The main goal of this paper is to determine the conditions for the ITS to be useful in the European spatial balance, using the Mediterranean Arc as an alternative axis. To evaluate the European transport policy, the authors first analyze the infrastructural profile of the regions considered, and compare the geography and demography of the two zones. Since 1978, the infrastructural hierarchy is stable: the Core Region (the London-Frankfurt-Milan arc) is largely better equipped than the Mediterranean. Brussels' priorities reinforce the imbalance of the European space. The solution does not lie in material investment races but in a more relevant control of existing networks, at a European scale, and in regard to material transport systems (MTS) configuration and economic context. The underlying idea is that efficient ITS strategies can be defined if and only if MTS shortcomings are identified. The authors' analysis suggests two main conclusions. The common transport policy (material and immaterial) reinforce the European spatial imbalance. To avoid this cumulative causation, a Mediterranean Arc must emerge as an alternative axis in South Europe. To achieve this goal, the Latin Arc must rely on ITS strategies based on its greatest strength, that is to say the sea.
Samenvatting