Transport in the EU

News and information about the European Union's transport policies.

Blue belt: customs formalities eased for ships — 10 July 2013, 13:04 CET

The European Commission on 8 July set out plans to ease custom formalities for ships – reducing red tape, cutting delays in ports and making the sector more competitive. Freight forwarders and exporters currently complain that if they chose to send goods across Europe by short sea shipping, the heavy administrative burden at ports causes additional costs and significant delays - ships can wait for hours and sometimes days in ports for customs clearance. These make the maritime sector less attractive compared to other forms of transport, especially road, unnecessarily bringing more trucks on our already congested roads. With the new Commission proposals, it is hoped that shipping transport will face less administrative hurdles and therefore be able to be used to its full potential in the EU internal market and beyond.

Roads safety for motorcycles and mopeds — 02 July 2013, 22:39 CET

EU efforts to improve the safety of driving, roads and vehicles is focusing on: - training: moped permits and minimum age requirements – EU Directive 2006/126/EC standardising driving licences; research projects – to design safer guardrails (SMART RRS), study the use of sensors to alert road users to each other's presence (WATCH-OVER) and develop driver-assistance and other intelligent applications for motorcycles (SAFERIDER).

EU passenger rights — 27 June 2023, 21:46 CET

EU air passenger rights apply: If your flight is within the EU and is operated either by an EU or a non-EU airline; If your flight arrives in the EU from outside the EU and is operated by an EU airline; If your flight departs from the EU to a non-EU country operated by an EU or a non-EU airline; If you have not already received benefits (compensation, re-routing, assistance from the airline) for flight related problems for this journey under the relevant law of a non-EU country.

Passenger rights in the EU — 26 June 2013, 22:48 CET

For the first time, millions of holiday-makers travelling in the European Union this summer will be protected by comprehensive passenger rights - whether travelling by air or rail, and now also by ship, bus and coach.

112 eCall: automated emergency call for road accidents mandatory in cars from 2015 — 13 June 2013, 15:40 CET

The European Commission has adopted two proposals to ensure that, by October 2015, cars will automatically call emergency services in case of a serious crash. The "eCall" system automatically dials 112 - Europe's single emergency number - in the event of a serious accident. It communicates the vehicle's location to emergency services, even if the driver is unconscious or unable to make a phone call. It is estimated that it could save up to 2500 lives a year.

Single Sky - unblocking congestion in Europe's airspace — 11 June 2013, 18:00 CET

The European Commission has acted to speed up the reform of Europe's air traffic control system. The Commission says it is looking to head off a capacity crunch as the number of flights is forecast to increase by 50% over the next 10-20 years. Inefficiencies in Europe's fragmented airspace bring extra costs of close to EUR 5 billion each year to airlines and their customers. They add 42 kilometres to the distance of an average flight forcing aircraft to burn more fuel, generate more emissions, pay more in costly user charges and suffer greater delays. The United States controls the same amount of airspace, with more traffic, at almost half the cost.

Europe's Seaports 2030 - upgrade proposed — 23 May 2013, 14:02 CET

The European Commission has launched a new initiative to improve port operations and onward transport connections at 319 key seaports along Europe’s coastline. The guidelines and legal changes being proposed are to help port operators upgrade their services and facilities as well as giving them more financial autonomy. 74% of the goods entering or leaving Europe go by sea, but one fifth of that amount currently passes through just three ports: Rotterdam, Hamburg and Antwerp. This imbalance between port performance results in congestion and extra costs for shippers, transport operators and consumers. The new proposals could save the European economy up to EUR 10 billion by 2030 and help develop new short sea links.

European bathing water continues to improve - 2012 report — 21 May 2013, 16:20 CET

Ninety-four per cent of bathing sites in the European Union meet minimum standards for water quality, according to the European Environment Agency's annual report on bathing water quality in Europe. Water quality is excellent at 78% of sites and almost 2% more sites meet the minimum requirements compared to last year's report.

European bathing water quality in 2012 — 21 May 2013, 16:20 CET

This report provides a comprehensive synopsis of the quality of bathing waters in the Member States of the European Union in the 2012 bathing season. It thereby gives an indication of the areas where the quality of bathing is expected to be good if not excellent during 2013. The report also shows the evolution of bathing water quality from 1990 to 2012.

USD set for second week of gains - Euro currency news daily — 19 April 2024, 12:49 CET

The value of the US dollar has increased for two consecutive weeks, driven by a stronger-than-expected US economy.

Safer roads: information services for motorists — 16 May 2013, 12:26 CET

The European Commission has adopted two regulations to promote the roll-out of 'intelligent information services', such as real-time warnings about dangerous road conditions ahead and information on safe and secure parking places for truck drivers. They can be provided through different means such as variable road signs, the radio and mobile phone applications. The Commission wants these information services to be interoperable and compatible across Europe, and available to as many drivers as possible along the trans-European road network.

New EU rules for safer and more environmental lorries — 15 April 2013, 16:46 CET

The European Commission has proposed new rules to allow manufacturers to develop more aerodynamic lorries which will reduce fuel consumption by 7-10%, cut emissions of greenhouse gases, and also enhance the safety of vulnerable road users. The proposal will allow cabins with a rounded shape and for the use of aerodynamic flaps at the back the trailer. These measures will considerably improve the aerodynamics of vehicles, saving approximately € 5,000 per year in fuel costs for a typical long-distance lorry covering 100,000 km. This represents a 7–10% cut in greenhouse gas emissions (or 7.8 tonnes of CO2 for the same long-distance lorry covering 100,000 km). At the same time, the field of vision of the driver will be improved, helping to save the lives of 300 to 500 vulnerable road users such as pedestrians or cyclists every year.

Weights and dimensions on EU roads — 15 April 2013, 16:09 CET

Heavy goods vehicles transporting goods in Europe, buses and coaches, must comply with certain rules on weights and dimensions for road safety reasons and to avoid damages to roads, bridges and tunnels. Directive 96/53/EC sets maximum common measures, ensuring that Member States cannot restrict the circulation of vehicles which comply with these limits from performing international transport operations within their territories. To avoid that national operators benefit from undue advantages over their competitors from other Member States when performing national transport, they are bound to comply with the standards set for international transport.

Schengen Information System (SIS II) — 09 April 2013, 14:09 CET

The second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) entered into operation on 9 April 2013 to increase security and facilitate free movement within the Schengen area. The SIS II allows for an easy exchange of information between national border control authorities, customs and police authorities on persons who may have been involved in a serious crime. It also contains alerts on missing persons, in particular children, as well as information on certain property, such as banknotes, cars, vans, firearms and identity documents that may have been stolen, misappropriated or lost.

Road safety: EU reports lowest ever number of road deaths — 19 March 2013, 19:27 CET

Road fatalities across the EU have decreased by 9% in 2012. According to new figures published by the European Commission today, 2012 saw the lowest number of people killed in road traffic in EU countries since the first data were collected.

Air Passenger Rights Revision — 13 March 2013, 17:03 CET

The European Commission has announced a package of measures to ensure that air passengers have new and better rights to information, care and re-routing when they are stranded at the airport. At the same time there will be better complaint procedures and enforcement measures so passengers can actually obtain the rights to which they are entitled. The air passenger rights proposal clarifies legal grey areas and introduces new rights where necessary.

New rights for bus and coach travellers in the EU — 01 March 2013, 23:36 CET

Regulation (EU) No 181/2011 on bus and coach passenger rights became applicable on 3 March 2013, providing bus and coach travellers throughout the EU with new rights. The regulation lays down travellers' basic rights, and imposes a number of obligations on bus and coach companies and terminal managers concerning their responsibility towards the passengers. Every year around 70 million passengers travel by buses and coaches in the EU.

Promoting energy efficient vehicles - financial incentives — 28 February 2013, 17:16 CET

The European Commission has published new guidelines on how EU Member States should use financial incentives to best increase demand for low CO2 emission vehicles.

'Smart borders' proposal — 03 August 2021, 18:31 CET

The European Commission has proposed a 'smart border package' with the aim of speeding up, facilitating and reinforcing border check procedures for foreigners travelling to the EU. The package - which would move the EU towards "a more modern and efficient border management" by using state-of-the-art technology - consists of a Registered Traveller Programme (RTP) and an Entry/Exit System (EES) that will simplify life for frequent third country travellers at the Schengen external borders and enhance EU border security.

Ryanair's proposed takeover of Aer Lingus — 27 February 2013, 17:21 CET

The European Commission has prohibited, on the basis of the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed takeover of the Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus by the low-cost airline Ryanair. The acquisition would have combined the two leading airlines operating from Ireland. The Commission concluded that the merger would have harmed consumers by creating a monopoly or a dominant position on 46 routes where, currently, Aer Lingus and Ryanair compete vigorously against each other. It says this would have reduced choice and, most likely, would have led to price increases for consumers travelling on these routes. During the investigation, Ryanair offered remedies. The Commission assessed them thoroughly and carried out several market tests. However the remedies proposed fell short of addressing the competition concerns raised by the Commission.

Fourth Railway Package — 30 January 2013, 14:40 CET

The European Commission has announced a comprehensive package of measures to deliver better quality and more choice in railway services in Europe. Rail is seen as a vital part of EU transport, with a key role in addressing rising traffic demand, congestion, fuel security and decarbonisation. But many European rail markets are currently facing stagnation or decline. The Commission is therefore proposing far reaching measures to encourage more innovation in EU railways by opening EU domestic passenger markets to competition, as well as substantial accompanying technical and structural reforms.

Clean Power for Transport Package — 24 January 2013, 15:43 CET

The European Commission has announced an ambitious package of measures to ensure the build-up of alternative fuel stations across Europe with common standards for their design and use. Policy initiatives so far have mostly addressed the actual fuels and vehicles, without considering fuels distribution. Efforts to provide incentives have been un-co-ordinated and insufficient.

European driving licence — 17 January 2013, 16:13 CET

An estimated 60% of the Union’s population holds a valid driving licence, meaning 300 million citizens. Improving road safety is one of the main objectives of driving licence legislation. Moreover the recognition of driving licences facilitates free movement of citizens. The implementation of a single model throughout the European Union is seen as ensuring greater security.

Euro VI - emissions from heavy duty vehicles — 04 January 2013, 17:28 CET

The work of the EU on reducing emissions is in progress for heavy duty vehicles (buses and trucks) with the Euro VI standards. The European Commission's proposal for a regulation on a new norm called Euro VI, aimed at reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matters from trucks and buses as of January 2013, was adopted in June 2009. As follow-up to the adoption of the above-mentioned regulation, a first implementing act, gathering the detailed technical aspects needed for certification, like for instance the requirements for the conduction of the tests to be performed at type-approval and during in service conformity, as well as a second implementing act on access to on-board diagnosis systems and repair and maintenance information, have been adopted during 2011. In parallel, a 06 series of amendments to UNECE Regulation 49, carrying over the European Euro VI legislation into the UNECE acquis, has been approved in the January 2012 session of the Working Party on Pollution and Energy (GRPE). This will allow, in the near future, to accept type-approval certificates awarded according to UNECE Regulation 49, as equivalent to certificates based on the European legislation.

Single European Sky — 04 December 2012, 17:25 CET

Many EU Member States are seriously lagging behind and not yet fully compliant with requirements to make nine Functional Airspace Blocks (FABs) fully operational, for the deadline of 4 December 2012. A critical deadline has been missed for FABs, the regional airspace blocks which are a key element for the ambitious plans to create a single European airspace – tripling European airspace capacity and halving air traffic control costs. The European Commission warned today that it will launch infringement procedures against Member States for all the Functional Airspace Blocks (FABs) which are not yet fully compliant with all legal requirements. It will also present a new package of legislative measures in Spring 2013 to accelerate reforms and ensure the full delivery of a Single European Sky. The EC says inefficiencies caused by Europe's fragmented airspace bring extra costs of close to €5 billion each year. It adds 42 kilometres to the distance of an average flight, forcing aircraft to burn more fuel, generate more emissions, pay more in costly user-charges and suffer greater delays. The United States controls the same amount of airspace, with more traffic, at almost half the cost, it adds.