This paper examines cooperative intelligent transport systems (C-ITS) and their importance in modernizing transport systems. Faced with the challenges of rapid urbanization and changing mobility patterns, traditional transport systems require new solutions. C-ITS technologies enable improved traffic management through communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and other traffic participants. The paper reviews the need for these technologies due to the growth in vehicle numbers and urbanization, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure modernization and data digitalization. The history of C-ITS development is explored, including projects like PROMETHEUS and Smart Highway, along with current standardization initiatives. Key technologies, such as vehicleto-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, are presented as the foundation of modern transport systems. Special attention is given to the impact of C-ITS on traffic safety, efficiency, and sustainability, highlighting the reduction of accidents, optimization of traffic flow, and reduction of emissions. The paper also analyzes the technical, financial, and legal challenges in implementing C-ITS, with a need for international cooperation. The concluding section focuses on the future of C-ITS technologies, emphasizing integration with autonomous vehicles, smart cities, 5G networks, and artificial intelligence, and outlines a vision for the development of these systems by 2030.