Transport Guides

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Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council by Ina Dimireva — last modified 25 September 2009, 23:03 CET

Since June 2002 these three policies have been placed under the sole responsibility of a single Council configuration which meets approximately every two months. The composition of the Council varies according to the items on the agenda (Ministers for Transport, Telecommunications or Energy).

EU Transport Contacts by Ina Dimireva — last modified 24 September 2009, 16:06 CET

 

Black Sea Synergy by Ina Dimireva — last modified 24 August 2009, 17:28 CET

The Black Sea region, which includes Bulgaria and Romania, occupies a strategic position between Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. The European Union intends to support regional commitments tending to increase mutual confidence and remove obstacles to the stability, security and prosperity of the countries in this region.

'Open Skies' agreement between Europe and the United States by Ina Dimireva — last modified 24 August 2009, 17:30 CET

The 'Open Skies' agreement concluded between the European Union and the United States of America provides for all transatlantic routes to be opened up to European and American companies. It also includes an arrangement to develop the agreement further on matters such as airline ownership.

Development of a Euro-Mediterranean transport network by Ina Dimireva — last modified 25 August 2009, 15:34 CET

The European Union aims to promote cooperation with the countries of the southern Mediterranean in order to improve transport infrastructure and to make the public and private players concerned aware of EU initiatives.

Competition in transport: Freedom to supply services, competition, unfair pricing practices and free access to ocean trade by Ina Dimireva — last modified 25 August 2009, 07:27 CET

Council Regulation (EEC) No 4055/86 applies the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime transport between EU Member States and between Member States and third countries. Four Regulations set out to apply the principles of freedom to provide services, competition, and free access to the market in sea transport.

Freight Transport Logistics in Europe by Ina Dimireva — last modified 24 August 2009, 17:36 CET

The global logistics industry is estimated at roughly EUR 5.4 trillion, or 13.8% of the global GDP. On average, logistics costs account for 10-15% of the final cost of the finished product. The companies in the European Union increasingly recognise that there are competitive alternatives to road freight.

Maritime Transport Strategy 2018 by Ina Dimireva — last modified 24 August 2009, 17:36 CET

The Maritime Transport Strategy identifies key areas where action by the European Union can strengthen the competitiveness of the sector while enhancing its environmental performance.

Green Paper on Urban Transport - 2007 by Ina Dimireva — last modified 24 August 2009, 17:33 CET

In March of 2007, the European Commission launched its Green Paper on Urban Transport, which will examine ways to address transit efficiency and congestion in Europe's urban areas.

European Transport Policy for 2010 : White Paper - 2001 by Ina Dimireva — last modified 24 August 2009, 17:38 CET

In 2001 a White Paper entitled European Transport Policy for 2010: Time to Decide was launched by the Commission, which proposed 60 measures for restructuring the EU's transport policy, with the intent of creating a more sustainable and less polluting and congested system.

EC strategy to boost development of Baltic Sea Region by EUbusiness — last modified 10 June 2009, 17:47 CET

The European Commission has presented a proposal for an EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. Five years on from enlargement, the region is facing pressing challenges including the deteriorating state of the Baltic Sea, poor transport links, barriers to trade and energy supply concerns. These problems have been exacerbated by a lack of effective coordination. The Strategy, presented by Danuta Hübner, Commissioner for Regional Policy, above all aims to maximise the development potential of the Member States and regions in the Baltic Sea area, which is home to nearly 100 million people.

EU maritime safety rules - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 11 March 2009, 23:55 CET

On 11 March 2009 the European Parliament approved the European Union's third package of measures for maritime safety after the agreement reached in conciliation last December and approval by the EU Council.

TEN-T policy review: Towards a better integrated trans-European transport network at the service of the common transport policy - Green Paper by EUbusiness — last modified 04 February 2009, 23:23 CET

The European Commission adopted today a Green Paper setting out the future challenges of its policy for a trans-European transport network (TEN-T). The Commission says TEN-T policy needs to be realigned to contribute more effectively to objectives aimed at combating climate change and to support Europe's increasing international role through better infrastructure connections with its neighbours and the wider world. Importantly TEN-T policy also needs to be adapted to strengthen its supporting role for economic and social development within the framework of the Lisbon strategy. The integration of all transport modes and intelligent transport systems can be strengthened if TEN-T policy provided a basis guaranteeing efficient and safe transport services reflecting the future demands of citizens and economic operators. In the light of these challenges and lessons drawn from previous TEN-T policy implementation, the Commission sets out future objectives and proposes three options for TEN-T development, while stressing the need for coherence between planning ambitions and instruments for their implementation.

A single certificate for safer navigation on European inland waterways - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 06 January 2009, 00:13 CET

As of 2009, vessels carrying the new European safety certificate are allowed to navigate on all rivers in the Union, including the Rhine. According to the new Community rules this single certificate is delivered on technical requirements for inland waterway vessels. The implementation of these common rules is a great step forward for the safety of inland waterway transport in Europe.

Intelligent Transport Systems Action Plan - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 16 December 2008, 19:33 CET

The European Commission on 16 December took a major step towards the deployment and use of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in road transport. ITS can significantly contribute to a cleaner, safer and more efficient transport system. The action plan adopted puts forward a set of concrete measures and a Directive laying down the framework for their implementation.

Bus and maritime passenger rights proposal - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 08 December 2008, 23:41 CET

The Commission adopted on 4 December two legislative proposals establishing sets of rights for passengers using bus and maritime services on both domestic and international routes. Rights include minimum rules on information for all passengers before and during their journey, assistance and compensation in the event of interruptions of journeys, measures in the event of delays and specific assistance for persons with reduced mobility. Like in the air and rail sectors, proposals foresee independent national bodies for settlement of disputes.

Duty-free imports: New rules for travellers' allowances into the European Union - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 02 December 2008, 01:28 CET

From 1 December 2008, new rules on tax and duty free imports enter into force. Travellers will benefit from cost savings when importing goods into the EU in their personal luggage. At the same time, EU Member States will avoid administrative costs currently involved in collecting small amounts of duties and taxes.

Alitalia decision and state aid to the air transport sector by EUbusiness — last modified 12 November 2008, 14:13 CET

The European Commission today concluded that the sale of Alitalia’s assets does not constitute State aid provided that the Italian authorities fully comply with the undertakings they have given. The sale is planned in the context of the special administration procedure which will lead to the winding-up of the Italian airline. The Commission has therefore given Italy the go-ahead to start selling the assets. The decision follows the Commission’s earlier decision to close the official State aid investigation procedure it started on 11 June 2008 to look into a €300 million loan from Italy to Alitalia. The Commission’s conclusion was that the loan was unlawful aid and incompatible with the common market.

New framework for air services in the European Union - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 30 October 2008, 23:21 CET

Improved safety and price transparency: these are the key features of the new EU Regulation on the single market for air transport which enters into force on 1 November 2008. It lays down rules for the granting of licences, control of airlines and market access, thereby ensuring more competition in the air transport field and better quality for the public. The new legislation requires airlines to include all taxes and charges in their published ticket prices. This will enable passengers throughout the European Union to be better informed about prices and to compare offers. Price discrimination based on place of residence is banned.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 28 July 2008, 17:12 CET

ESTA is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risk.