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Joost Vantomme, CEO of ERTICO – ITS Europe provides an update about achievements so far in 2025.
The first eight months of 2025 have been transformative for ERTICO – ITS Europe. As we reflect on this dynamic period, I am proud of the milestones achieved in close collaboration with our Partners, Supervisory Board, Strategy Committee and dedicated team. Each success has reaffirmed our shared ambition to shape the future of mobility across Europe and beyond.
This year, our focus has remained firmly on delivering tangible value through innovation, expertise and cross-sector collaboration. We’ve explored the depths of digitalisation, from connected mobility and data ecosystems to AI-driven solutions, while championing sustainability, resilience, safety and human-centric design.
A defining moment came in June with the inaugural Annual Partnership Forum and our 35th General Assembly. This event marked the launch of ERTICO’s renewed vision and mission, alongside four strategic areas supported by enablers and outcomes. We also unveiled our refreshed branding and new website, reflecting our forward-looking identity and commitment to clarity and impact.
Digitalisation and artificial intelligence have been central to our work. ERTICO contributed to the European Commission’s Automotive Industrial Action Plan, which prioritises software-defined vehicles, data accessibility and AI as pillars of competitiveness. Our engagement in high-level dialogues, such as the ‘Technology and Digital Innovation’ meeting, underscored the importance of aligning digital transformation with Europe’s sustainability goals.
We’ve also played a key role in shaping policy and funding frameworks. Our input into the Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034) and advocacy for FP10 funding reflect our commitment to research and innovation. Structured dialogues with the European Parliament, including a breakfast meeting hosted by MEP Virginijus Sinkevicius, allowed us to discuss strategic initiatives and legislation such as the ITS Directive, AI Act and Cyber Resilience Act.
Artificial intelligence has emerged as a defining theme of 2025. Our White Paper on AI in Mobility and the “Focus On” webinar series have fostered dialogue with DG MOVE, DG CNECT and DG RTD, as well as through our collaboration with ITS Germany under the AIAMO Project. These efforts support the safe and effective deployment of AI across Europe’s transport systems.
On the global stage, ERTICO has maintained a strong presence. The 16th ITS European Congress in Seville was a standout success, with over 3,000 participants and 150 sessions showcasing real-world mobility applications. We also contributed to events in Helmond, Ispra, Rome, Paris, Athens and Istanbul, reinforcing our role as a thought leader in transport digitalisation.
Looking ahead, our preparations for the 2027 ITS World Congress in Birmingham are well underway. We’ve welcomed eight new Partners and launched ten new EU-funded projects, while concluding several flagship initiatives. Our values, Cooperative, Impactful, Open, Passionate, Visionary, continue to guide our work.
As we enter the final stretch of 2025, our mission remains clear: to deepen thought leadership, strengthen partnerships and deliver inclusive, resilient mobility solutions. Together, we are not just imagining the future, we are building it.