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The South Eastern Freight Forwarders Association (SEEFF), in cooperation with FIATA brought together logistics professionals, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from 24 countries in Bucharest for the SEEFF Congress and FIATA Region Europe Field Meeting. The event provided a valuable platform for discussing some of the most pressing challenges facing the logistics and freight forwarding sector, ranging from digitalisation and security to resilience and regulatory developments related to multimodality.

CLECAT was actively involved in several panel discussions throughout the event, contributing the perspective of European freight forwarders and logistics service providers on issues that continue to shape supply chain operations across Europe.

One of the key sessions focused on security, risk and compliance, examining the growing challenge of fraud and organised crime in supply chains. CLECAT highlighted the increasing sophistication of cargo crime, including identity theft, phantom carriers, document fraud, cargo theft and cyber-enabled manipulation.

Speaking during the session, CLECAT Director General Nicolette van der Jagt underlined the importance of cooperation across the entire logistics ecosystem. While digitalisation offers new opportunities to strengthen security and prevention, trust, verification and information-sharing remain essential elements in protecting supply chains against criminal activity. The discussion reinforced the concept of a "Chain of Trust", recognising that effective prevention requires collaboration between freight forwarders, carriers, shippers, insurers, technology providers and public authorities across borders.

Several practical recommendations emerged from the discussion. Participants emphasised the need for stronger cooperation and information-sharing, enhanced awareness and preparedness within companies, and robust verification procedures covering business partners, drivers and transport documentation. Security was widely recognised as a necessary investment that contributes not only to cargo protection but also to the overall reliability and resilience of supply chains.

CLECAT also addressed the implementation of the electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) Regulation in a session with DG MOVE. While progress is being made across Europe, Ms van der Jagt expressed concern on the  readiness among Member States. For logistics companies, particularly SMEs, clarity and simplicity will be critical to ensuring that digitalisation reduces administrative burdens rather than creating new layers of complexity.

Finally, the need to find a fair balance between competitiveness of SME’s in the EU and the costs of decarbonisation was discussed.  CLECAT noted that while the logistics sector remains committed to supporting Europe's climate objectives and investing in more sustainable transport solutions, participants stressed that the transition comes with significant costs. Achieving decarbonisation goals requires a supportive policy framework, adequate infrastructure, technological readiness and targeted financial support to ensure that businesses of all sizes can remain competitive while delivering on sustainability ambitions.

CLECAT would like to thank the Romanian Freight Forwarders Association USER for delivering a highly relevant and well-organised event. The discussions in Bucharest demonstrated the value of bringing together a broad range of stakeholders to address common challenges and develop practical solutions for a more secure, resilient and efficient logistics sector.