In its 2011 Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area, the Commission has addressed the following challenges for the future of European transport by 2050:

1. the need to complete the internal market for transport, especially by fully uniting the eastern and western parts of Europe; 
2. the reduction of the EU transport sector’s oil dependence; 
3. a cut of at least 60% of GHG emissions by 2050 with respect to 1990 required from the transport sector to limit climate change below 2°C; 
4. a rethinking of mobility and investments in infrastructures in order to reduce congestion and minimise negative impacts of transport on the environment.

In 2012, part of these challenges are tackled by new legislative initiatives. Completing the single railway market, as well as the single European sky, are both on top of the agenda. Initiatives with regards to car fuel efficiency and alternative fuel strategy aim at fulfilling the EU ambition to cut at least 60% of GHG emissions by 2050 in the transport sector. In line with recent events, rights and safety of passengers in air and maritime transport should be strenghtened.

This report gives an overview of these initiatives, and gives an evaluation from a Green perspective, as well as highlights specific concerns for some Member States.

Similar papers on Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Energy, Fisheries Policy and Climate Change have already been published. GEF will publish in the upcoming weeks reports on environment and reform of the EU budget.