The objective of an EU sustainable transport policy is that our transport systems meet society’s economic, social and environmental needs. Effective transportation systems are essential to Europe’s prosperity, having significant impacts on economic growth, social development and the environment. The transport industry accounts for about 7% of European GDP and for around 5% of employment in the EU. It is an important industry in its own right and makes a major contribution to the functioning of the European economy as a whole. Mobility of goods and persons is an essential component of the competitiveness of European industry and services. Finally, mobility is also an essential citizen right. From a slow start, the European Union’s transport policy has developed rapidly over the past 15 years. The objectives of EU transport policy, from the transport White Paper of 19921 via the White Paper of 20012 to today’s Communication, remain valid: to help provide Europeans with efficient, effective transportation systems. (Author/publisher)
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