The European Union has put forward a series of initiatives aimed at greening freight transportation, part of a comprehensive plan to achieve climate neutrality across the bloc.
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According to a Tuesday statement, the European Commission plans to enhance the management of railway infrastructure, introduce incentives for zero-emission vehicles, and equip companies with improved resources for determining their carbon emissions. These steps are designed to support the EU's goal of reducing transportation-related emissions by 90% by mid-century.
“With an annual turnover of €938 billion generated by freight transport in the EU, our initiatives are designed to enhance rail capacity for freight and international trains," said Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean. “We aim to implement a consistent and accurate system for calculating transport emissions, and to boost the efficiency of road transportation.”
This decision is in alignment with the EU's Green Deal, a broad strategy aimed at decarbonizing the economy by 2050. Freight transport significantly impacts climate change, contributing to over 30% of carbon dioxide emissions in the sector, the Commission noted.
This package was announced just a day before a key European Parliament vote on a proposed nature restoration law, another aspect of the Green Deal. The parliament's largest political group stated it would vote against it, citing concerns about the costs associated with such an ambitious transition.
The primary proposals of the transportation package, which require endorsement from the European Parliament and member states to be enacted, are outlined below:
Transportation Type Measures:
- Rail - The plan seeks to standardize international rail traffic. A new structure for cross-border coordination will enable infrastructure managers to schedule timetables, maintenance, and capacity allocation. Cross-border coordination will also offer new long-distance services.
- Road - The commission plans to revise the regulations on maximum dimensions for heavy-duty vehicles, allowing for extra weight for those utilizing zero-emission technologies. The aim is to promote the adoption of more aerodynamic cabins and other energy-saving devices.
- Carbon footprint - The package proposes a shared methodology for companies wishing to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions, which will promote increased transparency.