Transport in the EU

News and information about the European Union's transport policies.

European Maritime Day - guide — 18 May 2009, 11:21 CET

The sea has played a key role in Europe's prosperity. The European continent has almost 70,000 km of coastline and 22 of the EU’s 27 Member States are coastal or island countries. Europe's maritime regions are home to 40% of our population, generate 40% of its economy and employ some 5 million people. For all these reasons, 20 May is a dedicated "European Maritime Day" in the EU. This year, in cooperation with the Italian government, the Commission is organising a 3-day conference in Rome from 18 to 20 May. This event brings together stakeholders, administrations and other players from the European Union and this time also from a number of third countries, in particular from the Mediterranean region, to discuss the global challenges faced by maritime Europe today. European Maritime Day was set up as one of the key actions of the EU's Integrated Maritime Policy, launched in 2007.

Airline Ticket selling website - EU Enforcement Results - guide — 08 May 2008, 13:54 CET

The European Commission today published the mid term report on an EU wide enforcement investigation - involving 15 EU national authorities as well as Norway – against misleading advertising and unfair practices on airline ticket selling websites. The report shows that there are "serious and persistent consumer problems" throughout the airline industry as a whole. 1 in 3 websites surveyed (137 out of 386 originally checked by the 13 reporting countries) have had to be followed up with enforcement action over the last 7 months for breaches of EU consumer law. Over 50% of those websites have been corrected during this time.

US Visa Waiver Program - guide — 18 April 2008, 14:55 CET

The EU Council on 18 April authorised the European Commission to open negotiations on an agreement between the European Community and the United States of America regarding certain conditions for access to the United States' Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Private and Public Enterprise in Europe: Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, 1830-1990 (Cambridge Studies in Economic History - Second Series) — 28 February 2008, 18:32 CET

The first comparative history of the economic organisation of energy, telecommunications and transport in Europe in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It examines the role that private and public enterprise have played in the construction and operation of the railways, electricity, gas and water supply, tramways, coal, oil and natural gas industries, telegraph, telephone, computer networks and other modern telecommunications. The book begins with the arrival of the railways in the 1830s, charts the development of arms' length regulation, municipalisation and nationalisation, and ends on the eve of privatisation in the 1980s. Robert Millward argues that the role of ideology, especially in the form of debates about socialism and capitalism, has been exaggerated. Instead the driving forces in changes in economic organisation were economic and technological factors and the book traces their influence in shaping the pattern of regulation and ownership of these key sectors of modern economies.

Ryanair: How a Small Irish Airline Conquered Europe — 07 February 2008, 00:06 CET

Sheila O'Flanagan, Irish Times: Pacy and engaging... takes an informed look at the phenomenon that is Ryanair... skilfully sketches set-piece confrontations and their backgrounds.

Leisure Airlines of Europe (Hardcover) — 07 February 2008, 00:01 CET

A complete history of the 468 airlines that did so much to reduce the cost of travel for millions of eastern and western Europeans. Compiled here in one volume are all major and minor carriers that have carried passengers on charter services from Europe to holidays destinations from 1950.

The Impact of EU Law on the Regulation of International Air Transportation — 06 February 2008, 23:52 CET

On 5 November 2002, the European Court of Justice delivered its 'open-skies' judgment, a landmark decision which may be the beginning of a new era in the regulation of international air law. The consequences of this judgment may not only affect the European Union and its Member States; this book shows how it could change the future regulation of international aviation worldwide.The first part of this book describes the difficulties arising from the fact that the competence for the regulation of air transportation in Europe is divided between the EU and the Member States. This division of power will also affect the conclusion of air-service agreements made with countries outside of Europe. In the second part of the book, the author examines a subject that was not part of the 'open-skies' judgment, but which he believes will become a problematic consequence: the distribution of air-traffic rights within the European Union.

Clean sky website — 01 February 2008, 11:58 CET

Clean Sky is a European Commission Joint Technology Initiative that will develop breakthrough technologies to significantly reduce the impact of the air transport on the environment. Clean Sky is expected to lead to earlier introduction of new, radically greener aircraft.

Loan Guarantee Instrument for Trans-European Transport Network Projects - background — 11 January 2008, 15:54 CET

The European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) on 11 January 2008 signed a Cooperation Agreement establishing the Loan Guarantee Instrument for trans-European transport network projects (LGTT). This new instrument will facilitate greater participation of the private sector in the financing of transport infrastructure of European significance, especially for investments in TENs projects where there is a high level of revenue risk in the early operational period of a project. The LGTT, which forms part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) programme and the EIB's Action for Growth initiative, will partially cover this risk and thereby significantly improve the financial viability of TENs investments. The capital contribution of EUR 1 billion (EUR 500 million each from the Commission and the EIB) is intended to support up to EUR 20 billion of total capital investment.

Freedom to travel - Schengen — 21 December 2007, 00:56 CET

European Commission FAQ on the Schengen Agreement and the Schengen Convention - objectives, controls, the Schengen acquis, visas.

Schengen enlargement : background — 21 December 2007, 01:00 CET

On 14th June 1985, the Governments of Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands signed an agreement at Schengen, a small town in Luxembourg, with a view to enabling "all nationals of the Member States to cross internal borders freely" and to enable the "free circulation of goods and services".

Proposed EU regulation to reduce CO2 emissions from cars — 19 December 2007, 16:04 CET

The European Commission on 19 December 2007 proposed legislation to reduce the average CO2 emissions of new passenger cars to 120 grams per kilometre by 2012. The proposed legislation is the cornerstone of the EU's strategy to improve the fuel economy of cars, which account for about 12% of the European Union's carbon emissions. The proposal further underlines the EU's leadership and determination to deliver on its greenhouse gas commitments under the Kyoto Protocol and beyond.

Air passengers' complaints up in 2006 - European Consumer Centre Network report — 06 December 2007, 18:47 CET

The European Consumer Centre Network's Report on Air passenger complaints handled by their centres in 2006 analyses problems handled by the ECC centres across Europe. It finds that the main problems concerned: luggage problems-33%, cancellations-26%, delays-16%.

Single Market air transport legislation — 30 November 2007, 23:13 CET

The Council of the European Union and the European Parliament on 30 November 2007 agreed on the proposal to modernise the Single Market legislation for air transport. The new legislation foresees in particular to impose price transparency, to better control the airlines for more safety and quality for the passengers.

Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T): new EC funding proposals — 21 November 2007, 19:10 CET

The European Commission has tabled its proposals for funding TEN-T projects for the period 2007-2013. In selecting the projects, the Commission has given priority to cross-border projects and environmentally friendly modes such as inland waterways and rail. Following the publication of four calls for proposals, the Commission received 221 project proposals. The support requested (more than EUR 11.5 billion) largely exceeded the available Community budget of EUR 5.1 billion.

Airline ticket selling websites - guide — 14 November 2007, 15:33 CET

The European Commission on 14 November 2007 announced the results of an EU wide investigation - involving 15 EU national authorities as well as Norway – against misleading advertising and unfair practices on airline ticket selling websites. The clampdown covers Europe's leading airlines, low cost carriers as well as other websites selling airline tickets. The results of the inquiry show that over 50% of all websites showed irregularities, in particular relating to price indications, contract terms and clarity of proposed conditions. In the week of 24-28 September, in the first ever EU joint enforcement action on consumer rights (co-ordinated by the European Commission), national enforcement authorities in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and also Norway scrutinised over 400 web sites to check their compliance with EU consumer law. This sweep check is followed by an enforcement phase when companies are contacted by authorities and asked to correct websites or clarify their position. EU Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva warned that she is giving companies four months to respond. As well as facing possible legal action, she will not hesitate to name and shame companies who fail to take action to bring sites in line with EU law once that deadline expires.

Freight logistics in the EU — 18 October 2007, 16:10 CET

Logistics is the planning, organisation, management, execution and control of freight transport operations. It integrates individual transport acts to door-to-door supply chains, determining the efficiency of freight transport. With ever increasing volumes in freight transport, logistics needs to find solutions to the emerging consequences of this growth. In economic terms, these relate to the costs incurred through congestion, labour shortages and to the dependency on fossil fuels. Regarding the environmental and social dimensions the challenge lies in reducing freight transport's negative impacts on the natural and social habitats. Logistics service providers need to help develop solutions to these issues. A Logistics Action Plan was adopted in October 2007, as part of a package of measures. It suggests a range of concrete actions in priority areas such as electronic information on freight, training and quality indicators, simplification of processes, vehicle sizes and loading units, urban transport and long-distance corridors.

Freight transport in Europe — 18 October 2007, 16:42 CET

The European Commission on 18 October 2007 adopted a series of initiatives aimed at making freight transport in the EU more efficient and sustainable. This 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 the barrier-free European maritime transport area and the motorways of the sea. The simultaneous adoption of all these measures gives a strong signal demonstrating the close links between logistics and the various modes of transport. 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.

EU Air Transport Research — 18 October 2007, 15:35 CET

Using new technology and innovative operational advances Europe will develop competitive, integrated, safer, ‘greener’ and ‘smarter’ air transport systems for the benefit of all citizens and society that deliver mobility in a sustainable manner by respecting the environment and natural resources. Europe is one of the world’s leading exporters of aeronautics-related products and services. The EU aeronautics and aerospace sectors represent multi-billion euro industries in the European economy and supporting millions of jobs for European citizens. The air transport system in Europe can call on a fleet of some 5,000 aircraft and moves one billion passengers every year.

EU Automotive Industry - Safety — 08 October 2007, 16:22 CET

EU initiatives to improve safety in the automotive industry - Advanced safety features and tyres - Hydrogen - Frontal protection systems - Pedestrian protection

Green Paper on urban mobility (Adopted 25 September 2007) — 27 September 2007, 15:20 CET

"Towards a new culture for urban mobility" is the title of the European Commission's new Green Paper on urban transport, adopted on 25 September 2007. The Green Paper opens a debate on the key issues of urban mobility: free-flowing and greener towns and cities, smarter urban mobility and an urban transport which is accessible, safe and secure for all European citizens. With this Green Paper the Commission hopes to set a new European agenda for urban mobility, while respecting the responsibilities of local, regional and national authorities in this field. The Commission intends to facilitate the search for solutions by, for example, sharing best practices and optimising financial means.

Revision of the EU Financial Framework 2007-2013 - Q&A — 19 September 2007, 15:03 CET

The European Commission on 19 September adopted a Communication to ensure that the European satellite radionavigation programmes (EGNOS and Galileo) continue, together with an amended Regulation on the funding of the programmes. The proposal provides for the deployment phase of Galileo to be funded entirely from the Community budget to ensure that the project continues.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) — 18 September 2007, 16:18 CET

ESC stabilises the vehicle and prevent skidding under all driving conditions and driving situation within the physical limits by active brake intervention on one ore more wheels and by intelligent engine torque management. The Choose ESC campaign is also supported by the European Commission and by the Euro NCAP crash test programme.

Road safety — 10 April 2018, 23:48 CET

A comprehensive overview of European legislation, including when relevant the detail of national implementing legislation.

Intelligent Car Initiative — 20 September 2007, 22:05 CET

Less polluting, safer, and smarter thanks to digitial technologies - to be found in the car of tomorrow Discover on this site: current and future technologies; European research to make road transport safer; What the Commission is doing in this field.