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High volume of EU transport policy actions

Europe's emissions are to fall by 90 percent by 2050. To achieve this goal, five billion euros are now to be invested in new transport projects to make Europe better connected. This involves measures to improve infrastructure, reduce emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, and transport policy measures.


The EU Commission has launched a call for applications for projects under the EU funding instrument for financing infrastructure investments in Europe "Connecting
Europe".
More than 5 billion euros in funding is available, which EU Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean said will be used to improve the sustainability of the entire transport network in the EU. Europe is to be connected by a network of railways, inland waterways, ports and roads. Most importantly, border crossing points will also be modernized to facilitate the transport of goods between the EU and Ukraine. The targeted reduction in emissions is part of the European Green Deal.
In addition, around 290 million euros are to be invested in 23 member states for the expansion of alternative fuels.

In July 2021, the EU Commission presented a proposal for a regulation to tighten Co2 emission standards for passenger cars. In June, the EU Parliament decided to phase out internal combustion engines, but did not set a Co2 fleet limit. Discussions on this should start soon and be concluded in the next few months. Provided that any points of contention, such as innovation in zero-emission technologies, can be clarified.
Already in April 2021, the Court of Auditors had pointed out the lack of e-charging structures in the EU. After a study by the environmental association Transport and Environment pointed out that e-charging stations can grow along with stricter Co2 fleet limits, Parliament is expected to vote on the proposal on the development of a public charging infrastructure for e-mobility in the plenary session in mid-October.
In addition, the EU Commission plans to publish the Air Quality Directive at the end of October, and it intends to present proposals for the Euro 7 standard this year.


Emissions from heavy-duty vehicles have increased every year since 2014. Only in 2020, these fell due to the COVID 19 pandemic. The main reason for this trend is the increasing demand for freight transport. Although this can be partially offset by improved energy efficiency in road transport, an additional combination of changes is nevertheless needed. For example, heavy-duty vehicles are responsible for a quarter of Co2 emissions from road transport. According to the EEA, it needs faster improvements in energy efficiency, a shift to vehicles with lower emissions and more efficient modes of transport. The EU Commission's proposal for regulating Co2 emissions from heavy-duty vehicles is expected at the end of November.