EC plans improvements to freight transport in Europe

The European Commission has adopted a series of initiatives aimed at making freight transport in the EU more efficient and sustainable.

The new package of measures consists of proposals concerning logistics, a rail network giving priority to freight, and European ports, as well as two documents on barrier-free maritime transport.

The EC said the common objective of these initiatives is to promote innovative infrastructure technologies and practices, develop means of transport, improve freight management, facilitate the construction of freight transport chains, simplify administrative procedures and enhance quality throughout the logistic chain.

Jacques Barrot, Commission vice-president with special responsibility for transport, said: "Europe needs efficient, integrated transport alternatives that are both environment-friendly and user-friendly. The measures which I have presented today will also make rail, maritime and inland waterway transport more attractive and more competitive in the context of co-modality. The integration of these modes of transport into efficient logistic chains is essential in order to reconcile the economic efficiency and long-term development of transport".

“The measures which I have presented today will also make rail, maritime and inland waterway transport more attractive and more competitive in the context of co-modality

Jacques Barrot, Commission vice-president with special responsibility for transport

The Commission is promoting maritime transport, which it said remains the mode that is the most environment-friendly and energy-efficient in terms of greenhouse-gas emissions.

The Commission is proposing new initiatives with a view to creating a European freight-orientated network.

It is estimated that the volumes of goods transported in Europe will increase by 50% between 2000 and 2020.