European Shippers’ Council has reaffirmed the critical role of logistics and shippers in enabling a more transparent, efficient, and sustainable European food system, following its participation in two high-level events held in Brussels under the TITAN Project EU.
The discussions, organised in collaboration with Cardiff University, Wageningen University & Research, and SME Connect, brought together policymakers, researchers, SMEs, and supply chain experts to examine how digital transparency tools are reshaping agri-food supply chains across Europe.
ESC emphasised that shippers are a foundational component of the food system, connecting producers, processors, distributors, and retailers. Their role extends beyond physical transport to include the management and exchange of data that supports traceability, food safety, and supply chain coordination.
A key message from ESC is that digital transparency must be built on clear and consistent policy objectives at EU level. Fragmented or rapidly changing regulatory approaches risk creating uncertainty for supply chain actors and may slow down innovation and investment.
ESC also highlighted that digital traceability is already a reality across many European supply chains, with technologies such as tracking systems and data-sharing platforms improving visibility and efficiency. However, further progress depends on strengthening interoperability between systems and ensuring that SMEs are not left behind due to limited digital capacity.
European Shippers’ Council stressed the importance of balancing transparency requirements with the protection of commercially sensitive information, ensuring that data sharing builds trust without compromising competitiveness.
ESC further underlined that investment in digital infrastructure is essential to support the transition towards more connected, resilient, and sustainable supply chains. At the same time, policy frameworks must reflect operational realities across logistics networks to be effective in practice.
ESC welcomed its involvement in the TITAN Project dialogue and reaffirmed its commitment to working with EU institutions and stakeholders to ensure that future transparency initiatives are practical, scalable, and aligned with the needs of the logistics sector.