On Thursday, October 17 2024, the eFTI4EU project hosted its first Yearly Conference at the Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU in Brussels. The hybrid event, titled Freight Transport in the Digital Age, brought together a total of almost 300 participants and registrants, between in-person and online. With an emphasis on the application of the electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) Regulation, the conference provided an essential forum for discussing the future of freight transport through digital solutions. The overall feedback was very positive, with participants expressing enthusiasm about the project’s progress and future direction.
Download the conference materials below
The event opened with a keynote address from Annika Kroon (Head of Unit, DG MOVE), who highlighted the importance of eFTI in digitalising the EU’s freight transport sector, that also has a huge potential on international level of being a global standard. Eva Killar, eFTI4EU Project Coordinator, followed by providing an update on the project’s achievements.
Industry experts shared insights into the collaborative efforts needed to address the growing pressures in logistics. From these presentations, speakers made clear that digital tools, such as eFTI, can optimise processes and create new business opportunities. The technical features of the eFTI4EU project were also covered, highlighting the advancements focusing on processes, data, interfaces, reference implementation and the cross-border testing procedure. Their talks illustrated how eFTI pilots in the participating memberstates are laying the groundwork for wider adoption.
Later, a series of panel discussions explored the practicalities of eFTI implementation. Experts from competent authorities and the logistics sector discussed harmonisation efforts, as well as the impact of digitalisation on security, decision-making, and operational efficiency.
Specifically, the first panel addressed the need for harmonisation and training for stakeholders, with insights from law enforcement and regulatory bodies. The second panel explored the business opportunities created by digitalising freight transport processes, with panelists pointing out how eFTI enhances security, reduces paperwork, and improves decision-making in the logistics industry.
The Conference concluded with the introduction of the eFTI4ALL Project. This new EU-funded initiative will be carried out in close collaboration with eFTI4EU and will build on the results of the previous project. It will focus on economic operators and digital platforms to further enhance interoperability and the use of eFTI standards across the industry.
During the First Yearly Conference attendees had the opportunity to connect with peers, build relationships, and explore potential collaborations. Indeed, the event served as a crucial meeting point for the eFTI expertise and implementation community, fostering dialogue and advancing shared goals for digital transformation in logistics.
The eFTI4EU Consortium is truly grateful to all our speakers, panelists, and moderators who enriched the day with their insights and expertise. A special thanks to the Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU for their warm hospitality in hosting this significant event.
