Priorities for the EU transport sector beyond 2019 - BusinessEurope strategy paper

Key messages

• Holistic approach: As the mobility ecosystem is becoming increasingly complex, transport policy should not be addressed in isolation. A holistic approach is needed which views mobility in light of other policy areas, notably single market, digital, and sustainability policies.
• European transport systems: EU transport policy should aim at achieving a well-functioning transport single market which connects our businesses, regions, and citizens. Removing barriers to cross-border transport and logistic services while at the same time improving the interconnectedness between modes of transport to promote co-modality will allow businesses to develop more efficient EU-wide solutions, thereby reducing costs and emissions, strengthening EU value chains, and contributing to the EU’s global competitiveness. Continued integration of transport networks is also essential for the future relationship between the EU and the UK.
• Sustainability: The business community is committed to drive our economy to zero- and low-carbon solutions. In order to smoothen this transition, it is vital that it is organised through an integrated approach that factors in the market realities faced by businesses. Public and private actors together should explore the full potential of all available solutions towards decarbonisation.
• Digital transformation: The digitalisation of mobility will modernise transport services, offer vast opportunities, and is key for addressing many of the challenges it faces. Further integration of existing digital tools should be pursued, and our policies should encourage the development and rollout of new and innovative technologies and business models such as automated and connected mobility solutions or Mobility as a Service (MaaS), while continuing to ensure fair competition between the same services.
• Transport infrastructure: Further developing our EU-wide and future-proof transport infrastructure network is crucial. The EU and Member States together must ensure that there is adequate funding and that these networks are connected, streamlined, expanded, upgraded, and maintained to be fit for Europe’s future transport needs, such as the need to increase capacity, facilitate digital solutions, shift to zero- and low-carbon mobility, and ensure safety.