IRU has wrapped up a successful week at Busworld Europe 2025 in Brussels, driving policy dialogue and industry collaboration on key issues shaping the future of passenger road transport.
Busworld Europe is the world’s largest trade exhibition and congress for the bus and coach industry. Held every two years, it brings together manufacturers, operators, suppliers and policymakers from across the globe to showcase innovations and discuss the future of passenger mobility.
IRU EU Director Raluca Marian said, “Busworld is more than a showcase of vehicles and technology, it is where the industry and policymakers come together to shape the future of mobility.”
“Collaboration is essential to achieve our shared goals on decarbonisation, digitalisation and the development of the skilled workforce our sector needs to thrive,” she added.
The 2025 edition featured over 500 exhibitors, including 85 bus and coach manufacturers, and attracted more than 40,000 visitors. Visitors explored 252 vehicles on display inside the exhibition halls, with another 32 available for live demonstrations outside, making it a landmark gathering for the international passenger transport community.
Clear focus
The Busworld Congress, held alongside the exhibition, hosted dozens of panel discussions and expert sessions. They covered the full spectrum of passenger mobility topics, including zero-emission technologies and infrastructure, driver shortage, accessibility, digital transformation, and investment in sustainable transport systems.
As a Congress partner, IRU played a key role throughout the programme, contributing to several panel discussions that brought together industry leaders and policymakers to explore how regulation, technology and investment can advance cleaner, smarter and more efficient mobility.
IRU experts participated in sessions on the energy transition, digitalisation, driver shortage and the evolving role of collective passenger transport in achieving climate goals. In every discussion, the focus was clear: turning ambition into action through realistic, business-ready policies that work for operators and passengers alike.
A highlight of the week was the celebration of the tenth anniversary of FlixBus in the Benelux market. IRU joined its long-standing member in recognising a decade of innovation, growth and leadership in sustainable intercity travel, a success story that reflects the industry’s resilience and forward-looking spirit.
The event was also an important moment for IRU members. Busworld hosted the IRU EU Passenger Transport Council meeting, bringing together members from across Europe and beyond to exchange views on policy priorities, market developments and long-term strategies.
Commission tour
On the final day, IRU joined the official delegation of the European Commission, which included high-level representatives from the Cabinet of the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport. Together, the delegation visited leading manufacturers pioneering new technologies in clean and connected mobility, and electric charging solutions.
The visit offered a first-hand look at the cutting-edge technologies driving the European clean mobility transition. Delegates saw how rapidly innovation is advancing across the bus and coach industry, reflecting the global momentum towards cleaner, smarter and more connected transport.
The exchanges underscored the importance of ensuring that EU policies remain closely aligned with technological progress and the realities of industrial competitiveness. A regulatory framework grounded in these dynamics is essential to support innovation, investment and the long-term resilience of Europe’s passenger transport sector.
As the curtains close on this edition, IRU congratulates the organisers on another inspiring event. Until the next edition in 2027, the conversation will continue on Busworld Plaza, the new digital platform connecting the global bus and coach community.
