The EU road transport sector is already decarbonizing. But to increase progress, smart regulation, targeted investment and coordinated action are needed. This was the main message of the recent IRU high-level conference in Brussels.
The IRU event “Decarbonizing EU Road Transport: Solutions for 2030 and Beyond”, held at the Baden-Württemberg Representation to the EU, brought together over 200 key stakeholders, including members of the European Parliament, the European Commission, national governments, transport operators, vehicle manufacturers and financial institutions.
As road transport carries over 75% of goods and 50% of all domestic collective passenger transport in Europe, the sector plays a central role in achieving the EU’s climate goals. Discussions at the event focused on how to translate ambition into practical action, scale up clean technologies, ensure the right infrastructure and maintain the economic viability of transport services.
IRU President Radu Dinescu said: “The commercial road transport sector is not yet at the start, we are already on the path to decarbonisation.”
“To scale up, we need the right policies, infrastructure and financial instruments to ensure the cost-effectiveness and inclusiveness of this transition, especially for small and medium-sized operators in Europe.”
IRU EU Advocacy Director Raluca Marian said: “What we heard during the discussions is clear: there is a strong consensus on the need to decarbonise road transport and a unified call for pragmatic support.”
“Operators are already investing in cleaner fleets, but they cannot do it alone. They need a reliable infrastructure, clear incentives and a stable policy framework to move forward with confidence,” she added.
Speakers from across the sector and EU institutions stressed the importance of a flexible approach, adapted to different transport segments and national realities. Concerns were raised about affordability and feasibility, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises and rural areas.
Key barriers identified included inadequate infrastructure, network constraints, delays in obtaining permits and high initial investment costs.
Participants highlighted the urgent need to expand charging and refuelling infrastructure, expand network capacity, streamline permit processes and support alternative fuels.
Electrification was identified as a key pathway, especially for urban and regional transport, although not the only solution.
Closing the event, Belgian Federal Minister for Mobility, Climate and the Ecological Transition, Jean-Luc Krukke, said: “Decarbonisation will boost competitiveness. The two go hand in hand.”
“We must build on Europe’s diversity of cultures, geographical regions and transport needs to shape sustainable mobility solutions that work for everyone. This means increasing investment in research and innovation, supporting those who take risks, especially businesses and vulnerable populations, and working together across sectors and Member States to make it happen,” he added.
The conference confirmed that the road transport sector is ready and committed to decarbonisation. The challenge ahead is to create the political, financial and infrastructure framework to achieve the EU’s climate goals while maintaining the efficiency, sustainability and accessibility of transport.