The aim of the conference was to accelerate the digital transformation of freight transport documents and processes across the European Union, with the goal of reducing bureaucracy, increasing logistics efficiency, and enhancing competitiveness.
The event was opened by Christian Hirte, Minister for Digital Infrastructure and Transport, who emphasised that the eFTI regulation represents a crucial step in modernising the logistics sector.
“Beyond reducing bureaucracy, digitalisation also strengthens European competitiveness and contributes to achieving climate targets. The future of European transport will be digitally integrated,” said Hirte.
Photo credits @ TIA
Maja Bakran Kopczyńska, representative of the European Commission, added that the successful implementation of eFTI depends on close cooperation between member states, businesses, and the public sector.
“We need to look at the digitalisation of transport more broadly and competitively – this is an opportunity to attract new users and workers to the logistics sector, while also creating a smarter and more sustainable transport ecosystem,” said M. Bakran Kopczyńska.
Practical demonstration and business preparedness
During the conference, participants had the opportunity to see Germany’s eFTI portal in action, demonstrated by Toll Collect and the Federal Office of Mobility and Logistics. The live demonstration showed how transport inspections can be carried out entirely using digital data.
“eFTI will only work if cooperation and coordination are ensured. The public and private sectors must work together,” said Mark Erichsen, Managing Director of Toll Collect.
Business representatives from ABONA, GBK Trusted Partner, and DLK presented pilot projects showcasing technological solutions that are already being implemented in the market.
Transport Innovation Association (TIA) head Rugilė Andziukevičiūtė-Buzė highlighted during a panel discussion that organisations prepared for the mandatory implementation of the eFTI regulation will have a competitive advantage.
“eFTI will be a real game-changer, driving the digitalisation of transport control operations. This will provide an impetus for the digitalisation of B2B business transactions. In 600 days, when the eFTI regulation becomes mandatory for all EU institutions, businesses will have a great opportunity to digitise their eCMR, eCIM and other control documents as quickly as possible. Those who prepare first will win – this will open up opportunities for IT companies to create new, convenient solutions for logistics and forwarding businesses,” said R. Andziukevičiūtė-Buzė.
Photo credits @ TIA
Projects: from idea to reality
Eva Killar, coordinator of the eFTI4EU project, expressed her satisfaction that the project has reached maturity and its vision is becoming reality.
“eFTI is no longer just a paper concept – it is becoming a practical, interoperable solution created through joint European efforts. The digital transformation of freight transport is already underway, and we are ensuring it is smart, sustainable, and inclusive,” said E. Killar.
Meanwhile, Jan Bergstrand, head of the eFTI4ALL project, emphasised that the three ongoing eFTI projects provide a unique opportunity to speed up digitalisation processes.
“It is evident that now, with several eFTI projects underway, we have a great opportunity to accelerate the implementation of digitalisation in transport and logistics. In the eFTI4ALL project, we aim for tangible results, based on practical examples and the involvement of economic operators. At the Berlin conference, we could hear and see many promising examples of progress,” said J. Bergstrand.
The four-year eFTI4LIVE project, coordinated by the Spanish Ministry of Transport and Mobility, was also presented at the conference. It involves 54 partners from 18 countries and has a budget of nearly €48 million. The project will focus on developing platform certification and data interoperability systems.
The eFTI4EU, eFTI4ALL, and eFTI4LIVE projects are EU-supported initiatives that will help the transport sector transition to a digital, more efficient, and more sustainable operational model.
