Brussels, 17/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - Member states expressed a relatively positive view of the White Paper on transport during a debate at the Transport Council on Thursday 16 June (see also EUROPE 10399). European delegations agree that the roadmap proposed by the Commission in March is a good basis on which to build a more competitive transport sector, while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and thereby achieving better environmental results. However, most states consider the objective of a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050, compared to 1990 levels, is very ambitious.
Many are also concerned about the impact that the White Paper ambitions will have on the European economy and its global competitiveness. Some delegations suggested negotiating similar standards for transport at international level, through worldwide organisations such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Member states also pointed to the fact that setting up more sustainable transport over the long term requires massive infrastructure investment and that new financing tools and coherent funding would have to be developed. In a concern to preserve a sound economy, a number of member states - including France and the United Kingdom - are calling for an assessment to be made of the consequences of certain initiatives on competitiveness and on national budgets. Along the same lines, some delegations also suggest a first review of the strategy should be carried out in 2016/2015 given the document's long-term vision.
A number of new member states appreciate the fact that mention was made of the differences between the regions of Europe from the infrastructure point of view, but they bemoan the fact that no initiative has been suggested in the strategy to really reduce such differences. Others express great concern about the proposal to convert 30% of road freight travelling over 300km to other modes of transport, such as rail, by 2030.
Finally, member states welcome the ideas advocated in the White Paper on road safety in order to achieve the zero accident target by 2050, and other initiatives such as the expansion of smart transport systems, strengthened research and innovation policy for transport, and the achievement of a single European transport area. (Cor/transl.jl)