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The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has called for widespread simplification and digitalisation of EU transport legislation, arguing that the growing complexity of the regulatory framework creates unnecessary administrative burdens for transport and logistics operators. In an opinion, the EESC points to overlapping requirements, cross-references, and divergent national implementation across an EU transport acquis comprising around 800 legislative acts.

Digitalisation features prominently among the proposed solutions. For road freight, the EESC calls for the full digitalisation of documents including professional drivers’ licences, certificates of professional competence, and CMR consignment notes. It also proposes extending the Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) framework to vehicle and staff-related documentation and calls for a pan-European network of safe and secure truck parking areas within the next five to ten years.

The Committee also identifies opportunities for simplification in rail and maritime transport. For rail, it calls for faster infrastructure permitting, binding approval timelines and simpler procurement and authorisation procedures. For maritime transport and ports, it supports wider use of the European Maritime Single Window and interoperable inspection systems, alongside further digitalisation of seafarer certificates and other documentation.

The EESC stresses that simplification should focus on removing duplication and unnecessary complexity rather than deregulation. Safety, worker protections, passenger rights, as well as environmental and security objectives should remain integral to the EU transport framework while making compliance easier for businesses operating across borders.

The opinion comes as the European Commission prepares a transport simplification package which is expected in the coming months.