ERTICO – ITS Europe marked 35 years of partnership, innovation and European leadership in Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) with a special anniversary celebration held on 9 September 2026 at Brussels City Hall. The event brought together representatives of the European Commission, industry leaders, researchers, policymakers and key stakeholders from across Europe’s mobility ecosystem.
A highlight of the celebration was the participation of Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, who acknowledged ERTICO’s significant contribution to the transformation of European mobility and highlighted the importance of continued cooperation between the organisation and the European Commission. Particular emphasis was placed on Europe’s ambition to lead the development and deployment of automated driving technologies and smarter, safer and more sustainable transport solutions.
For the past eight years, ERTICO has been led by Dr Angelos Amditis, Research and Development Director at the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS) of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and Director of the I-SENSE Research Group. Serving as Chairman of ERTICO – ITS Europe since 2018, Dr Amditis has played a key role in advancing the organisation’s strategic vision, strengthening partnerships and promoting the deployment of innovative mobility solutions across Europe.
In his anniversary address, Dr Amditis reflected on ERTICO’s remarkable journey since its establishment in 1991, highlighting the power of collaboration in shaping the evolution of intelligent mobility. He also pointed to the opportunities and challenges ahead, particularly those arising from artificial intelligence, connected and automated mobility, and the digital transformation of Europe’s transport systems.
Originally established by 15 founding organisations, ERTICO has evolved into a major European public-private partnership bringing together more than 120 partners from industry, research, public authorities, and transport infrastructure and service providers. Through European research and innovation initiatives, strategic partnerships and the organisation of major international ITS Congresses, ERTICO has consistently helped bridge the gap between technological innovation and real-world deployment, contributing to safer, more efficient and sustainable transport systems.
Dr Amditis’ eight-year leadership of ERTICO also highlights the strong Greek presence in European mobility decision-making and innovation networks, reflecting the important contribution of the Greek research community to shaping technologies and policies that are transforming transport across Europe and beyond.
The 35th anniversary celebration was not only an opportunity to reflect on ERTICO’s achievements, but also to reaffirm its commitment to the future: strengthening collaboration, supporting Europe’s industrial competitiveness and accelerating the deployment of innovative mobility solutions that deliver tangible benefits for society.
