The European Commission last week published the results of two studies it commissioned to assess the expected impacts of two specific aspects of Mobility Package I, adopted in July 2020. The two requirements – the compulsory return of the vehicle to the Member State of establishment every eight weeks and the application of cabotage quotas on international combined transport operations – were introduced by the European Parliament and the Council, and were not part of the Commission's proposals. During the negotiations on the Package, the Commission made a Declaration on these two additions, expressing concern that they run counter to the ambitions of the European Green Deal. The study results suggest that the return obligation for lorries and the quotas imposed on combined transport operations are likely to have negative effects, including increased transport emissions. The Commission is now assessing the study findings in the context of the European Green Deal, its Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy and the functioning of the Single Market.

Overall the Mobility Package I brings significant and necessary improvements, both to the functioning of the Single Market and the working conditions of drivers. For the @EU_Commission, it is also crucial to analyse if the 2 provisions align with our ambitions to reduce emissions

We're excited to share with you the new EU Year of Rail Spotify playlist! #EUYearofRail Listen, like & send us your suggestions!

The EU is contributing over €68.6 million to 10 projects that will contribute towards the goal of making the transport sector more environmentally efficient, as well as improving the safety and sustainability of European rail transport. The projects have been selected under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Transport Blending Facility rolling call. Eight of the projects will deliver key alternative transport fuels (electric, hydrogen and natural gas) for road vehicles, feeding directly into the European Commission’s priority to deliver a greener EU!