Malta’s position within EU transport strategy came under the spotlight as policymakers and industry representatives gathered for an international transport conference organised by IRU member the Maltese Association of Truck and Trailer Operators (ATTO).
The conference, “Advocating Malta’s Role in the EU Transport Strategy”, brought together the road transport industry alongside Chris Bonett, Malta’s Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and European Commission representatives to examine how EU transport legislation translates into operational reality for island economies.
IRU highlighted a persistent structural concern: fragmented national tax and customs systems continue to generate additional procedures and compliance costs for operators active across borders.
Malta strategy
Despite ongoing digitalisation efforts, companies are still required in some EU countries to fulfil burdensome administrative obligations, including the appointment of fiscal representatives.
Greater connectivity between national systems, IRU argued, would reduce administrative burdens and improve efficiency. At the same time, digitalisation should not become an objective in itself, warning that reforms risk adding complexity if simplification is not prioritised. (....)