At the recent European Logistics Platform (ELP) Forum, where European Shippers’ Council (ESC) plays an active role, more than 80 EU policymakers and industry leaders met in Brussels to discuss the evolving challenges in the logistics sector. The forum addressed critical themes such as digital transformation, energy transition, sustainability, infrastructure, and workforce development, aiming to foster a resilient and sustainable future for European logistics.
Magda Kopczyńska, Director General of DG MOVE, delivered the keynote speech, presenting the European Commission’s strategic vision for transport and logistics. She emphasised the objectives of the European Green Deal, industrial transformation, and the significance of funding mechanisms. Kopczyńska urged public-private partnerships, especially through the ETS Social Fund, to support cleaner transport technologies and highlighted the Draghi Report’s recognition of transport as a vital sector, while stressing that much work remains to achieve sustainable transport across Europe.
The first panel featured MEP Prof. Dr. Andrea Wechsler, Katharina Tomoff (SVP ESG at DHL), and Sophie Punte (Founder of Life-Links), who discussed sustainability, innovation, and regulatory flexibility. The panellists agreed on the logistics industry’s responsibility to lead decarbonisation efforts. Ms Tomoff underscored the role of transitional technologies like HVO100, biogases, and hydrogen for immediate emissions reductions. MEP Wechsler called for regulatory balance to encourage private investment, while Ms Punte advocated for stronger decarbonisation initiatives, especially in developing countries.
The second panel, including Szymon Oscislowski (DG MOVE), Paul Walter (Port of Rotterdam), Dr Frederik Zohm (MAN Truck & Bus), and Claudia Stuckmann-Invernizzi (Neste Corporation), focused on the challenges of sustainability, digitalisation, and public-private collaboration. Panellists stressed the need for clearer political frameworks, infrastructure development, and digital innovations to drive sustainable transport, emphasising cooperation between governments, industry, and academia to accelerate progress.