The European Commission has said it is taking action to modernise European mobility and transport with new scheme “Europe on the Move”.
The scheme includes a wide range of initiative designed to make traffic safer, encourage fairer road charging, reduce CO2 emissions, air pollution and congestion; cut red-tape for businesses; fight illicit employment and ensure proper conditions and rest times for workers.
The Commission aims to help the sector “to remain competitive in a socially fair transition towards clean energy and digitalisation” with the new plan.
The commission said that the long-term benefits of the measure will “extend far beyond the transport sector by promoting jobs, growth and investment, strengthening social fairness, widening consumers’ choices and firmly putting Europe on the path towards low emissions.”
“We see the world of transport changing fundamentally. Europe must seize this opportunity and shape the future of mobility. This is our unique chance to “reinvent the wheel”,” said Maroš Šefčovič, vice-president for energy union. “I would like our industry not only to be part of the global change but to set the tone.”
Vice president for jobs, growth, investment and competitiveness Jyrki Katainen said: “Our approach to mobility is much broader than just the transport sector. We see new developments in transport also in the context of newly emerging economic trends like collaborative or circular economy. Hence, it is as an opportunity to modernise the entire European economy and push it in a more sustainable direction.”
Commissioner for transport Violeta Bulc said: “The EU has a unique opportunity to not only lead the modernisation of road transport at home, but also globally. Our reforms will set the foundation for standardised, digital road solutions, fairer social conditions and enforceable market rules. They will help decrease the socio-economic costs of transport, like time lost in traffic, road fatalities and serious injuries, health risks from pollution and noise, whilst serving the needs of citizens, businesses and nature. Common standards and cross-border services will also help make multimodal travel a reality across Europe.”
As well as this scheme, the Commission is also promoting seamless mobility solutions so that citizens and businesses can travel more easily across Europe. It aims to increase the interoperability between tolling systems, which will enable road users to drive throughout the EU without having to be concerned by different administrative formalities. Common specifications for public transport data will also allow passengers to better plan their journey and follow the best route even if it crosses a border.
