IRU is celebrating 50 years of representation to the EU today with a special anniversary event featuring EU authorities, government ministers and industry leaders who will debate the past, present and future of road transport.
IRU, the International Road Transport Union, which was founded in 1948 in Geneva to help war-torn Europe rebuild transport links, opened a permanent representation to the then European Economic Community (EEC) in Brussels in 1973.
IRU was one of the first industry associations to establish a permanent liaison office in Brussels. The organisation is now the voice of over 1 million road transport operators in the EU.
IRU’s representative office in Brussels focuses on policymaking at the EU level, ensuring that the voice of road transport companies is heard loud and clear. It works closely with the European Commission, Council and Parliament in a range of areas. As one example, IRU is the official partner representing employers on the social sector dialogue committee for the road transport sector.
IRU President Radu Dinescu said, “From the establishment of a common transport policy, the single market and the fall of the Iron Curtain to the pandemic and war in Ukraine, the EU road transport industry has underpinned European development throughout the continent’s most important milestones.
“Together with our core members, mobility and logistics associations and companies, we strive to shape industry policies that allow our sector to thrive in the interest of the EU’s citizens, communities and businesses.”
IRU Director EU Advocacy Raluca Marian said, “After 50 years, the road transport sector is at a crossroads in the EU, with digitalisation and decarbonisation looming large.”
“The digital transformation of the transport sector is crucial to boost efficiency, maintain the EU economy's competitiveness, and support decarbonisation, but it comes with its fair share of challenges.
“Our sector is fully committed to decarbonise, but we cannot take decisive steps alone as we are not in control of pre-conditions such as the roll out of infrastructure capacity and technology development.”
“Yet I’m encouraged by how seriously the sector is pursuing solutions, and count on the support of EU and Member State authorities,” she added.
Where next?
To mark this important milestone, IRU is hosting a special anniversary event in Brussels today, featuring European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Brussels City Mayor Philippe Close, government ministers from Belgium, Lithuania and Spain, along with EU authorities and road transport industry leaders from companies including ADAMPOL, Jan de Rijk Logistics, Meyering Verkehrsbetriebe, M&L Logistik, NINATRANS, Sales-Lentz Group, SAMAT, Shell, SITRA, and UPS.
The event will explore the EU’s past 50 momentous years, today’s mobility and logistics opportunities and challenges, with a focus on decarbonisation and digitalisation, and the long-term future of road transport.
IRU’s special anniversary event, “Driving the EU: Where next? IRU’s 50th anniversary in Brussels”, will be streamed live from 14:00 to 19:00 CEST.