10 March 2026 | Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The European Union Road Federation (ERF) and the International Road Federation (IRF) today announce the advancement of their unification process, marking a decisive step toward the creation of a single, strengthened federation serving the road and mobility sector worldwide.
Following an overwhelming vote of support from ERF members, both organisations are now moving into the formal transition phase, with final ratification expected in May/June 2026 and full operational integration foreseen for 1 January 2027. The unified entity will operate under the IRF name, with a reinforced European pillar dedicated to EU affairs and regional engagement.
The unified structure will combine IRF’s international network with ERF’s established presence within the European policy ecosystem, bringing together complementary expertise in advocacy, technical excellence, research engagement and capacity-building.
Responding to a Changing Infrastructure Landscape
The announcement comes at a time when road authorities, operators, manufacturers, and policymakers are navigating a profound transformation. Infrastructure networks are under increasing pressure to deliver higher safety performance, climate resilience, and digital integration,
financing innovation, and geopolitical reliability. In this evolving context, ERF and IRF have concluded that greater institutional alignment will enhance the sector’s ability to:
• Contribute constructively to European and global regulatory agendas
• Facilitate knowledge transfer across regions
• Strengthen coordination between policy development and implementation
• Provide a stable platform for long-term collaboration among public and private actors
A shared priority for both organisations is addressing the structural gap between the performance expected of modern road networks and the revenues available to sustain them. As traditional fuel-based funding models erode, European and global road actors must collaborate on forward-looking pricing and funding frameworks capable of ensuring resilient, transparent and socially acceptable long-term network stewardship.
Statement from Dimitrios Mandalozis, President of IRF
Dimitrios Mandalozis, President of the International Road Federation, welcomed the announcement as a significant moment for the international road community.
“Road infrastructure sits at the heart of economic competitiveness, social cohesion and territorial connectivity,” he said. “At a time of rapid technological change and mounting climate and investment pressures, stronger institutional coherence enables more effective collaboration.”
“The unification of ERF and IRF reflects a shared commitment to serve road stakeholders with clarity of purpose and strategic stability. By aligning European and global capabilities within a single federation, we are creating a platform that can better anticipate challenges and support practical solutions across regions.”
Statement from Joseph Marra, President of ERF
“This is a forward-looking decision shaped by the realities of our time,” said Joseph Marra, President of the European Union Road Federation. “European road actors operate in an increasingly interconnected environment. By aligning ERF and IRF under a single, modernised framework, we are reinforcing Europe’s capacity to
influence the global dialogue while maintaining the depth of engagement that characterises our work in Brussels. Our working groups, technical dialogue and institutional relationships remain central to the structure we are building. What changes is our collective scale and reach.”
Transition and Next Steps
The transition phase will continue over the coming months in accordance with the jointly agreed roadmap. The organisations will maintain their respective activities during this period, while preparing the legal and governance framework required for final ratification. Further details will be shared with members and stakeholders throughout 2026.
The European Union Road Federation (ERF) is a non-profit association which coordinates the views of Europe’s road infrastructure sector and acts as a platform for research and dialogue on mobility issues between stakeholders and institutional players.
The International Road Federation (IRF) is a global, independent, not-for-profit organisation with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Active since 1948, IRF is a
membership-based organisation, representing leading corporate and institutional players drawn from the road and mobility sectors worldwide. Its mission is to promote the development of roads and road networks that enable access and sustainable mobility for all. Its approach is centred on key strategic components of knowledge transfer & information sharing, connecting people, businesses, and organisations, and working on policy & advocacy.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
European Union Road Federation (ERF)
Nilufar Lebasi – Office & Communications Manager
n.lebasi@erf.be | +(32) 488 55 32 27
International Road Federation (IRF)
Maolin Macatangay – Communications Manager
mmacatangay@irfofficial.org | +41 22 306 0260
