Welcome to the fifth edition of the Transport Chronicles, your trusted source for the latest developments, trends, and insights in EU-UK transport. In this edition, the European Commission sets ambitious targets for 2040, aiming for a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. We delve into impactful developments, including the publication of the Impact Assessment Support Study on the Amendment of the Combined Transport Directive and the provisional agreement on the TEN-T Guidelines by the TRAN Committee, and more! If you seek more insights or want to join UKTiE, don’t hesitate to reach out! 🌿🛫🌱 #TransportChronicles #EUnews #Sustainability
🌍6 February : 2040 Target 🌱🎯
The European Commission has proposed a recommendation for a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, aligning with the EU’s goal of climate neutrality by 2050. The proposal outlines pathways to achieve this target, emphasizing policy conditions and the importance of implementing the 2030 framework. It recognizes new business opportunities for foresters in delivering biomass sustainably but highlights potential environmental trade-offs if novel technologies are not deployed quickly enough. Additionally, the proposal emphasizes the need for the Green Deal to evolve into an industrial decarbonization initiative, focusing on sectors like wind power, electric vehicles, and the circular economy.
🌍6 February: The Commission published the Impact Assessment Support Study on Amendment of the Combined Transport Directive 🌨️✈️
The Commission has released the Impact Assessment Support Study on the Amendment of the Combined Transport Directive (CTD), focusing on evaluating potential revisions to Council Directive 92/106/EEC. This directive, established in 1992, outlines common rules for specific types of combined transport of goods between EU Member States. The Impact Assessment Support Study aims to offer an unbiased, evidence-based evaluation of various policy options geared towards promoting the adoption of more intermodal and multimodal transport solutions. The proposed revision of the CTD holds significant importance in aligning with environmental objectives, reducing CO2 emissions, and fostering cleaner modes of transport, all in accordance with the European Union’s Zero Pollution Action Plan.
🌍14 February: TRAN Committee adopted the provisional agreement on TEN-T 🚆📱
The European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Committee adopted the compromise text on the Revision of the TEN-T Guidelines by 35 in favour, 1 against, 2 abstentions. This now paves the way for adoption by the European Parliament Plenary, scheduled for the 22 April, before the European Parliament elections which will, most likely, shortly be followed by approval by EU ministers and formal adoption.
🌍15 February: Deal on Maritime safety to stop shipping pollution 🚢🌿
EU Parliament and Council negotiators have reached an informal agreement to extend the ban on discharges of oil spills by ships to include sewage, garbage, and residues from scrubbers. Under the deal, substances like oil and noxious liquids already prohibited will now encompass a broader range. Additionally, MEPs secured an obligation for the EU to review the rules five years after implementation into national law to consider penalties for marine plastic litter, container loss, and plastic pellet spills from ships. The agreement emphasizes more robust verification of pollution incidents, increased communication on best practices, and digital checks of Clean Sea Net alerts. EU countries are required to introduce effective fines for rule breaches, with criminal sanctions addressed in separate legislation agreed upon last November. The preliminary deal awaits approval from the Council and Parliament, with EU countries given 30 months to transpose the new rules into national law.
🌍20 February: Ursula von der Leyen faces political challenges as she seeks re-election for EU Commission Presidency 🗳️✨
Ursula von der Leyen’s decision to seek re-election as EU Commission president has received positive responses from several EU capitals, especially those with center-right governments such as Croatia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland. Von der Leyen’s nomination by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has also been announced. However, challenges may arise as she navigates support from various political forces, including those frustrated with the Green Deal and increased bureaucracy. The liberal faction within Renew Europe, ALDE, emphasizes the need for the EU to be led from the center and urges von der Leyen to consider their proposals. Larger member states generally support her, but concerns remain about unilateral decision-making and coordination with member states. Von der Leyen will need to address various concerns and build a coalition to secure a second term.
🌍23 February: TRAN will vote on the use of railways infrastructure capacity 🚆🛤️
The Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is set to vote on a report addressing the utilization of railway infrastructure capacity within the single European railways area. The proposed legislation aims to enhance the efficiency of rail tracks, leading to improved punctuality and reliability. The report introduces amendments to ensure optimal usage of rail infrastructures, fostering the implementation and growth of the single European railway area. It emphasizes strengthened capacity planning, incorporating digital tools for efficient capacity and traffic management processes. Additionally, the report underscores the importance of stable infrastructure financing as a crucial factor in capacity allocation.
🌍29 February: New data reveals that train can be greener for business routes 🚄
New data from the rail industry in Britain reveals that train travel is almost nine times more environmentally friendly than using a petrol or diesel car on the top 100 business routes. The comprehensive carbon emission data, considering factors like train occupancy and fuel type, emphasizes the environmental benefits of rail travel. On average, these routes produce nine times fewer carbon emissions than driving a petrol or diesel car alone, with some routes showing even greater advantages. The initiative, supported by various sectors, aims to promote sustainable practices in business travel by providing transparent and accurate data. The rail industry has made the league table of the 100 greenest business routes accessible to the public to encourage a shift towards greener travel choices and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.
🌍Happening this Month 📅
5 March: Charting the Skies of Tomorrow: The Sustainable Aviation Revolution (Brussels), click here for more information.
13 March: Deadline – Commission Adoption: Package travel – review of EU rules.
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