The European Commission has completed its ‘Europe on the Move’ agenda for modernising European transport and delivering clean, safe and connected mobility.
The commission previously put forward ‘Europe on the Move’ measures in May and November of 2017, with the aim of decreasing pollution and increasing safety in the transport sector. The latest package of measures marks the EU’s final set of actions to be taken towards delivering clean, safe and connected mobility across the continent.
The strategy is in line with the EU’s ambitious climate targets, and with transport representing almost 25% of the total greenhouse gas emissions across the bloc, urgent action is needed to limit the impact on global warming and meeting these targets.
What does the new proposal include?
The latest additions to the agenda on clean, safe and connected mobility include an integrated policy for improved road safety, which includes measures to increase vehicle, pedestrian and infrastructure safety; the first ever carbon dioxide standards for heavy-duty vehicles; and a strategic action plan to facilitate the development and manufacture of electric vehicle batteries in Europe.
This third mobility package seeks to further the EU’s aims to be a world leader in connected and autonomous transport by including a dedicated communication on this subject. Further, the commission has also made available €450m to support clean, safe and connected mobility projects.
What did the commission say of the launch?
European Commission for Transport Violeta Bulc stated that the latest measures represent the culmination of a year of EU efforts to improve transport for all citizens. She said: “Over the past year, this commission has put forward initiatives addressing the challenges of today and paving the way for the mobility of tomorrow. Today’s measures constitute a final and important push so that Europeans can benefit from safe, clean and smart transport.”
European Commissioner for Climate Action, Miguel Arias Cañete, emphasised that all sectors across the EU would have to work in tandem to ensure that climate targets are met. He also highlighted the particular impact that the new standard for heavy-duty vehicles would have, saying: “All sectors must contribute to meet our climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. That’s why… we are proposing EU standards to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions from new heavy-duty vehicles.”
