Sustainable EU transport policy requires business-friendly rules!

Brussels – The International Road Transport Union (IRU) welcomes today’s publication of the EU Commission’s Communication on “The future of European Transport Policy: towards an integrated, technologically-led and user-friendly transport system”, which aims to launch a genuine public debate on the main direction of the European Transport Policy (ETP) for the years 2010-2020.

While sharing many of the conclusions of the Commission’s analysis, especially on the recognition of transport as an “essential component of the European economy” and its contribution to EU’s GDP (7%) and jobs (over 5%), the IRU also welcomes the broad objectives set by the Commission, namely, to “establish a sustainable transport system that meets society’s economic, social and environmental needs, and is conducive to an inclusive society and a fully integrated and competitive Europe”.

However, the IRU recalls that such ambitious objectives, including environmental friendliness or placing users and workers and their needs and rights at the centre of policy making, can only be achieved be developing sound road transport policies supported by a strong business-friendly approach, in terms of legislation, reducing red tape, implementing incentives for introduction of technical innovation and best road transport business practices, to allow the road transport industry to drive a quicker economic recovery.

IRU General Delegate to the EU, Michael Nielsen, commented, “Business-friendly policies and legislation are a must for the EU, as one of the main pillars of its strategy towards sustainable development, especially in light of the current economic crisis. This is a matter of strategic importance not only for the European road transport industry but for the European economy and society as whole, since only competitive and prosperous businesses can create wealth, boost GDP growth, improve welfare, generate jobs and ensure the sustainable development of the entire society in Europe today when it is needed the most, as well as tomorrow.”

Given the recent policy approaches and legislation that have failed to meet this vital criterion (Eurovignette as well as Passenger rights in bus and coach transport proposals),the IRU now considers the issue of market- and business-friendliness of the future White Paper on the European Transport Policy as a litmus test for the EU decision-making process, with regard to its ability to design, propose and implement efficient and sustainable policies and legislation.