All over the history, mobility has been an integral part of life. Europe features a high level of its unmatched infrastructure, allowing that mobility very well. Not only mobility of people, also the conveyance of goods profits from it. It has become a part of the European lifestyle since the citizens of the continent make use of transport services as a matter of course. Although the term ‘Europe’ is used, the essay mainly contains remarks about the transport sector of the European Union with its 27 member states by now.
Transportation is termed as “the totality of all translocations of persons […] and goods […] as well as news […]” , “which is to be geared to the needs for activity of men and to the environment.” The transport sector comprehends the extent of passenger use, the frequency of the lanes, the usage of the different means of transportation and the covered distances.
As the title of this essay indicates, it is to deal with the concepts and objectives of a common transport policy throughout the European Union. The central and decisive element in this matter is the White Paper ‘European transport policy for 2010 – Time to decide’, published at the Gothenburg European Council in 2001. This document contains the essential abstract objectives and concrete measures or concepts for a more sustainable transport policy across the Union territory. These goals and measures can roughly be assigned to the two main categories of performance-enhancement and climate protection.
By having referred to the 2006 Mid-term review during the presentation of current situation in the European transport sector, most interim results have already been presented earlier. Generally, it becomes obvious that progresses are made only sluggishly. In addition, the modal split balance is expected to remain stable. So, apart from certain exceptions, many premises do not change for the following action fields.
After having considered the different sections of the transport policy in Europe, one can draw several conclusions. Sustained economic growth, which will continue to belong to the top priorities of the European Union, should be uncoupled from the rise in traffic volume. Therefore, efficiency and utilization rates have to be improved. At the same time though, environmental and social consequences of further growth has to be scanned carefully.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. Introduction
- II. Definitions
- III. The Transport Sector of the European Union
- 1. The History of the European Transport Policy
- 2. Status Quo of the Transport Sector in the Union
- The various modes of transportation and the modal split
- The situation and challenges for transports over Europe's roads
- The situation and challenges for conveyance via European railways
- The situation and challenges for air-borne transportation in the EU
- The situation and challenges for the maritime transport modes in the EU
- 3. The White Paper of the European Commission from 2001
- Shifting the modal balance
- Tackling bottlenecks
- Putting users first
- The global dimension of European transport
- 4. Barriers to a quicker development
- IV. The Obtained So Far and the Obtainables in Future
- V. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to present the objectives of European governmental bodies in Brussels for developing a sustainable transport system within the European Union. It will also detail the concepts and technologies involved, including environmental and social considerations, ensuring the sustainability ideal is observed without sacrificing economic and political goals. To fully understand the recommendations from Brussels, the current state of the transport sector and its various modes will be examined. * The history and current state of the European Union's transport sector. * Challenges and opportunities in developing a sustainable transportation system. * Key policy objectives for achieving sustainable transport. * The role of different transport modes (road, rail, air, maritime) in the EU. * The significance of the 2001 White Paper on transport policy.Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
I. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context of transport policy within the European Union. It highlights the historical importance of mobility in Europe, emphasizing the significant role transport plays in the daily lives of citizens and the economic landscape. The chapter then underscores the transformative effects of globalization and liberalization on the transport sector, creating both unprecedented growth and new challenges. Growing concerns about environmental impact, rising energy costs, and capacity limitations are introduced, paving the way for the central theme of sustainable transport as a necessary solution to these challenges. II. Definitions: This chapter provides concise definitions of key terms central to the essay's discussion of transport policy and sustainability. It carefully defines transportation, the transport sector, transport policy itself (highlighting its multi-level governance), and sustainability, emphasizing the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental considerations. The definition of a White Paper, a key policy document within the European Union's legislative process, is also included, setting the stage for its later analysis. III. The Transport Sector of the European Union: This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of the European Union's transport sector, examining its history, current state, and challenges. It delves into the different modes of transport, analyzing their individual strengths and weaknesses, as well as their contributions to the overall modal split. Significant attention is given to the various challenges facing each mode, from road congestion and rail infrastructure limitations to air traffic management and maritime capacity constraints. The chapter culminates in an examination of the European Commission's 2001 White Paper, which outlines key policy objectives for a more sustainable transport system. This section discusses specific initiatives like modal shift, tackling bottlenecks, prioritizing user needs, and addressing the global dimension of European transport. It also explores the barriers that hinder the rapid development of such a system.Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Sustainable transport, European Union transport policy, modal shift, transport infrastructure, White Paper 2001, environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, social sustainability, transport modes (road, rail, air, maritime), globalization, liberalization, bottlenecks, energy security.
Frequently Asked Questions: European Union Transport Policy
What is the main topic of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the European Union's transport policy, focusing on the objectives, key themes, and challenges in developing a sustainable transport system. It analyzes the historical context, current state of the transport sector (including road, rail, air, and maritime modes), and the significance of the 2001 White Paper.
What are the key objectives of the European Union regarding transport?
The primary objective is to develop a sustainable transport system within the EU. This involves balancing economic and political goals with environmental and social considerations. Specific aims include shifting the modal balance towards more sustainable modes, tackling infrastructure bottlenecks, prioritizing user needs, and addressing the global dimension of European transport.
What are the main themes explored in the document?
The key themes include the history and current state of the EU's transport sector; challenges and opportunities in creating a sustainable system; key policy objectives; the roles of different transport modes; and the importance of the 2001 White Paper on transport policy. The document also examines the barriers hindering the rapid development of a sustainable transport system.
What is the significance of the 2001 White Paper?
The 2001 White Paper is a crucial policy document outlining key objectives for a more sustainable European transport system. It addresses issues such as modal shift (redistributing transport between different modes), tackling infrastructure bottlenecks, prioritizing user needs, and considering the global impact of EU transport policies.
What are the different transport modes discussed?
The document examines the situation and challenges for road, rail, air, and maritime transport within the European Union. It analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of each mode and its contribution to the overall modal split (the proportion of transport handled by each mode).
What are the challenges facing the development of a sustainable transport system in the EU?
Several challenges are discussed, including road congestion, rail infrastructure limitations, air traffic management issues, maritime capacity constraints, and various barriers hindering the rapid progress towards a sustainable system. The document also highlights the need to balance economic, social, and environmental considerations.
What are the key definitions provided in the document?
The document defines key terms such as "transportation," "transport sector," "transport policy," and "sustainability," emphasizing the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental aspects of sustainable development. It also defines a "White Paper" within the context of EU legislative processes.
What is the structure of the document?
The document is structured into five chapters: an introduction, a chapter on definitions, a detailed analysis of the EU's transport sector, a discussion of achievements and future goals, and a conclusion. Each chapter provides a summary of its contents within the document itself.
What are the keywords associated with this document?
Keywords include sustainable transport, European Union transport policy, modal shift, transport infrastructure, White Paper 2001, environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, social sustainability, transport modes (road, rail, air, maritime), globalization, liberalization, bottlenecks, and energy security.
- Quote paper
- Dipl.-Kfm. B.B.A. Cyril Alias (Author), 2008, Transport policy in Europe, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/89965
