acf domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/ecg/ecgassociationdev/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121IRU — 2025-09-18
News from Brussels
IRU, the European Transport Workers’ Federation and the European Secure Parking Organisation have sent a joint letter to the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President, Roxana Mînzatu, urging concrete steps to accelerate the development of safe and secure truck parking areas across the EU.
The letter follows a joint field visit to Belgian truck parking sites earlier this month, joined by the European Commission’s Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu.
The three organisations highlighted two core challenges preventing progress: persistent local permitting barriers and a lack of consistent long-term funding.
IRU EU Director Raluca Marian said, “The lack of safe parking is more than a logistics issue, it is a human one. We need firm EU action to cut red tape at the regional level, support funding, and fast-track projects where they are needed most.”
The letter outlines how the EU's truck parking deficit, currently estimated at 390,000 safe spaces, and projected to reach 483,000 by 2040, continues to threaten driver wellbeing, supply chain resilience, and the functioning of the internal market.
The organisations call on the Commission to work with Member States to prioritise truck parking in spatial planning, streamline authorisation processes, and engage with local communities.
The joint letter also stresses the importance of predictable, multiannual EU funding to support both the construction and upgrading of existing truck parking areas. This should be secured through the next Connecting Europe Facility, under the Multiannual Financial Framework, and be backed by national and private co-investment.
A coordinated financing approach is the only way to close the infrastructure gap and meet rising demand.
“The need is urgent, the solutions are clear, and the time to act is now,” said Raluca Marian. “We welcome Vice-President Mînzatu’s engagement and are ready to help shape a real roadmap towards better conditions for drivers and more resilient supply chains.”
The joint letter reflects growing alignment between road transport operators, workers and infrastructure providers on the need for coordinated EU leadership and investment to close the truck parking gap once and for all.