At this year’s SOLUTRANS exhibition in Lyon, France, IRU put the spotlight on two pressing challenges facing road transport: the shortage of drivers and the road to net-zero.
The 2025 edition of SOLUTRANS brought together over 1,100 exhibitors and brands from across the road freight ecosystem. It was a real-world laboratory where more than 60,000 professionals explored the latest innovations and breakthroughs.
IRU’s participation, together with its members, centred on solutions to get more people behind the wheel and on the best approach for decarbonising road transport.
Connecting with EU policymakers
IRU EU Director Raluca Marian spoke during the plenary session on ensuring that the greening of commercial fleets is workable for operators, and addressing the chronic truck driver shortage that continues to strain supply chains.
She reaffirmed that operators are fully committed to decarbonisation. However, real progress depends on the right enabling conditions, including adequate infrastructure, reliable energy availability, technologies suited to diverse missions, and investment support that matches operational realities.
Regarding the driver shortage, she emphasised the need for long-term, practical measures, with a particular focus on the swift implementation of the revised Driving Licence Directive.
The session brought together EU policymakers, manufacturers and industry associations in a constructive and open exchange. It was precisely the kind of dialogue the sector needs as it navigates a period of major transition.
