Vicenç Pedret Cuscó Economic Adviser European Commission – DG MOVE Future of the European Transport Policy and Green Corridors Presentation at: TransBaltic Inauguration Conference Malmö, 17th and 18th March 2010

2 Current transport policy changes. Decarbonisation considered a major priority by the new European Commission. White Paper for transport policy for the next ten years is being developed. TEN-T guidelines are going through a revision. Logistics Action Plan will go through a revision

3 Aims of the “A Sustainable Future for Transport” Communication (COM(2009) 279 of ) | 3 White Paper 2001 had a 10-year programme, it is time to look ahead:. Identify trends and challenges. Define a general strategy for sustainability: objectives, priority policies and possible instruments. Consult stakeholders. …It is not yet the new White Paper!

4 Trends in society, challenges for transport | 4 % of people will be aged 65 or more in the EU by 2060 % reduction in GHG emissions of developed countries by 2050 % of Europeans will live in urban areas in 2050 % dependence of transport on fossil fuels & increasing scarcity billion global population by 2050

5 Policy Priorities and Implications for Infrastructure. 1) Integrate the networks, modes and markets » Seamless integration: intermodal platforms, interchanges » Best use of existing infrastructure (maintenance, ITS) » Maintenance. Expansion with proper appraisal » Identify green corridors to reduce congestion and pollution » Connect to neighbouring regions » Right price signals creating revenues for transport » Promote market opening and enforce competition rules. 2) Develop and adopt new technologies » Innovative vehicle technology, alternative fuels » Intelligent and user friendly transport systems » TEN infrastructure (pro-actively) adapted to new ITS and energy technologies. 3) Protect workers and users » Social and safety standards for transport workers » Training to avoid skill shortages » Safety and security in transport » Passengers rights » Improved accessibility through planning and ICT…

6 The 2010 transport policy White Paper. Planned date of adoption: » White Paper: December » TEN-Review: early WP to combine short-term issues (fallout from economic crisis) and long-term goals (sustainable, decarbonised and competitive transport system). Need to take into account the recent « Europe 2020 strategy » COM(2010) 2020 (“Post-Lisbon”) one of which “flagship” actions is “A resource efficient Europe” which includes among its objectives the modernisation of the transport sector.

7 Green paper “Towards a better integrated Trans-European Network at the service of the common transport policy” The Green Paper offered three options: 1.Dual Layer:comprehensive network and priority projects (current structure, with amendments) 2.Single Layer:priority projects, possibly in extended form 3.Dual Layer:comprehensive network and “core network”: “core network” consisting of 2 pillars: “geographical” and “conceptual” “Conceptual pillar”: small-scale, (also soft) infrastructural measures, equipping networks in order to improve operation and services, according to the objectives of EU transport policy: -environmental issues (climate change), -innovation and new technologies (de-carbonisation; ITS), -safety and security, etc.

8 Green Corridors: Problem formulation. Identifying transport options that are: » Low-emission » Commercially viable » Supported by infrastructure » Able to deliver the service » Have a supply chain / life-cycle perspective. Urban transport vs. Long-distance transport. Match with European Transport Policy

9 Background to Green Corridor development. Green Freight Transport Corridors introduced in the Logistics Action Plan in October 2007 » “The concept of transport corridors is marked by a concentration of freight traffic between major hubs and by relatively long distances of transport. Along these corridors industry will be encouraged to rely on co-modality and on advanced technology in order to accommodate rising traffic volumes while promoting environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.”. EU Green Corridors Conference in December FP7 “SuperGreen” project started in January 2010 to be completed in January Other projects inspired by the idea (including TransBaltic)

10 Towards a detailed definition of a Green Corridor. Infrastructure and transport services » “Corridors” ~ infrastructure » “Green” ~ transport operations (as the main polluter). Measurability » Key performance indicators are absolutely crucial » Multiple criteria but main focus on the environment and efficiency » Principles instead of drawing maps » Avoiding the “green corridor hype” » Labelling or certification as a possible policy option

Thank you for your attention! For more information on «Green corridors»: Dr Rein Jüriado On Transport White Paper: