Wednesday, June 24th, 2026
Europe’s freight transport sector is entering a new phase of digital transformation. The session “From regulation to implementation and adoption: eFTI, Data Spaces and European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (EDIC)” at the ALICE Logistics Innovation Summit 2025 explored how stakeholders can move from regulatory frameworks to practical implementation, unlocking the benefits of digital freight information exchange across Europe.
Hosted by Tomasz Dowgielewicz, ALICE Data Exchange, DTLF & eFTI Community Manager, the session brought together representatives from the European Commission, Open Logistics Foundation, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and Transporeon. The discussion also connected to several European initiatives and projects, including ACUMEN, DELPHI, DISCO, SEAMLESS, ReMuNet, SARIL and IKIGAI, which are helping advance data sharing, interoperability and digital logistics services across Europe.
Opening the session, Tomasz Dowgielewicz highlighted the growing interest in eFTI, Data Spaces and EDIC, emphasising the need to turn policy ambitions into practical deployment. He outlined ALICE’s ongoing role in supporting implementation through collaboration with the Digital Transport and Logistics Forum (DTLF), guidance activities and stakeholder engagement.
Villu Varjas from the European Commission’s DG MOVE provided an update on the Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) Regulation and its implementation timeline. He explained that eFTI establishes a harmonised framework for the electronic exchange of freight transport information between businesses and authorities, with full application scheduled for July 2027. He also presented recent developments, including platform requirements, certification processes and the introduction of the Consignment Movement Data Set concept, designed to support more flexible and interoperable information exchange.
The relationship between eFTI and the electronic consignment note (eCMR) was explored by Thorsten Hülsmann, Managing Director of the Open Logistics Foundation. He demonstrated how open-source eCMR components can serve as a practical building block for eFTI implementation, enabling companies to exchange standardised transport data while avoiding vendor lock-in. His key message was that eCMR and eFTI are not competing solutions but complementary layers of the same digital infrastructure: eCMR supporting business-to-business processes and eFTI enabling business-to-authority information exchange.
Jon Kuiper from the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management then addressed the role of Data Spaces and the emerging European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (EDIC). He highlighted the importance of federated data sharing, where organisations maintain control over their data while enabling trusted and interoperable exchange. Through initiatives such as BoostEDIC, European stakeholders are working to develop cross-border use cases that demonstrate how Data Spaces can support logistics services, interoperability and the European Mobility Data Space.
Providing the business perspective, Gerry Daalhuisen from Transporeon argued that eFTI should be viewed as a business transformation rather than a compliance exercise. Digital freight information can reduce administrative costs, accelerate transport operations and improve visibility across supply chains. He encouraged organisations to start preparing now by assessing system integration needs, evaluating partner readiness and investing in digital skills rather than waiting for the 2027 deadline.These developments also support the broader Physical Internet vision by enabling more standardised, interoperable and real-time information flows between logistics actors, transport modes and digital systems.
Across all presentations, a common message emerged: Europe is moving from regulatory preparation towards implementation of digital freight information exchange. eFTI provides the regulatory layer for business-to-authority exchange, eCMR supports business-to-business document digitalisation, while Data Spaces and EDIC initiatives address the infrastructure and governance layer for trusted cross-border data sharing. The main challenge now is to align these layers through interoperable data models, clear governance principles and practical adoption by industry. These developments also support the broader Physical Internet vision by enabling more standardised, interoperable and real-time information flows between logistics actors, transport modes and digital systems.
The session concluded with a call to action for logistics stakeholders to engage in pilots, strengthen interoperability efforts and actively contribute to shaping Europe’s future digital logistics ecosystem. Through ALICE activities, cross-border projects and initiatives such as ACUMEN, DELPHI, DISCO, SEAMLESS, ReMuNet, SARIL and IKIGAI, the logistics community is already building the foundations for a more connected, efficient and data-driven transport system.
The discussion highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between policymakers, technology providers, logistics operators and research organisations as Europe prepares for the next phase of digital freight transport implementation. Stakeholders will have an opportunity to continue these discussions and share progress on eFTI, Data Spaces, EDIC and related initiatives at the ALICE Logistics Innovation Summit 2026, taking place on 17-18 November 2026 in Brussels. The Summit will showcase ALICE’s progress and achievements, outline priorities for the coming year, and provide opportunities for engagement with policymakers, regulators, industry leaders and the research community.
Read the full session report (restricted access) on the ALICE Knowledge Platform and download the short PDF version here https://www.etp-logistics.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1B.-Session-on-eFTI_and-Data-Spaces_Com.pdf
