The implementation of Regulation (EU) No 2020/1056 on electronic freight transport information (eFTI) represents a pivotal initiative driving the digital transition within the transport and logistics sector. This regulation, effective from August 20, 2020, is central to the European Commission’s vision of achieving smart mobility and realizing paperless freight transport by 2030, a key objective within the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. The eFTI Regulation empowers the European Commission to enact delegated acts as outlined in various articles, ensuring the framework’s adaptability and effectiveness.
The Role of eFTI in Modernizing Transport Logistics
At its core, the eFTI regulation is designed to streamline Transport Logistics by promoting the digitization of freight information. This move towards electronic documentation aims to replace traditional paper-based processes, which are often inefficient, time-consuming, and environmentally taxing. By fostering the adoption of eFTI, the EU is paving the way for a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable transport ecosystem across Member States. This initiative is particularly crucial as the volume of freight transport continues to grow, necessitating smarter and more agile logistics solutions.
Expert Collaboration: The “eFTI Delegated Acts” Sub-group
To ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the eFTI Regulation, the European Commission established a dedicated expert group: Sub-group 3 “eFTI delegated acts”. This group consults with experts from each Member State, adhering to the principles of better law-making. Recognizing the established framework of the Digital Transport and Logistics Forum (DTLF), the Commission strategically situated these consultation meetings within the DTLF framework. This approach ensures alignment with broader digitalization efforts in transport while maintaining a focused approach on the specific delegated acts related to eFTI, distinct from the wider “Paperless Transport” initiatives of Sub-group 1.
Membership and Stakeholder Involvement
The “eFTI delegated acts” Sub-group 3 within the DTLF comprises experts designated by EU Member States. To broaden perspectives and ensure inclusivity, a limited number of experts representing diverse stakeholders from the DTLF’s members and observers are also invited as observers to this sub-group. Currently, there are 16 observers participating, selected through an application process. Furthermore, in line with the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union are also entitled to send experts to participate in the sub-group’s meetings, reinforcing the collaborative and transparent nature of this regulatory development process.
Conclusion
The eFTI Regulation and the dedicated “eFTI delegated acts” sub-group are vital components in the EU’s strategy to modernize transport logistics through digital transformation. By promoting electronic freight information, the EU aims to create a more efficient, sustainable, and competitive transport sector. Stakeholder collaboration and expert input are central to this process, ensuring that the delegated acts effectively support the overarching goals of the eFTI Regulation and contribute to a smarter, paperless future for transport logistics across Europe. For more detailed information about the members, observers, and meetings of Subgroup 3, interested parties can consult the Register of Commission Expert Groups.
