The gradually but steadily emerging European network economy provokes a wide spectrum of far reaching changes in transport, communications and human interaction. The recent shifts in regulatory regimes for such networks put private initiatives more at the forefront, but tend to neglect the negative environmental externalities of such changes. The future of European transport seems to be marked by high mobility rates. Consequently, there is a need to design new transport systems which ensure sustainable development at both the local, regional and international scale in Europe. The paper explores the various new transport systems options which can be envisaged in the next century and identifies their environmental consequences at various geographical levels. A scenario approach is used to depict possible futures. It comes to the conclusion that new private modes of transport are likely to be the winners in this competitive game. However, the related C02 emissions are almost certainly not fulfilling the agreed reduction targets in Europe.
Abstract