ECR EGTC Welcomes the Czech Republic, Portugal, and Romania as New Member States

🇨🇿 ECR EGTC vítá na palubě nové členské státy!
🇵🇹 O ECR EGTC dá as boas‑vindas aos novos Estados‑Membros!
🇷🇴 ECR EGTC urează bun venit noilor state membre!

🇬🇧 ECR EGTC welcomes the new Member States on board!

The Euro Contrôle Route European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (ECR EGTC) is pleased to announce that the Czech Republic, Portugal, and Romania have officially joined the organisation as full member states. Their accession was confirmed during an ad hoc General Assembly held on July 8, 2025, and their membership officially took effect on August 1, 2025.

This development marks a significant expansion of ECR EGTC’s operational scope and strengthens its ongoing mission to ensure safe, fair, and sustainable road transport across Europe. It is a clear sign of deepening collaboration among EU member states in the field of transport enforcement and regulatory harmonization.

During the General Assembly, the Dutch Presidency opened the proceedings by expressing appreciation to the Director and everyone involved in the preparatory discussions and documentation that led to this milestone. It was confirmed that a quorum had been established and that unanimous approval from all present members was required for each accession.The Assembly then moved forward with the individual votes on the accession of each new country:

First, the Czech Republic was considered. As a Member State of the European Union, it was confirmed that the Czech Republic fulfills all legal conditions for membership in line with Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006. The Director formally confirmed its compliance, and the Assembly unanimously approved the Czech Republic’s accession. Next, Portugal was presented for membership. It also met all required legal and procedural conditions under the same regulation. The Assembly once again voted unanimously in favor. Finally, the candidacy of Romania was assessed. Upon confirmation of its full compliance with the requirements, Romania’s accession was also unanimously approved.

All three countries are now fully represented in ECR EGTC by their respective national institutions responsible for road transport enforcement:

🇨🇿 Czech Republic – Inspekce silniční dopravy

🇵🇹 Portugal – Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes, IMT

🇷🇴 Romania – Inspectoratul de Stat pentru Controlul în Transportul Rutier, I.S.C.T.R.

This historic expansion was made possible through sustained institutional commitment. In 2024, the Polish Presidency of ECR EGTC initiated and actively supported the idea of enlarging the group. This strategic effort was taken forward and brought to completion under the Dutch Presidency in 2025, which carried the process to its successful conclusion with full dedication and cooperation.

Throughout the process, the Director, the member states, and both presidencies played critical roles in aligning legal, operational, and political considerations to ensure a smooth and compliant accession process.

The addition of these new member states will bring significant benefits to the EGTC and the wider European transport community. Their participation expands our geographical reach, increases the exchange of technical expertise, and strengthens the capacity for joint enforcement and training initiatives. This development also enhances the group’s ability to influence the harmonization of transport regulations and will ultimately contribute to improved road safety and fair competition across the European Union.

We are thrilled to welcome the Czech Republic, Portugal, and Romania into the ECR EGTC community. Their inclusion represents not just an expansion in numbers, but a shared investment in the future of transport cooperation in Europe.

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