

What impact are digital and automated technologies having on the roles and skillsets of drivers, operators and fleet managers?

How can AI-based and digital safety solutions support and empower drivers – improving safety, confidence and job attractiveness rather than replacing people?

How should training, upskilling and policy frameworks evolve to ensure the responsible and safe deployment of digital and automated solutions, with the workforce at the centre?

 

  • Francesco Corti, Member of the Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, European Commission
  • Jos Sales, Co-Owner, Sales-Lentz
  • Paul Jackman, Transport operator, Member of the Management Committee, Irish Road Haulage Association
  • Klaus Burgstaller, Partner Development Manager, Lytx
  • Moderator: Dave Keating, Brussels correspondent for France 24


12:00–12:15: Conclusions and next steps

  • Raluca Marian, Director EU Advocacy and Brussels General Delegate, IRU

     

12:15–13:30: Networking lunch Reception
 

Concert Noble
Rue d'Arlon 82
1040 Brussels
Belgium