Ertico - ITS Europe has supported European Commission (EC) president Ursula von der Leyen’s calls for Europe to have an “independence moment”, saying this reflects the continent's mobility needs.
The calls came during von der Leyen’s 2025 'State of the Union' address.
Ertico CEO Joost Vantomme said her comment "underlines the urgency of creating a transport ecosystem that is not only sustainable and digital but also autonomous and resilient in the face of global challenges".
"We welcome the president’s recognition that digital and clean technologies are the true pillars of European competitiveness," he added, citing the proposed EU Competitiveness Fund, the reinforcement of Horizon Europe, and the forthcoming Single Market Roadmap to 2028 as key to accelerating investment.
"For the mobility sector, this opens new opportunities to deploy clean, connected, and cooperative transport systems that leverage AI, digital infrastructure, and interoperable solutions," says Vantomme.
"These policies and funding measures provide the foundation for scaling sustainable mobility at pace and across borders."
He praised the EC’s "ambitious initiatives" in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and high-performance digital infrastructure as being "particularly important for transport".
When it comes to resilience and security in the light of climate change and geopolitical threats, Vantomme says: "It is clear that secure, adaptive, and robust transport networks are integral to Europe’s capacity to defend its people and values."
"Intelligent transport technologies, ranging from smart logistics to emergency response systems, will play a vital role in strengthening resilience across Europe’s mobility landscape."
Ertico is also "encouraged by the Commission’s commitment to regulatory simplification and support for scale-ups".
Reducing barriers and accelerating the deployment of critical innovations "is essential for the ITS and mobility sectors, where rapid deployment and cross-border interoperability can make the difference between pilot projects and truly European-wide impact", Vantomme concluded.
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