Road transport operators are beginning to invest in new vehicles. But for the decarbonisation transition to succeed, the sector needs clear, coordinated support. EU policymakers and road transport industry leaders are coming together to debate practical and scalable solutions to deliver environmental and economic benefits at IRU’s high-level event tomorrow in Brussels.
Pressure is growing. There are just five years left to meet the EU’s 2030 CO₂ reduction targets for vehicle manufacturers, which require a 45% cut compared to 2021 levels for heavy-duty vehicles. Road transport operators are advancing fleet renewal and low-emission solutions, but the right enabling conditions are still missing. Will they be provided in time?
Tomorrow’s event, “Decarbonising EU road transport: Solutions for 2030 and beyond”, at the Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the European Union will bring together policymakers, industry leaders and key stakeholders. They will discuss near- and medium-term actions that can be implemented quickly and effectively, turning climate ambition into concrete results – while safeguarding mobility and competitiveness.
IRU EU Director Raluca Marian said, “Operators are already renewing their fleets. They are investing in cleaner vehicles and adapting their operations. But the transition cannot succeed without clear, coordinated support from policymakers, especially as our sector is largely made up of small and medium-sized companies.
“We expect tomorrow’s discussions to bring forward concrete measures, funding, incentives and regulatory clarity that will empower companies to move faster and further.
“If Europe is serious about its climate goals, this is the moment to deliver.”
Participants will hear perspectives from the European Commission, European Parliament and Member States, alongside contributions from leading voices in transport, logistics, manufacturing, energy and finance.
Key agenda points include the financial and regulatory tools needed to speed up fleet renewal, insights from early adopters, and Europe’s capacity to scale up zero-emission vehicle production, energy supply, and infrastructure.
The day will close with remarks from the Belgian Federal Minister of Mobility, Climate and Environmental Transition, Jean-Luc Crucke. He will offer a national perspective and reflect on the event’s key outcomes.
This gathering marks an important step in aligning political ambition with on-the-ground realities, fostering open dialogue and identifying concrete, achievable solutions to drive a sustainable transition, powered by the people and businesses that keep Europe moving.