31-01-2007

Urban transport is a pressing European issue. Rising mobility and economic growth seem to be intertwined. For the EU to be competitive, tackling problems of congestion is an economic necessity. For the EU to be sustainable, another set of problems needs to be dealt with.

The EU is facing a specific set of urban mobility problems:

Expected spearheads of the Green Paper are:

The first stakeholder conference linked to the new Green Paper on urban transport brought together representatives from all the sectors that have a possible interest in the Green Paper. The European Commission outlined its plans for the Green Paper. Political representatives from different European institutions and cities gave their views on the issue, and presented their expectations. During the conference particular attention was paid to the question of subsidiarity and governance. The conference closed with a speech by Commission Vice-President Barrot.

At the conference, a background paper with more information on the process was presented. This background paper is intended for all potential participants in the preperations of the Green Paper. The background paper can be downloaded below.

Interested parties are able to give their input in the process of drawing up the Green Paper by participating in technical workshops and by taking part in an internet consultation. The following dates are important for getting your voice heard:

The Green Paper is due to be adopted by the Commission in September 2007. After publication of the Green Paper, another consultation period will begin. This whole process will result in the adoption of an Action Plan on Urban Transport in Autumn 2008.