Transport Guides

Europe's Seaports 2030 - upgrade proposed by EUbusiness — last modified 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.

Safer roads: information services for motorists by EUbusiness — last modified 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 by EUbusiness — last modified 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.

Schengen Information System (SIS II) by EUbusiness — last modified 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 by EUbusiness — last modified 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.

New rights for bus and coach travellers in the EU by EUbusiness — last modified 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.

Clean Power for Transport Package by EUbusiness — last modified 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.

Galileo Satellite Navigation Agency now based in Prague by EUbusiness — last modified 06 September 2012, 17:21 CET

The European GNSS Agency (GSA) inaugurated its new premises in Prague on 6 September. Previously headquartered provisionally in Brussels, the GSA moved its seat to Prague over this summer, as had been agreed by the EU Heads of State and Government on 10 December 2010.

The Roadworthiness Package - Tougher vehicle checks to save lives by EUbusiness — last modified 14 July 2012, 00:46 CET

More than 5 people die on Europe's roads every day in accidents linked to technical failure. So today the European Commission has adopted new rules to toughen up the testing regime and widen its scope. Technical defects contribute heavily to accidents. They are responsible for 6% of all car accidents, translating into 2,000 fatalities and many more injuries yearly. 8 % of all motorcycle accidents are linked to technical defects. The main problem, says the Commission, is that there are simply too many vehicles with technical defects on the road. Recent studies from the UK and Germany indicate that up to 10% of cars at any point in time have a defect that would cause them to fail the tests. Moreover, many technical defects with serious implications for safety (such as ABS and Electronic Stability Control) are not even checked under current rules. Existing EU rules setting minimum standards for vehicle checks date back to 1977, with only minor updates. Cars, driver behaviour and technology have developed a lot since then.

Passenger rights: what passengers with reduced mobility need to know when travelling by air by EUbusiness — last modified 14 June 2012, 12:38 CET

The European Commission has published guidelines clarifying the rights of disabled passengers and people with reduced mobility when they travel by air. The Guidelines are published before the 2012 London Olympics, specifically to facilitate the travel of participating athletes and many EU citizens with reduced mobility who still come across problems when travelling by air. The guidelines are based on a detailed assessment of the EU Regulation concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air.

Safety of passenger ships - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 24 April 2012, 15:35 CET

EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas today set out the European Commission's priorities for passenger ship safety. The keynote speech was delivered at a major passenger ship safety conference in Brussels, hosted by the Commission, to launch a consultation with stakeholders on the priority actions to come.

Passenger Name Record - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 19 April 2012, 15:52 CET

A new agreement on the transfer of EU air passengers' personal data to the US authorities was approved by the European Parliament on Thursday. The deal sets legal conditions and covers issues such as storage periods, use, data protection safeguards and administrative and judicial redress. The agreement will replace a provisional deal in place since 2007.

New way forward for Galileo satellite navigation - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 30 November 2011, 16:59 CET

The European Commission has proposed today the new framework for the financing and governance of the two European satellite navigation programmes Galileo and EGNOS (GPS signal augmentation) for the period 2014-2020.

New EU-US agreement on the transfer of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 21 November 2011, 15:16 CET

The European Commission has initialled an agreement with the US that, if endorsed by the Council and the European Parliament, would replace the existing agreement from 2007 that currently regulates the transfer of Passenger Name Record (PNR) by air carriers to the US. The request to re-negotiate the existing PNR Agreement came from the European Parliament as part of its new role in the post-Lisbon era, and Commissioner Malmström started negotiations in December 2010 after receiving negotiating authorisation from the Council. The new text represents a substantial improvement over the existing 2007 Agreement and Commissioner Malmstrom intends to ask the green light of the Council and the European Parliament to sign it soon.

New Visa Information System goes live - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 13 October 2011, 18:20 CET

The Visa Information System (VIS) started operations as from 08:00 CET today. Visa applications will now be processed much faster thanks to the use of biometrics (fingerprints and a digital facial image) which will facilitate the identification of visa holders and help to avoid identity theft. This new system will allow for a quick and effective exchange of data on short-stay visas among Schengen countries. The VIS will also reinforce the integrity of the system and strengthen trust among its member states. The first consular posts to be connected to the system are those in North Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia).

Proposal to modify Council Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85 on tachographs - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 20 July 2011, 17:08 CET

The European Commission has proposed to revise the tachograph legislation to make full use of new technological opportunities such as satellite positioning. This will make fraud more difficult and reduce the administrative burden, which is expected to save companies €515 million per year. By ensuring better compliance with rules on driving times and rest periods, drivers will be better protected, road safety increased and fair competition assured.

EU crackdown on drivers committing traffic offences abroad - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 06 July 2011, 16:48 CET

Drivers will be punished for traffic offences they commit abroad, including the four "big killers" causing 75% of road fatalities - speeding, breaking traffic lights, failure to use seatbelts and drink driving - following a vote in the European Parliament today.

European Satellite Radio Navigation Programmes Galileo and EGNOS - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 23 May 2011, 20:44 CET

The launch of the first two operational satellites of the EU's global navigation satellite system will take place on 20th October, the European Commission has announced. This is just the first of a series of launches due to take off from Europe's Space Port in Kourou, French Guiana. The launch of the Galileo satellites at an altitude of 23.600km will lead to the provision of initial satellite navigation services in 2014. Successive launches will complete the constellation by 2019.

Transport 2050: key measures - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 28 March 2011, 16:44 CET

The European Commission adopted a comprehensive strategy (Transport 2050) for a competitive transport system that will increase mobility, remove major barriers in key areas and fuel growth and employment. At the same time, the proposals will dramatically reduce Europe's dependence on imported oil and cut carbon emissions in transport by 60% by 2050.

EU proposal for passenger data to fight serious crime and terrorism - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 02 February 2011, 18:50 CET

The European Commission has presented a proposal for an EU Passenger Name Record (PNR) Directive to fight serious crime and terrorism. The proposal obliges air carriers to provide EU Member States with data on passengers entering or departing from the EU, whilst guaranteeing a high level of protection of privacy and personal data.