The European transport system is changing - Enlargement: now EU has continental dimension - Evolving transport industry: consolidation - Innovation, new solutions - Environmental commitments (Kyoto) - Dependency on expensive foreign oil - Changes in the international context: terrorism, globalisation - The EU is a world leader in transport sector regulation, a leading provider of transport services, equipment and technology (EU companies control 40% of the maritime fleet): its know-how and best practice could be projected abroad. European Commission’s 2001 White Paper on Transport: the European transport policy for 2010 • Strategic challenges - Strenghten EU economic growth - Mitigate the isolation of European peripherical regions - Reduce traffic congestion - Improve transport safety and security - Increase transport quality level - Protect the environment from damages • Tactical interventions - Shift the balance between modes of transport - Eliminate bottlenecks - Place users at the heart of transport policy Mid-term review of the White Paper on Transport (2006): success stories - Opening up of rail freight transport to competition - Upgraded social conditions of road transport - Definition of 30 TEN priority projects (“Van Miert’s list”, 2003) - Creation of the Single European Sky - Strengthening of air passenger rights - New road charging directive - Promotion of intermodal transport (via Marco Polo) - Reinforcement of legal framework in maritime safety MoS can be defined as a ro-ro land-water intermodal transport, which can represent a competitive alternative to road-only transport, by providing frequent and regular services linked to the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The European Commission introduced the concept of MoS in its 2001 Transport White Paper. The development of four MoS corridors is one of 30 Van Miert’s priority projects, which receive the bulk of EU funding under TEN-T. Motorways of the Sea (MoS) Using TEN-T funding, the EC is supporting the elaboration of master plans for the development of MoS.