EC logistics package unveiled
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The European Commission Thursday issued a series of communications on plans designed to improve freight transport in the European Union.
“Europe needs efficient, integrated transport alternatives that are both environment-friendly and user-friendly. The measures which I have presented today will also make rail, maritime and inland waterway transport more attractive and more competitive in the context of co-modality,” said Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot.
Some highlights of the legislation-light 30 or so measures include:
* A single transport document for all carriage of goods, irrespective of mode.
* A single access point and one-stop shop for administrative procedures in all modes.
* Performance indicators for every mode and terminals.
* Simplifying customs requirements for short-sea shipping.
* A review of road freight vehicle weights and dimensions legislation.
* Priority for rail freight services on key strategic rail freight corridors.
* More clarity on the different items that compose port dues.
The European Shippers' Council applauded the EC's program of actions.
'ESC is especially pleased that the commission is placing the freight transport user at the heart of their activities,' said ESC Secretary General Nicolette van der Jagt.
'The commission states 'User requirements need to become the focus of the future' which is something we and our member councils have been urging and campaigning for since the 2001 White Paper review of EU transport policy. Indeed the tranche of communications issued today contains recommended actions in many areas that we have been campaigning and lobbying for.
'We need to look more closely at certain proposals, such as issues of cooperation between ports and terminals that the commission appear to favor, but which might have inferences for shippers who have been urging for greater competition in that sector.
'There is a lot to take in from the commission's package of actions announced today, much of which we like and some things that maybe look less promising. This will certainly keep us busy for quite some time.'
The European Sea Port Organization also commended the EC on its ports policy that came as part of the package of proposals.
'The positive difference with previous attempts to formulate a European ports policy is that Commissioner Barrot has chosen a broader perspective which is based on stakeholder dialogue,' said ESPO Secretary General Patrick Verhoeven. 'Issues such as capacity expansion and city-port relations were never really addressed in the past although they are of critical importance to many ports in Europe. Equally positive is the soft law approach, as it matches better the diversity of our sector than hard legislation.'
'What we have to study further is the communication's interpretation of Treaty rules, notably with regard to concessions. Whilst we appreciate the commission's recognition of the pivotal role of port authorities in this respect, we need to carefully assess all implications before we can take a formal position.'
More information on the EC's logistics strategy is available at: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/logistics/freight_logistics_action_plan/index_en.htm.