Meeting with MEP Virginijus Sinkevičius

The Transport Innovation Association and the European Parliament office in Lithuania hosted transport and logistics professionals for a discussion with MEP and Transport Committee Vice‑Chair Virginijus Sinkevičius. Key takeaways:

• Mobility Package adaptation: Plans are underway to revise rules requiring trucks to return to their country of registration—aiming to reduce administrative burden and unnecessary empty runs, which harm the environment.

• Beyond electromobility: Emphasis on supporting a diverse range of low-emission technologies like biomethane and alternative fuels to better cut CO₂ in transport.

• Heavier, longer trucks: Considering proposals to increase maximum mass and length for heavy-duty vehicles. While this could boost freight efficiency, it must go hand-in-hand with infrastructure readiness and safety measures.

• Driver shortages and migration policy: Hiring drivers from non-EU countries is increasingly complex due to restrictive EU migration rules. A balanced approach is needed to resolve staffing gaps.

• Innovation funding gap in Lithuania: Despite EU-level funding, national support for transport innovation and digitalization remains insufficient, threatening future competitiveness.