NEWSLETTER

The Commission adopted on 14 December four proposals to modernise the EU's transport system that will support the transition to cleaner, greener, and smarter mobility, as outlined in the European Green Deal's objectives. The proposals will put the transport sector on track to cut its emissions by 90%. This is achieved by increasing connectivity and shifting more passengers and freight to rail and inland waterways, supporting the roll-out of charging points, alternative refueling infrastructure, and new digital technologies, putting a stronger focus on sustainable urban mobility, and making it easier to choose different transport options in an efficient multimodal transport system. This is the second package of proposals to support a transition to cleaner, greener transport following the publication of the Commission’s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy in December 2020. In addition, an Action Plan accompanies the proposals on long-distance and cross-border rail that lays out a roadmap with further actions to help the EU meet its target of doubling high-speed rail traffic by 2030, and tripling it by 2050.

Only 7% of rail kilometres travelled between 2001 and 2018 involved cross-border trips. To encourage more people to consider the train for trips abroad the European Commission adopted on 14 December an Action Plan which sets out concrete action to remove barriers to cross-border and long-distance travel, and make rail travel more attractive for passengers.