IRU addressed the urgent need for better alternative fuel options, secure parking solutions and road transport’s role in multimodal transport at Connecting Europe Days in Brussels.
At Europe’s flagship mobility event in Brussels, organised by the European Commission and the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, IRU led discussions with industry stakeholders, enforcement authorities, and national and EU policymakers.
Events and panel discussions centred around the essential role of energy, digitalisation and transport infrastructure in supporting the road transport sector's decarbonisation efforts and in enhancing its efficiency and working conditions. Key topics included the need for more alternative fuel options, improved infrastructure and the expansion of safe and secure truck parking facilities.
IRU interventions
At the opening event organised by the Flemish Government, Marc Billiet, IRU’s Senior Adviser for Goods Transport, stressed the importance of a fair and affordable transition to decarbonisation. He called for diverse solutions, accessible funding, and leveraging all available innovations beyond just battery-electric vehicles.
At the panel on the implementation of the EU passenger rights legislation and the trans-European transport networks (TEN-T), Suzanne Hoadley, IRU’s Senior Adviser for Passenger Transport, pointed out the need for infrastructure investment and support for bus and coach operators, which is especially crucial for small and medium-sized enterprises.
On the professional drivers and cargo safety panel, Elmer de Bruin, President of IRU’s EU Goods Transport Liaison Committee, highlighted the need to facilitate the construction, or upgrading, of safe and secure parking areas in the EU.
The lack of truck parking spaces as well as the minimum level of service and security guaranteed by safe and secure parking areas dramatically impact the safety and security of drivers and their cargo.
IRU partners with key industry leaders
At Connecting Europe Days, IRU together with key industry partners and with the support of the European Commission, called upon EU leaders to substantially increase transport funding through the Connecting Europe Facility. This crucial financial instrument supports the development of vital infrastructure for the EU’s commercial road transport sector.
IRU EU projects on display
The AWARD project, one of IRU's most important research and innovation projects, was on display at the exhibition. IRU and its partners showcased cutting-edge innovations advancing automated vehicles in logistics.
The EU-funded All Weather Autonomous Real logistics operations and Demonstrations (AWARD) project is testing autonomous vehicles in adverse weather conditions.
