eu transport policy: grey

http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/press-centre/press-releases2/communication-future-transport-09-06-17#

Greenpeace comment: Commission communication on the future of transport policy

17 June 2009

Brussels, Belgium — The European Commission has today put forward its vision on the future of the European transport sector. The Commission communication prominently features comfort and safety considerations. However, calls for "more sustainable transport" and "further action in particular on noise, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions" only appear as secondary objectives. The communication is also expected to focus on "smart prices" for transport, while issues such as reducing demand and controlling speed are largely ignored.

"Official EU data shows that the damage on the climate from cars, airplanes and ships is increasing, but the Commission fails to recognise the need to set transport emission targets," said Franziska Achterberg, Greenpeace EU transport policy adviser.

The EU transport sector is the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases after the power sector, with 22% of total EU emissions. According to a European Environment Agency report released this year, transport emissions increased by 28% between 1990 and 2006, while, overall, emission from all sectors have decreased by 3%.[1]

"We just can't achieve sustainability if we continue to have an ever-expanding transport sector. If the Commission does not tackle this burning issue, the growth of EU transport will continue undermining climate efforts in other sectors," said Achterberg.

[1] See: http://www.eea.europa.eu/pressroom/newsreleases/europe-needs-to-steer-transport-policy-in-the-right-direction

Franziska Achterberg – Greenpeace EU transport campaigner:
+32 (0)498 36 24 03 (mob.), +32 (0)2 274 19 18, franziska.achterberg@greenpeace.org

Mark Breddy – Greenpeace EU communications manager:
+32 (0)2 274 1903, +32 (0)496 156 229 (mobile), mark.breddy@greenpeace.org