Brussels, 05/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - As the guest of the Institut français des relations internationals (IFRI) on Tuesday 5 February, European Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot set out the transport sector and infrastructure challenges for 2008. Mobility, the internal market, transport safety and increasing transport funding will be the main issues taken on by the Commission in 2008. Working with the European Investment Bank and private partners, Barrot wants to use the informal Transport Ministers' meeting in Ljubljana on 5-6 May to release the funding needed for infrastructure (see related article). In March, the Commission is due to present a legislative proposal on cross-border criminal proceedings in cases of serious road offences; in June, there will be a communication on the “greening” of transport, an action plan on intelligent transport systems; a review of the directive of the taxation of heavy goods vehicles (“Eurovignette III”); and a legislative proposal on the internalisation of the external costs of transport (see EUROPE 9363). In autumn, there will be a legislative proposal on the maritime area without barriers; a legislative proposal on the freight rail network (November); legislative proposals on SESAR and the European Single Sky (October); a legislative proposal on limiting air transport emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and the urban mobility action plan. During the year, Barrot will also hold a series of ministerial meetings in the Western Balkans to discuss problems related to the inclusion of these countries on the European transport system. (A.By.)