Brussels, 12/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament's draft opinion on the White Paper for transport proposed in the spring by the European Commission is becoming clearer: - achievable targets are needed by 2020, and not 2050 as the Commission suggests, with adequate financing while at the same time going beyond the notion of electromobility and bearing urban mobility in mind. Members of the parliamentary committee for transport and tourism (TRAN) discussed the first amendments to the draft opinion by Matthieu Grosch (EPP, Belgium), which aims to be a roadmap for a single European transport area resulting in a competitive and resource-efficient transport system. Grosch hopes to focus on a shorter period, 2011-2020, so that objectives are clearer and may be mentioned in terms of years, a point that is endorsed by the rest of the TRAN committee. The rapporteur refuses to “scatter” the revised TEN-T, taking the view that the network should focus on fewer projects instead of an infinite list of projects that will not be covered. Gesine Meissner (ALDE, Germany) pointed out, moreover, that it is necessary to pay special attention to adequate financing, as many amendments aim to transfer more to the maritime and rail sectors. On the subject of electromobility, Matthieu Grosch fears this is not the solution to everything and that one should be more in step with reality. Michael Kramer (Germany), speaking on behalf of the Greens, drew attention to urban mobility which is destined to change if one moves away from car-based mobility. Finally, Philippe Bradbourn (ECR, UK) said more space should be given to the principle of subsidiarity as there are areas that would be better governed at local or regional level. (MD/transl.jl)