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Digital transformation among transport operators and shippers is gaining momentum and is becoming the crucial backbone for efficient, compliant and profitable logistics across Europe and beyond. At the core of this shift is eCMR, the digital equivalent of the traditional CMR document. As a key building block of the EU's Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) framework, eCMR will enable seamless, paperless data exchange between carriers, shippers and authorities across borders.

The European Commission’s proposal for a new Public Procurement Regulation is a significant step towards quality-based competition, but further improvements are needed to ensure fair and competitive public procurement for road transport. The proposal, which would replace the EU’s three 2014 procurement directives with a single, directly applicable Regulation, simplifies procurement and makes it easier for smaller operators to compete.

Türkiye | Istanbul At the 11th Economy and Logistics Summit in Türkiye, IRU President Radu Dinescu highlighted road transport’s growing strategic importance and Türkiye’s central role in emerging trade corridors. Addressing transport and logistics leaders, Radu Dinescu stressed that geopolitical tensions and disruptions to traditional supply chains are increasing demand for faster, more flexible, more resilient and more predictable transport alternatives.

Affordable, accessible and sustainable transport helps more people discover more places. Spain's Verano Joven programme shows what is possible when public policy and a strong coach network work together. Launched by the Spanish Government in 2023, Verano Joven offers substantial public transport discounts on regular domestic intercity coach services to young people aged 18 to 30 during the summer months.

IRU and T&E are calling on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to launch a strategic dialogue on heavy-duty vehicle decarbonisation, as key EU rules head for review and rising energy and cost pressures add urgency to getting the transition right. Europe's road transport sector is under growing pressure. The energy and geopolitical crisis triggered by the wars in Iran and Ukraine has pushed diesel prices sharply higher and reinforced concerns over Europe’s energy security.

Much of the industry is facing a shortage of drivers. At the same time, many countries lack formalised qualification frameworks as well as professional driver training standards and certification. What’s being done to tackle these two interlinked challenges? The shortage of professional drivers is no longer a temporary labour market problem. IRU’s latest research estimates that around 2.9 million truck driver positions are unfilled globally, equivalent to 11% of the workforce.

A beautiful landscape, a historic town or a unique visitor attraction does not automatically attract coach groups. What does? We asked Anna Grönlund, Deputy Managing Director of the Swedish Bus and Coach Federation (Sveriges Bussföretag) and Vice President of IRU. Accessibility often determines whether a destination becomes part of an itinerary or remains off the route.

The Rhine’s historically low water levels highlight the importance of resilient, flexible and multimodal transport networks. Persistently low water levels on the Rhine are disrupting freight flows, reducing vessel capacity and sharply increasing transport costs. As water levels fall, barges have had to reduce their loads significantly. Some vessels are operating at only a fraction of their normal capacity. Businesses are in turn looking to other modes where possible.

Europe is redefining the future of tourism. The forthcoming EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy is an opportunity to build a tourism model that is greener, more resilient, more inclusive and more beneficial for local communities. Achieving these ambitions will require looking beyond traditional assumptions and recognising the transport solutions that are already delivering tangible results. Every day, coaches quietly connect Europe's tourism ecosystem.

Benin now has a forward-looking plan for formalising and professionalising its road transport sector. The IRU-led project – funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation/Millennium Challenge Account – to help Benin modernise its road transport sector has finalised its blueprint. The plan lays the groundwork for a professionalisation framework in the country. It will assess today's regulatory landscape and equip Benin with the structures needed to implement lasting improvements.