European Commission sets out its future policy for road transport with new Green Deal

The European Green Deal looks at how the EU will tackle its ambitious decarbonization goal, expecting to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.

The European Green Deal sets out policies designed by the EU to help tackle decarbonization, taking into account key provisions and the future impact these will have on passenger and freight transport. Requirements of the deal that set forth a legislative framework to guide the 2050 carbon neutrality objective include:
 

• A new Climate Law - due for release in March 2020, allows road transport operators to utilize smarter road transport technology and reduce CO2 emissions to help work towards a climate-neutral continent.
• Energy Taxation Directive - The revision of the directive intends to lead to a standardization of fuel prices across the European Union, help reducing tank tourism, and accelerate lower CO2 fuels through a CO2 tax introduction.
• Alternative fuels - With road transportation expected to grow 300% by 2050 in Eurasia, it is key to move to a zero-emissions economy with a reduction in tailpipe emissions by using a wider range of fuel options, such as liquid and gaseous-based fuels.
• Model Cooperation - While the EU recognizes the importance of modal cooperation, the IRU has recommended the use of incentivized model cooperation. IRU recommends focusing on innovation to build faster, greener, and profitable interconnective transport and reinvest road user charges in road transport innovation projects.

In Europe 50% of goods are transported by road, generating €500 billion in revenue and employing over 5 million people. With the stakes so high, the road transport industry has taken its commitment to lower emissions very seriously. In the past 20 years, the industry has invested heavily in innovative technologies, helping to reduce emissions by up to 98%. With these principles in mind and through the spirit of cooperation, a more sustainable and prosperous future is within reach.

Source:
IRU