Brussels, 18/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - At a joint meeting of the French National Assembly European affairs and sustainable development/land use committees on Wednesday 16 November, European Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas set out his view of the future. He noted the priorities identified in the White Paper on transport, pointing out that the long-term European strategy seeks to reduce dependence on oil, congestion problems and CO2 emissions. He welcomed the steps taken by France in these areas, in particular its “Assises du Ferroviaire”, which are discussing the future of the railways on France, and by French companies in the transport industry. “For Europe, France holds a key place - geographically, technically and politically - in transport. Europe has an audacious vision for transport. It is by working together will best ensure the pursuit of our goals, in particular in terms of modernisation of the transport system for the future, and that we will meet the needs of our citizens and European companies”, he said. (MD/transl.rt)