The European Commission has announced a series of new initiatives which has been specifically designed to modernize the European transport system. The program which has been entitled 'Europe on the Move' - aims to make traffic safer, encourage more equal road charging across member states, reduce harmful CO² emissions, air pollution and urban congestion - which is continuing to be a growing problem for many major cities across Europe due to increased urbanization.
The revolutionary roadmap will not only transform the transport industry across Europe - but it will also boost job growth and investment. However, its focus on putting Europe on a path towards low emissions has earned wholesome praise from environmentalists - especially in light of US president Donald Trump's alarming decision to withdraw from the Paris climate treaty.
Vice-President for Energy Union, Maros Sefcovic said it was imperative that Europe takes the opportunity to shape the future of mobility, and added that the world of transport is set to change fundamentally due to automation and self-driving technology. He said, "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". I would like our industry not only to be part of the global change but to set the tone."
Jykri Katainen believes the opportunity to revolutionize the transport system is also a chance to modernize the entire European economy. Katainen, who is the Vice-President for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, said the EC's approach to mobility is much broader than just the transport system.
He 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 modernize the entire European economy and push it in a more sustainable direction."
Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said that the plan to modernize transport in Europe can be replicated on a global basis, adding that the reforms and rules established can lead the way for a global modernization process to be conducted. He said, "The EU has a unique opportunity to not only lead the modernization of road transport at home, but also globally. Our reforms will set the foundation for standardized, 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."
Harnessing these changes is essential to deliver a Europe that protects, empowers and defends - a political priority for the Juncker Commission. To this end, the Commission today adopted a long-term strategy to turn these challenges into opportunities and deliver smart, socially fair and competitive mobility by 2025. The EU will drive this transition through targeted legislation and supporting measures, including infrastructure investment, research and innovation. This will ensure that the best clean, connected and automated mobility solutions, transport equipment and vehicles will be developed, offered and manufactured in Europe.