Question by MEP Asim Ademov (PPE)

Cross-border transport constitutes the backbone of the European single market, and while facilitation of multimodal operations is a general EU transport policy goal with a view to enhancing the efficiency of the transport system and reducing its environmental impact, the potential of digitalisation is still not being exploited to the full, which results in unnecessary administrative burdens and costs.

1. Within the framework of the development of the Single Market Strategy, how does the Commission plan on fully implementing digitalised electronic documents throughout the whole transport chain?
2. Will this implementation be mandatory and what would the incentives be?
3. What types of electronic format would the transport documents be in — will an open format IT system be used, or a specific electronic document (electronic visual rendition in Word, Excel or PDF format)?

Answer given by Ms Bulc on behalf of the Commission (21.02.2018)

In May 2017, the Commission launched an impact assessment process to identify the barriers to the wider use of electronic means in information exchange linked to the transport of goods within the EU. Such barriers may prevent market players from fully exploiting the potential of digitalisation in the field of logistics.

To inform its assessment, the Commission undertook several consultation activities, including a series of stakeholder workshops, an open public consultation and a dedicated small and medium-sized enterprises panel. It also entrusted to a consortium of external consultants the elaboration of a support study. Further information and future updates can be found on the dedicated website of the Commission.

The Commission is currently drafting the impact assessment report, summarising the findings of its analysis and addressing, among others, various options on the issues raised in point 2 and 3 of the question. No decision has been taken yet. The report will be examined by the Commission's Regulatory Scrutiny Board and, following its recommendations, the Commission may decide to proceed with a policy proposal later this spring.