Connecting Europe Days 2026—the European Commission’s flagship mobility conference—kicked off in Brussels on 28 September, bringing together policymakers, defence officials and industry leaders to map out the next decade of cross-border transport. President Ursula von der Leyen will address delegates on Tuesday, underscoring the event’s theme of competitiveness, connectivity and resilience. Over four days, sessions will examine the completion of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), military mobility corridors and funding mechanisms such as the Connecting Europe Facility. A dedicated ‘Connecting Europe by Air’ forum will explore harmonised passenger rights and digital border-management tools, topics of keen interest to multinational companies that rely on hassle-free business travel. Several side events target corporate mobility: the Irish Council Presidency is co-hosting a workshop on a single EU aviation data hub, while DG MOVE will unveil progress on the High-Speed Rail Plan aimed at cutting Brussels–Berlin and Brussels–Paris journey times by 30 %. Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius is expected to sign an action plan to streamline cross-border movement of dual-use goods—an issue that can delay relocation shipments. For Belgium, hosting the conference cements Brussels’ role as Europe’s mobility capital and is projected to draw 4,000 delegates, boosting hotel occupancy during an already busy autumn calendar. Employers should anticipate heavier traffic around the EU Quarter and slot in extra time for airport transfers. The event’s policy outcomes—particularly on digital travel credentials and infrastructure financing—will shape the regulatory environment for corporate travel and expatriate assignments over the coming years.
Source: European Commission – DG MOVE
