From economic pressures and geopolitical uncertainty to decarbonisation and the future of professional driving, the 80th Congress of the Fédération Nationale des Transports Routiers (FNTR) delivered a clear message: road transport is essential to Europe’s resilience, competitiveness and future.
On 8 October 2026, ESPORG joined French industry leaders, policymakers and transport professionals at Le Beffroi de Montrouge in Paris, for FNTR’s landmark 80th Congress anniversary.
An Industry Under Pressure
Opening the Congress, FNTR President Florence Dupasquier warned of the severe economic pressures facing French road transport operators. Rising fuel prices, delayed government support and additional taxation are putting business liquidity and competitiveness at risk.
In his video address, French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot outlined the government’s response to the fuel crisis, including successive financial assistance measures for road transport operators. He also reaffirmed France’s commitment to accelerating heavy-duty vehicle electrification, with purchase incentives of up to €100,000 for electric trucks and a target of approximately 8,000 dedicated charging points by 2035.
Banque de France highlighted the financial vulnerabilities facing road transport operators. While overall indicators remained relatively stable in 2025, significant disparities persisted. Rising fuel costs and economic uncertainty are adding further pressure, potentially limiting the sector’s capacity to invest and modernise.
Resilience: French Transport Continuity Plan
One of the Congress’s strongest messages concerned the urgent need for a national transport continuity plan, ensuring access to fuel, infrastructure and critical freight corridors during crises.
Major General Bruno Loisier, representing the French Armed Forces, highlighted the strategic dependence of national defence on civilian logistics capacity. The signing of a partnership between the FNTR and the French National Guard reinforced the growing importance of cooperation between the transport industry and defence institutions.
For ESPORG, these discussions underline the role of safe and secure truck parking as an essential component of resilient European transport infrastructure.
The Road to 2035: Technology, Energy and People
The forward-looking roundtable brought together Jean-Yves Astouin, Co-President of UCCICP; Patrick Cholton, President of SOLUTRANS, the international trade fair for road and urban transport solutions; and Valérie Jimenez, President of AFT (Association pour le développement de la formation professionnelle dans les transports).
Discussions explored electrification, automation, digitalisation and the evolving skills of professional drivers. The key message was that the sector’s transformation requires investment not only in vehicles, but also in charging infrastructure, workforce development and new competencies.
Emmanuel Puvis de Chavannes, Director of Sustainable Development at Primagaz, presented the potential of locally produced bio-LNG through cooperation with Sublime Énergie, illustrating the importance of diversified energy solutions.
In his keynote address, Patrick Martin, President of the Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF), France’s leading employers’ organisation, addressed competitiveness, regulatory complexity, business succession and youth employment, calling for stronger dialogue between businesses and policymakers.
ESPORG and FNTR: A Partnership That Drives Progress
ESPORG’s participation reflected the strong and growing cooperation between the two organisations, particularly their shared ambition to expand safe and secure truck parking facilities in France and across Europe.
“Dear friends of the National Federation of Road Transports in France (FNTR), on behalf of ESPORG, I would like to extend my warmest greetings to you all here in Paris. ESPORG congratulates the FNTR on its 80th anniversary and wishes you every success in your future endeavours! ESPORG is proud to work alongside the FNTR to develop safe and secure parking areas in France.” said ESPORG General Manager Dirk Penasse in his video message to FNTR anniversary.
ESPORG warmly congratulates Florence Dupasquier, FNTR President and Florence Berthelot, FNTR General Delegate, the entire FNTR team and FNTR Brussels office on this milestone Congress.
The Congress demonstrated that the future of road transport in France and the EU will depend on economic resilience, innovation, strategic infrastructure and stronger European cooperation.
For ESPORG, the conclusion is clear: investing in safe and secure parking, improving drivers’ working conditions and building strong partnerships are essential to a competitive and resilient European transport sector.
