The Slovak market is currently facing a shortage of more than 16,450 drivers, and the age structure of the existing workforce indicates that the problem is likely to worsen. This panel discussion will focus on a key question: How can we train a new generation of drivers? We will present proposals for systematic education starting at secondary schools, enabling young people to obtain their driving license during their studies and prepare for real-world practice. At the same time, we will explore ways to make this profession more attractive, turning it into a compelling and promising career choice for young people.
Equally important is retaining those who are already behind the wheel today. What conditions should employers provide, and what measures should the state take? How can the working environment be improved, the social prestige of the profession increased, and experienced drivers prevented from leaving the sector? The discussion will also touch on the employment of drivers from third countries, which is necessary, but long-term retention remains a challenge, as the driver shortage is currently felt across the entire European Union.
Keynote Speaker: Denisa Žiláková, State Secretary, Ministry of Transport of the Slovak Republic
Announcement of the results and awarding of the TOP SLOVAKIA TRANSPORT 2025 poll.
A buffet lunch is provided for conference participants and guests during the break. At the same time, participants will be able to take advantage of it to see the outdoor exhibition and the indoor stands of the conference partners.
Road transport stands on the threshold of a fundamental transformation. Pressure to decarbonize, stricter emission standards, new European regulations, and ambitious CO₂ reduction targets are changing the rules of the game for the entire sector. The EU Regulation on CO₂ emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles sets targets for reducing CO₂ emissions compared to 2019 levels: 45% by 2030, 65% by 2035, and 90% by 2040.
But is the Slovak transport sector ready for such a shift? The regulation itself also includes a so-called review clause for 2027, when the European Commission is expected to assess whether the set targets are realistically achievable and whether adjustments are needed.
In the discussion, we will address key questions related to the sector’s readiness for a green transformation: Do we have sufficient infrastructure for alternative fuels? What are the realistic financing options for heavy-duty vehicles with alternative powertrains, how capable is the technology in terms of range, and what role should the state play in this transition?
Another important topic will be the upcoming directive on “greening corporate fleets,” which could introduce mandatory quotas for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles by large companies. Is this truly an effective tool, or just another regulatory burden without sufficient support in reality?
Representative of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic
Representative of a truck manufacturer
Coffee break and time to visit the indoor and outdoor exhibitions
More than three years after the adoption of the Mobility Package, we are still facing numerous uncertainties and practical challenges in its implementation. Some provisions came into effect as early as February 2022, yet we continue to struggle with specific issues, such as how to correctly interpret and apply the new rules.
Second-generation smart tachographs represent another major change coming into play. Two years have passed since their market introduction, but there are still challenges with the proper use of these new devices, as well as driver cards. We will discuss the experiences and pitfalls that carriers and drivers encounter when deploying these new technologies.
In connection with the new tachograph, control authorities will share their experiences with the new monitoring system – remote early detection, which has been fully operational for a year. What are the most common violations, and how can they be prevented? We will also welcome guests from the newly established control authority of our western neighbors – the Road Transport Inspection (Inspekce silniční dopravy).
We will also talk about the new rules for the light commercial vehicle segment, so-called vans. Starting July 1, 2026, these vehicles weighing over 2.5 tons, engaged in international transport, will also be required to be equipped with smart tachographs. This will fundamentally change the working regime for these vehicles and their drivers, who will have to comply with the same rules as those governing heavy goods transport. It is therefore crucial to familiarize oneself with these changes well in advance and prepare for their practical implementation.
During the discussion, we will also look at the new toll system, effective from July 1, 2025, and revisit the topic of EETS – what are the latest developments in this area, and what experiences have been gained so far?
Representative of the European Labour Authority (ELA) – tbc.
