COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS EUROPE ON THE MOVE An agenda for a socially fair transition towards clean, competitive and connected mobility for all
Date: 2017-05-31
Institutions: European Commission, Secretariat-General
Subjects: clean technology, common transport policy, innovation, intelligent transport system, prevention of pollution, reduction of gas emissions, sustainable mobility, technological change, transport infrastructure, transport network

EN 

   EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 31.5.2017  COM(2017) 283 final   COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS EUROPE ON THE MOVE   An agenda for a socially fair transition towards clean, competitive and connected mobility for all  {SWD(2017) 177 final}  
 
 
1. TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY 

Transport has a long and proud history in Europe. Europe has been instrumental in bringing 
new  technologies  and  innovation  to  the  world.  European  aircraft,  trains  and  vehicles  are 
synonymous with world class quality. 

Our  ambition  is  that  Europe  continues  to  play  this  role  in  the  future  and  to  be  a  leader  in 
clean, competitive and connected mobility. To put  it simply, we want to  make  sure that the 
best low-emission, connected and automated mobility solutions, equipment and vehicles will 
be developed, offered and manufactured in Europe and that we have in place the most modern 
infrastructure to support them. 

This ambition is needed because the mobility sector plays a vital role in the EU economy 
and  society.  It  is  a  major  employer  in  itself,  and  an  indispensable  driver  for  the  global 
competitiveness  of  the  wider  economy.  The  free  movement  of  people  and  goods  within  the 
EU's  internal  market,  and  the  economic,  social  and  cultural  benefits  of  a  "Europe  without 
frontiers" rely on easy mobility and an accessible transport network within a Single European 
Transport Area. A modern mobility system is also a prerequisite for a successful transition to 
a low-carbon economy in Europe and for reversing the rise in greenhouse gas emissions and 
air pollution from transport in spite of increased mobility needs. 

Profound changes in  how  we enjoy  mobility are under way. Traditional mobility is  being 
transformed  through  shared  mobility  services  and  easier  shifts  between  transport  modes. 
Technology  and  societal  needs  continue  to  drive  change.  Digitalisation,  automation  and 
alternative energy sources are challenging traditional features and creating new opportunities 
linked with resource efficiency and the collaborative and circular economy. But such changes 
can also be disruptive. While they create new jobs, they can also make others obsolete. They 
call for new skills, good working conditions and need anticipation, adaptation and investment.  

The EU must be a leader in shaping this change at global level. This means moving from 
the fragmented transport networks of today towards the integrated and sustainable mobility of 
tomorrow.  The  Commission  is  setting  out  an  agenda  to  make  clean,  competitive  and 
connected mobility a reality for all. Our action is geared to strengthen the competitiveness of 
the  European  mobility  sector  with  a  view  to  boosting  jobs,  growth  and  investment  while 
addressing the  pressing social  dimension  of  mobility  and  ensuring  high  levels  of safety  and 
security  for  the  travelling  public.  It  will  make  a  critical  contribution  towards  the 
Commission's ambition to deliver a Europe that protects, empowers and defends and to meet 
the  EU's  energy  and  climate  targets  for  2030.  It  will  help  to  improve  public  health  and  the 
quality  of  life  of  all  citizens  in  the  EU.  This  requires  a  comprehensive  and  integrated 
approach with all actors working together at the different levels – EU institutions, Member 
States,  cities  and  other  local  authorities,  industry,  social  partners,  and  all  stakeholders.  The 
European  Parliament's  motion  for  a  resolution  on  road  transport  in  the  European  Union 
confirms that we come with proposals at the right time and share the same vision.1 

We are not starting from  zero. The EU has already put key building blocks in place. The 
path has been set out to create a Single European Transport Area, identifying the barriers to 
safe,  efficient  and  affordable  cross-border  mobility  services  by  land,  sea  and  air  across  the 

1  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=MOTION&reference=B8-2017-

0290&format=XML&language=EN  

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entire Union. Many steps are already being taken in the aviation and rail sectors.2 In addition, 
the  EU’s  strategic  trans-European  transport  infrastructure  projects  and  EU  research 
programmes,  notably  Horizon  2020,  are  supporting  infrastructure  deployment  and  transport 
innovation.  

This Communication focuses on the key contribution that must be made by road transport.  
It is accompanied by a series of proposals targeting this sector, whose aims include supporting 
the  rollout  of  infrastructure  for  road  charging,  alternative  fuels  and  connectivity,  better 
information  for  consumers,  a  stronger  internal  market  and  improved  working  conditions  for 
the  road  haulage  sector,  as  well  as  steps  to  lay  the  ground  for  cooperative,  connected  and 
automated  mobility.3  These  will  be  complemented  over  the  next  12  months  by  other 
proposals, including on post-2020 emissions standards for cars and vans as well as for heavy-
duty vehicles.  

The significance of mobility in general and road transport in particular is reflected in the wide 
range of other EU policy frameworks, which have a decisive influence on them. The success 
of the  Juncker  Commission  priorities of the  Energy Union, the  Digital Single Market and 
the  Jobs,  Growth  and  Investment  agenda  all  contribute  to  transport  and  mobility.  The 
Energy  Union  Strategy  of  February  20154  identified  the  transition  to  an  energy  efficient, 
decarbonised transport sector as one of its key areas of action, and the "Clean Energy for all 
Europeans" package of November 20165 included action to accelerate the deployment of low-
carbon  transport  fuels  and  to  support  electro-mobility.  The  measures  which  were  already 
outlined  in  the  Strategy  for  Low-Emission  Mobility  adopted  in  July  2016  are  now  being 
implemented.6 Investment in infrastructure under the Investment Plan for Europe7 provides 
a powerful stimulus for Europe's clean, competitive and connected mobility of the future. As 
set out in the European Pillar of Social Rights8, building a fairer Europe and strengthening 
its social dimension is a key priority for this Commission. These objectives must also apply in 
the mobility sector and support a fair and well-functioning labour market.  

2  COM(2015) 598 
3  See also in the mid-term review of the Digital Single Market Strategy COM(2017) 228. 
4  COM(2015) 80 
5  Under  the  proposed  revisions  of  the  Renewable  Energy  Directive  (COM/2016/0767)  and  the  Energy 

Performance of Buildings Directive (COM/2016/0765). 

6  COM(2016) 501 
7  https://ec.europa.eu/commission/priorities/jobs-growth-and-investment/investment-plan_en  
8  COM(2017) 250  

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2. KEY TRENDS AND CHALLENGES 

Achieving sustainability as demand continues to grow 

Transport  activity  across  Europe  is  expected  to  continue  growing.  From  2010  to  2050,  it  is 
estimated  that  passenger  transport  will  grow  by  about  42  per  cent.  Freight  transport  is 
expected to grow by 60 per cent.9 This makes achieving a mobility system that is sustainable 
all the more challenging. 

Mobility  is  now  the  largest  economic  sector  in  the  world.  In  the  EU,  the  transportation  and  storage 
sector  employs  more  than  11  million  people,  accounting  for  more  than  5  per  cent  of  total 
employment10 and almost 5 per cent of EU Gross Domestic Product11. It accounts for about 20 per cent 
of EU exports to the EU's main trade partners. Road transport is the main transport mode used in the 
EU, accounting for almost half of the total freight transport activity (almost three-quarters on land) and 
dominating  citizens’  personal  transportation.12  It  is  estimated  that  EU  road  transport  companies 
directly  employ  around  5  million  people  working  in  around  915,000  companies,  mostly  small  and 
medium-sized.13 

Congestion from road transport causes huge inefficiencies estimated at 1 per cent of EU Gross 
Domestic Product (EUR 100 billion) and rising.14 Road transport is also a major contributor to 
air  pollution,  which  poses  a  serious  threat  to  public  health.  The  consequences  are  borne  by 
transport  users  and  especially  by  residents  of  Europe’s  cities,  which  often  fall  short  of  the 
EU's air quality standards.15 The results are serious; nearly three times as many people suffer 

9  Source: Impact Assessment accompanying the Proposal for a Directive amending Directive 1999/62/EC on 
the charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures. All data references can be found in 
the SWD (2017) 177 accompanying this Communication. 

10  Eurostat Labour Force Survey, 2016 data, for NACE H: "Transportation and Storage". 
11  EUROSTAT National Accounts, 2014 data, for NACE H: "Transportation and Storage". 
12  EU Transport in Figures 2016:  https://ec.europa.eu/transport/facts-fundings/statistics/pocketbook-2016_en  
13  Estimates based on Eurostat Structural Business Statistics, 2014 data, for NACE H. 
14  Study  on  Urban  Mobility  –  Assessing  and  improving  accessibility  of  urban  areas  European  Commission, 

2017. 

15  EU legislation on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe (Directive 2008/50/EC) sets air quality limits 
that cannot be exceeded anywhere in the EU, and obliges Member States to limit the exposure of citizens to 

4 

 
 
 
 
                                                            
 
a premature death in the EU due to transport-related pollution16 than die in road accidents17, 
and millions suffer from life-long respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. 

In  addition,  transport  is  a  major  contributor  to  Europe's  greenhouse  gas  emissions,  second 
only  to  energy.  Road  transport  alone  is  responsible  for  almost  a  fifth  of  EU  emissions.  The 
mobility  sector  is  therefore  of  particular  importance  in  the  EU's  efforts  to  maintain  the 
momentum  towards  the  goal  of  a  low  carbon  economy.  Whilst  transport  activity  grows, 
greenhouse  gas  emissions  must  fall;  this  is  essential  to  meet  the  EU's  energy  and  climate 
objectives for 2030.  Moreover, the Commission has put forward the ambition for the EU to 
reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport by at least 60 per cent by 2050.18 Results so 
far  have  been  weak  and  efforts  to  reverse  this  trajectory  need  to  accelerate.  This  is  most 
obvious in road transport, where a move to zero-emission vehicles is needed. 

Sustainable mobility also means dealing  better with  scarce resources.  The circular economy 
will  become more important  in terms  of re-using scarce  materials and limiting  raw material 
costs. For example, battery recycling could become the basis of new business models in the 
European automotive industry. 

Changing consumer behaviour and demand patterns 

Citizens' mobility demands are growing and their attitude to mobility is changing.  Mobility is 
increasingly regarded as a service and consumers want better quality, convenience, flexibility 
and affordability. They want to be able to shift seamlessly between different transport modes 
and enjoy easy access to travel information. For younger generations in particular, renting and 
sharing mobility services are increasingly popular and owning a private vehicle is becoming 
less of an aspiration. 

EU citizens spend an average of almost 10 hours per week using transport, travel an average distance 
of 34.7 km per day, and spend 13 per cent of their total consumption on transport-related items. 19  

The  daily  experience  of  traffic  jams,  the  Paris  climate  agreement,  the  crisis  over  diesel  car 
emissions,  public  debate  on  the  effects  of  emissions,  and  policy  measures  such  as  vehicle 
restriction  zones  to  discourage  car  use  in  urban  areas,  have  all  contributed  to  making 
consumers  far  more  aware  of  the  impact  of  private  transport  on  air  quality,  climate  change 
and health. People today want mobility options, which at the same time enhance mobility and 
contribute to fighting climate change and air pollution. However, an ageing and increasingly 
urbanised population presents Europe with mobility challenges not only in cities, but also for 
social inclusion and the connectivity of rural areas. 

Employment and competitiveness 

The European mobility sector must remain among the best in the world. Given its importance 
for jobs and growth and the increasing global competition, the EU transport sector should be 

harmful air pollutants. Today, these limits are being exceeded in 23 out of 28 EU Member States and in over 
130 cities across Europe. 

16  https://www.eea.europa.eu//publications/air-quality-in-europe-2016 
17  http://ec.europa.eu/transport/facts-fundings/scoreboard/compare/people/road-fatalities_en 
18  COM(2016) 501 
19  Boston  Consulting  Group/IPSOS,  Observatoire  Européen  des  Mobilités  Première  édition  Les  attentes  des 
Européens  en  matière  de  mobilité,  April  2017:  http://www.ipsos.fr/decrypter-societe/2017-04-26-lundi-au-
vendredi-europeens-passent-en-moyenne-9h35-se-deplacer 

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at  the  forefront  of  embracing  innovation  and  the  deployment  of  new  technologies.  This 
process of change must take full account of the working conditions and social challenges in 
the sector. 

Decarbonisation,  the  use  of  low-emission  technologies,  such  as  electric  powertrains  for 
vehicles,  and  the  deployment  of  cooperative,  connected  and  highly  automated  mobility 
solutions are among the most pressing challenges and important opportunities for our future 
mobility; the same is true for the emergence of new mobility concepts such as car-sharing and 
new solutions for optimising logistics.  

The European automotive sector will experience structural changes, which may considerably 
reshape its value chain, investment priorities, and technological choices with implications also 
for  its  global  competitive  position.  This  will  affect  different  actors  in  the  value  chain,  from 
raw  materials  providers,  suppliers  and  vehicle  manufacturers,  to  dealers  and  aftermarket 
services, as well as all those providing mobility services. 

The EU's automotive sector provides jobs for 8 million people and accounts for 4 per cent of the EU’s 
Gross  Value  Added,  bringing  a  trade  surplus  of  EUR  120  billion.20  The  EU  is  among  the  world's 
biggest  producers  of  motor  vehicles  and  the  sector  is  the  largest  private  investor  in  research  and 
development,  underlining  its  global  technological  leadership.  Even  though  final  assembly  is 
increasingly taking place close to markets outside the EU, the high value ends of the value chains, for 
example research and development, design or marketing, remain largely in Europe. 

A change in skills 

To  fuel  technological  innovation  and  reap  its  benefits,  the  workforce  of  the  EU's  mobility 
sector needs the right set of skills; this is already a huge challenge for industry today. Clean, 
connected and  automated  vehicles  have  an  impact  on  labour  intensity in  manufacturing  and 
require new skills, for example in the assembly of electric motors or manufacture of batteries, 
computing  or  sensing  equipment,  and  while  the  growth  in  engineering  jobs  is  expected  to 
continue, processes increasingly demand sophisticated IT skills. On the other hand, automated 
driving may have a significant impact on the workforce and require reskilling in the medium 
to long-term, for example in the case of professions such as lorry drivers. This trend needs to 
be anticipated and accompanied by a stronger social dialogue as well as support mechanisms 
to help people make the best of the new opportunities.  

Road safety 

While great progress has been achieved in the past decades making the EU the world's safest 
road transport region, the high number of fatalities and serious injuries still cause great human 
suffering and unacceptable economic costs, estimated at EUR 100 billion annually. In 2016, 
25,500  people  lost  their  lives  on  EU  roads  and  a  further  135,000  people  were  seriously 
injured.21 

The digital mobility revolution 

The  EU's  mobility  sector  needs  to  take  advantage  of  the  opportunities  created  by  digital 
technologies. Connectivity and social media are transforming traditional concepts of mobility. 

20  European  Commission,  Directorate  General  for  Internal  Market,  Industry,  Entrepreneurship  and  SMEs, 

Automotive Industry, available at:https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/automotive_en 
21  http://ec.europa.eu/transport/facts-fundings/scoreboard/compare/people/road-fatalities_en 

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New business models are emerging and giving rise to innovative mobility services including 
new  on-line platforms for freight  operations, car-pooling, car  or bicycle sharing services,  or 
smartphone applications offering real-time analytics and data on traffic conditions.22 

Vehicles  themselves  are  also  being  transformed  by  digital  technologies.  They  are  becoming 
increasingly smart as new on-board connected and cooperative services and increased levels 
of  automation  become  available.  Major  investment  is  now  being  devoted  to  developing 
driverless vehicles. Automated  vehicles will  need to  rely on secure data exchanges between 
vehicles  and  between  vehicles  and  road  infrastructure,  which  will  in  turn  require  sufficient 
and robust network capacity for millions of vehicles to interact at the same time. 

Infrastructure investment needs 

Since the global economic crisis, the EU has been suffering from low levels of investment in 
infrastructure, such as transport, energy, and digital. This has held back the modernisation of 
the  EU's  mobility  system.  Collective  and  coordinated  efforts  at  European  level,  recently 
reinforced by the Investment Plan for Europe23, need to reverse this downward trend. 

The  International  Monetary  Fund  estimates  that  1  per  cent  of  increase  in  spending  on  conventional 
infrastructure leads to 1.5 percentage points of increase in Gross Domestic Product.24 

Fully  automated  driving  will  require  new  telecommunication  and  satellite  infrastructure and 
services  for  positioning  and  communication  between  vehicles.  Fifth  generation  mobile  (5G) 
communication25  and  Galileo  services  offer  an  important  opportunity  to  service  such  needs. 
Autonomous  driving  and  clean  vehicles  will  call  for  integrated  infrastructure  planning  and 
investment to equip roads with the necessary telecommunications and charging infrastructure, 
for example for electric cars, as well as to provide high quality road data, for example for high 
definition digital maps, and fully interoperable on-board equipment. 

It is estimated that EUR 740 billion are needed to complete the core network corridors of the 
Trans-European Transport network26 by 2030– creating a genuine Single European Transport 
Area,  supporting  the  EU  Single  Market  and  decarbonisation,  and  making  full  use  of 
digitalisation.  Total  investment  for  EU  transport  infrastructure  (combining  the  Trans-
European-Transport  (TEN-T)  Networks  comprehensive  network  and  urban  transport)  are 
estimated at EUR 130 billion per year, broadly consistent with historical levels of about 1 per 
cent of Gross Domestic Product.27 Further significant investments will be needed to address 
the  current  infrastructure  maintenance  shortfalls  present  in  most  EU  Member  States.  
Mobilising these huge transport investments will require a major combined effort from both 
the private and public sectors. 

22  COM(2016) 356, COM(2016) 288. 
23  https://ec.europa.eu/commission/priorities/jobs-growth-and-investment/investment-plan_en 
24  IMF World Economic Outlook, October 2014.  
25  COM(2016) 588 
26  Work 

the  European  Coordinators 
https://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/infrastructure/ten-t-guidelines/corridors_en 

the  TEN-T 

plans 

core 

for 

of 

27  Source: OECD – ITF (2016) 

network 

corridor: 

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3.   MOBILITY IN EUROPE IN 2025 

Europe's  ambition  must  be  to  make  rapid  progress  towards  having  a  clean,  competitive  and 
connected mobility system integrating all means of transport in place by 2025.  It must span 
the entire Union and connect it to its neighbours and to the world.  It must allow everyone to 
travel comfortably within and between cities and rural areas, while staying connected.  It must 
also be based on an industry that is a world leader in manufacturing and service provision. 

This  ambition  requires  an  integrated  approach  at  EU,  national,  regional  and  local  levels 
covering many different policy areas.  At EU level, it requires a targeted set of common rules 
and  standards  with  a  wide  range  of  support  measures.28  These  include  infrastructure 
interoperable 
innovation  projects,  cross-border 
investments,  research  and 
deployment, and platforms for cooperation between stakeholders.   

trials  for 

All  these  mutually-reinforcing  measures  have  been  combined  into  a  single  future-oriented 
mobility agenda.  The agenda focuses  on areas where the EU can  make a real  difference  in 
delivering clean, competitive and connected mobility for all. It focuses particularly on road 
transport's essential contribution to this vision for mobility in Europe in 2025. 

3.1 

Accelerating the shift to clean and sustainable mobility  

The EU must accelerate Europe's transition towards zero-emission mobility. This is why the 
Union needs a comprehensive regulatory framework comprising action on clean technologies 
through improved emission standards, and on deployment of low-carbon fuels29, while at the 
same time ensuring high levels of safety and security. Moreover, early deployment of smart 
road  charging,  better  consumer  information  and  support  for  actions  by  national  and  local 
authorities  will  deliver  huge  benefits  in  terms  of  competitiveness,  protection  of  the 
environment and public health. 

Promoting sustainable mobility through improved emissions standards 

In response to the recent crisis surrounding car emissions and the major public concern it has 
generated,  the  Commission  has  taken  swift  and  comprehensive  action  to  ensure  effective 
control and transparency for consumers. A proposal for a new robust EU framework for type 
approval30 has been put forward and is among a series of EU measures designed to restore 
consumer  confidence  in  the  automotive  industry  and  rebuild  trust  in  the  regulatory  system. 
We now need swift agreement by the European Parliament and Council to put this ambitious 
and much-needed legislation in place.  In addition, new test procedures have been introduced 
to  test  emissions  from  cars  in  real  driving  conditions  as  well  as  in  the  laboratory,  and  will 
apply to new types of vehicles from September 2017.  

Global  innovation  and  competition  are  accelerating  and  the  automotive  sector  faces  a 
fundamental transformation process. Europe must define a path, which ensures that Europe's 
automotive value chain will also have in the future the leading position worldwide it enjoys 
today.  

28  A more detailed presentation is contained in the SWD(2017) 177 accompanying this Communication. 
29  COM(2016) 767  
30  COM(2016) 031 

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EU-wide carbon dioxide emissions standards are a strong driver for innovation and efficiency 
and  will  contribute  to  strengthening  competitiveness  and  pave  the  way  for  zero  and  low-
emission  vehicles  in  a  technology-neutral  way.  The  Commission  has  started  work  to  revise 
the  post-2020/2021  carbon  dioxide  standards  for  cars  and  vans.  Options  under  review 
include specific targets for low and/or zero-emission vehicles. EU standards for heavy duty 
vehicles  are  also  under  consideration  by  the  Commission.  These  proposals  are  envisaged 
respectively  for  the  end  of  this  year  and  the  first  half  of  2018.  They  will  be  based  on 
modernised test procedures closer to real-world emissions.    

Before  developing  the  new  carbon  dioxide  limits  for  heavy  duty  vehicle  emissions,  the 
Commission  is  putting  forward  a  robust  certification  procedure  for  the  determination  of 
carbon  dioxide  emissions  and  fuel  consumption,  together  with  a  system  for  the  monitoring 
and reporting of such certified data. These measures will increase transparency for consumers 
and also facilitate differentiation in road user charging.  

Emissions from heavy duty vehicles, such as lorries, buses and coaches currently represent around a 
quarter of road transport  carbon  dioxide emissions and are forecast to increase by up to 10 per cent 
between 2010 and 2030, yet they are not subject to fuel efficiency standards in the EU unlike in other 
regions of the world.31 

The Commission is also examining how to quickly make best use of existing provisions in the 
legislation on weights and dimensions of heavy duty vehicles to improve fuel efficiency and 
carbon dioxide emissions performance in relation to aerodynamics.32  

Fostering the transition towards a low-carbon economy is a priority for the EU's cohesion policy. This 
includes  an  estimated  EUR  39  billion  for  supporting  the  move  towards  an  energy-efficient, 
decarbonised  transport  sector,  which  in  turn  includes  EUR  12  billion  devoted  to  low-carbon,  multi-
modal, sustainable urban mobility.  

Empowering the consumer to make informed choices 

It  is  important  to  provide  consumers  with  transparent  and  more  accurate  information  on 
vehicles'  emissions  performance.  The  new  framework  for  emissions  standards  will  provide 
tools  for  measures  such  as  improved  consumer  information  in  the  areas  covered  by  car 
labelling33 and allow Member States to better tailor their fiscal measures, and local authorities 
to use them in schemes to promote clean mobility. For this purpose, this year's LIFE call for 
proposals34  also  supports  projects  that  empower  consumers  to  benefit  from  real-world  fuel 
consumption  savings  and  make  informed  purchase  decisions  for  cars  with  low-polluting 
emissions.  

Already today, many cities in Europe have decided to tackle the challenges posed by climate 
change,  congestion  and  air  pollution  in  a  concerted  manner.  They  are  committed  to 
investment in clean public transport and are also promoting active and sustainable modes of 
transport, supported by multimodal travel information services,  which offer users a range 
of mobility options, including bicycle and car-sharing schemes. Some cities are introducing or 
considering  vehicle  access  restrictions  in  an  effort  to  reduce  the  high  levels  of  air  pollution 
from  road  transport.  The  Commission  is  monitoring  these  initiatives  in  close  dialogue  with 

31  Source: EU Reference Scenario 2016: Energy, Transport and GHG Emissions – Trends to 2050. 
32  Directive (EU) 2015/719 
33  C(2017) 3525 
34  http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/life2017/index.htm  

9 

 
 
 
                                                            
cities  and  Member  States35,  in  particular  to  ensure  that  all  drivers  are  able  to  access  the 
relevant  information.  Additional  measures  could  include  guidance  for  cities  on  vehicles' 
access  restrictions  to  urban  areas,  but  effective  implementation  of  EU  specifications  for 
Intelligent  Transport  Services36  will  especially  ensure  that  public  authorities  make  accurate 
real-time travel information of this kind available to users.  

Smart road charging 

Revenues  collected  from  road  users  can  make  an  important  contribution  to  financing 
infrastructure,  and  adjustments  to  reflect  usage  and  emissions  can  help  to  accelerate 
innovation, for example in clean technologies. A growing number of EU Member States are 
putting in place various forms of road charging.  

The Commission considers that road charging based on distance (as opposed to time) better 
reflects actual usage, emissions and pollution and is therefore proposing adjustments to the 
regulatory framework for road charging to address this.37 These will broaden the scope to 
include coaches and light vehicles including cars, support the shift to applying the "user and 
polluter pays" principles for all vehicles, and modernise road charging methods. The inclusion 
of  the  external  cost  of  air  pollution  in  road  charges,  differentiated  charging  according  to 
emissions  performance  and  more  favourable  conditions  for  zero-emission  vehicles  will 
encourage and reward those who invest in cleaner vehicles.  

Congestion in urban areas can also be tackled through smart charging, and the Commission is 
proposing to update the rules to enable the introduction of congestion charges applicable to all 
vehicles.  In  the  next  stage  vignettes  should  be  gradually  phased  out  in  favour  of  use-based 
systems, beginning with heavy goods vehicles by 2023.  

Public procurement as a market-driver for clean transport 

To better promote the use of public procurement to incentivise the creation of markets for 
innovative and low-emitting products, the Commission is planning to revise EU legislation on 
clean  vehicles  towards  the  end  of  2017.38  Since  a  significant  part  of  public  procurement  is 
undertaken by municipal and local authorities, there is particular potential for public transport 
vehicles,  such  as  buses,  to  use  low-emission  alternatives.  EU  co-financing  is  available,  for 
example from the European Regional Development Fund.39 

Cleaner and smarter mobility in cities 

With  the  objective  of  contributing  to  the  development  of  sustainable  and  efficient  urban 
mobility,  an  urban  mobility  partnership  between  the  EU,  national  governments,  local 
authorities  and  other  stakeholders  was  launched  by  the  Commission  in  January  2017  in  the 
framework  of  the  Urban  Agenda  for  the  EU.40  Its  focus  will  be  on  public  transport,  soft 
mobility  and  accessibility  (for  the  needs  of  groups  like  the  disabled,  the  elderly  and  young 

35  The  Commission  will  launch  the  European  Clean  Air  Forum  in  November  2017,  with  a  special  focus  on 
cities and on concrete examples of successful development and deployment of clean and efficient mobility 
systems. 

36  Directive 2010/40/EU 
37  COM(2017) 275, COM(2017) 276 
38  Directive 2009/33/EC 
39  See SWD(2017) 177 for further details. 
40  https://ec.europa.eu/futurium/en/node/1829  

10 

 
 
 
                                                            
children), on efficient transport with good local and regional connectivity, and on how urban 
mobility can be harnessed to ensure high air quality standards across cities in Europe.41 The 
objective is to prepare an Action Plan to be implemented as of 2018, taking advantage of the 
experience gathered through numerous CIVITAS projects and the sustainable urban mobility 
plans developed so far.42 

3.2 

Ensuring a fair and competitive internal market for road transport 

The EU must ensure a socially fair and competitive internal market for road transport services 
given  the  importance  of  the  sector  for  the  Union's  economy  and  society.  EU  industry  must 
build  on  its  strong  competitiveness  in  transport-related  manufacturing  and  services.  Taking 
into account the social dimension is essential. 

Creating a level playing field in road haulage 

The Commission is therefore revising the EU rules on access to the road haulage market 
and  on  hired  vehicles43  with  the  aim  of  ensuring  an  adequate  level  playing  field  among 
transport operators, reducing the number of unnecessary empty runs, improving the clarity of 
the  rules  to  tackle  market  fragmentation,  and  better  enforcement.  The  elimination  of 
unnecessary  and  burdensome  administrative  requirements  (e.g.  prior  notification  of  the 
number  of  cabotage44  provisions)  and  enforcement  practices  will  further  reduce  costs  and 
improve market conditions.  

It is estimated that the Commission's proposal would allow savings for businesses of around EUR 3 to 
5 billion for the EU for 2020-2035.45 

The  Commission  is  also  reviewing  the  EU  rules  on  buses  and  coaches  with  a  view  to 
ensuring a level playing field for all operators and better travel options for consumers.46 

Enhancing the social framework and employment conditions 

Furthermore,  the  Commission  is  adopting  a  number  of  measures  aimed  at  improving  the 
application of social legislation in road transport in order to ensure the effective functioning 
of the internal market and to improve the social conditions of drivers working in international 
transport  which  are  currently  unsatisfactory.47  Measures  on  market  access  must  go  hand-in-
hand  with  action  to  ensure  legal  certainty  and  more  effective  enforcement  of  social  rules. 
These measures will address the problematic practice of "letterbox companies", complex and 
non-transparent business models, prevent illegal cabotage and fight against illicit employment 
practices. The objective is to provide a high level of social protection  for all workers in the 
transport  industry  across  the  Union,  while  preventing  fragmentation  and  removing 
administrative  burdens  for  companies.  By  ensuring  efficient  administrative  procedures  (e.g. 
accepting  the  use  of  electronic  documents,  and  carrying  out  checks  using  tachograph  data) 

41  In particular the Urban Mobility and Air Quality Partnerships will provide concrete solutions building on best 

practices across Europe. 

42   http://civitas.eu/ See also SWD(2017) 177 for further details. 
43  COM(2017) 281,COM(2017) 282  
44  Usually defined as transport of goods or passengers between two places in the same country by a transport 

operator from another country. 
45  SWD(2017) 194 and SW(2017) 195 
46  Regulation (EC) 1073/2009 
47  COM(2017) 278 

11 

 
 
 
                                                            
these  measures  will  also  bring  better  guarantees  for  a  level  playing  field,  a  more  seamless 
service across the EU, and reduced costs and running times.   

As  is  envisaged  in  the  legislation,  the  Commission  is  proposing  more  clarity  on  the 
application  of  EU  rules  on  the  posting  of  workers48  to  the  road  transport  sector.  The 
Commission proposes to confirm that all cabotage operations must be subject to local rules on 
remunerations. This will also address the proportionate and effective application of minimum 
wage laws to international services and introduce an improved enforcement system. It is also 
proposing  measures  ensuring  that  drivers  can  return  home  on  a  very  regular  basis  and  are 
always  provided with adequate accommodation for their weekly rests. The Commission will 
consult  social  partners  on  proposals  for  more  clarity  and  flexibility  in  the  calculation  of 
average working time.49 The result will be both more social fairness and improved long-term 
competitiveness for the European road haulage industry. 

Better compliance and enforcement through smart digital technologies 

On-board digital devices such as the digital tachograph used by road hauliers can protect the 
working conditions of employees, enable less burdensome means to control compliance with 
EU  law,  ,  as  well  as  play  a  role  in  applying  differentiated  road  charging  schemes,  thereby 
facilitating  the  development  of  new  mobility  services.  The  Commission  is  proposing 
measures  to  promote  such  digital  solutions  both  for  interoperable  tolling  (European 
Electronic  Tolling  System50)  and  for  controlling  the  application  of  social  rules  and  for 
simplifying  administrative  formalities  for  operators  (accelerated  deployment  of  digital 
tachographs51,  more  systematic  use  of  e-documents,  exchange  of  information  between 
national  enforcement  authorities  through  enhanced  interconnected  or  common  databases, 
leading toward single window solutions).  Measures will also ensure that these technologies 
are properly adapted to take full advantage of new intelligent transport systems. 

Supporting a change in skills 

The  Commission  is  supporting  sectoral  partnerships  specifically  in  the  automotive  sector 
through its Blueprint for Sectoral Cooperation on Skills under the New Skills Agenda for 
Europe.52  This  promotes  cooperation  between  employers,  trade  unions,  education  and 
training institutions to identify and address skills mismatches and develop skills strategies and 
update curricula and training modules. To support the work of such sectoral partnerships, the 
Commission  has  launched  a  call  for  proposals  under  its  Erasmus+  programme  in  January 
2017. 

Road safety 

Actions are required by all actors to reduce the suffering and economic costs from road deaths 
and injuries, which are still unacceptably high. The regulatory environment, technology and 
infrastructure all play a role and the new interaction between infrastructure and vehicles can 
also improve road safety, and contribute to the ambition of "Vision Zero by 2050". 

48  Directive 96/71/EC (proposed revision currently under discussion in the European Parliament and Council). 
49  C(2017) 3815 
50  COM(2017) 280 
51  COM(2016) 381 
52  COM(2016) 381 

12 

 
 
 
                                                            
Connected  and  automated  driving53  and  Advanced  Driver  Assistance  Systems  can  increase 
safety by compensating for human error and distraction, which are at the origin of many road 
accidents. By the end of 2017, the Commission will complete a review of the general safety 
requirements for cars, lorries and buses defined under the type-approval framework with a 
view to upgrading them to reflect the latest technological advances.54  

The Commission is also reviewing EU legislation on road infrastructure and tunnels safety 
applicable  along  the  Trans-European  Networks-Transport  network  to  assess  whether  the 
safety bar should be raised.55  

3.3  Harnessing  the  benefits  of  digitisation,  automation,  and  intelligent  mobility 

services 

The EU must harness the opportunities of digitisation and automation to build an efficient and 
interconnected mobility system providing users with safe, attractive, intelligent, seamless and 
increasingly automated mobility solutions. Digitisation helps to make transport and logistics 
operations more efficient by improving traffic flows and optimising the use of infrastructure, 
reducing administrative burdens for operators and allowing a better combination of public and 
private transport. It also contributes to the decarbonisation of transport by facilitating shifts to 
cleaner transport modes and promoting higher passenger vehicle occupancy rates.  

Cooperative, connected and automated mobility  

The  Commission  is  supporting  the  coordinated  rollout  of  mass  market  partially 
automated  and  connected  vehicles  by  2020  by  taking  forward  a  wide  range  of  policy, 
regulatory,  public  support  actions  and  stakeholder  platforms  in  cooperation  with  Member 
States and industry. A coordinated approach to spectrum management and the rollout of  5G 
technologies will be crucial enablers for these new services.56 

The  challenges  are  still  great  for  higher  levels  of  automation  as  well  as  for  the  next 
generations of communication technologies. Large-scale testing on the open road is essential 
to  make  progress  on  the  technology,  foster  cooperation  amongst  the  different  actors  and 
facilitate public acceptance. Such tests are already possible in several Member States and are 
supported  by  dedicated  calls  in  Horizon  2020.  In  the  Letter  of  Intent  on  connected  and 
automated driving signed on 23 March 2017, 27 EU Member States, Norway and Switzerland 
committed to step up cooperation on cross-border sections, itineraries or corridors on which to 
conduct research, tests and large- scale demonstrations on road safety, data access, quality and 
liability.  

As  concluded  by  the  GEAR  2030  high  level  group57  in  its  first  recommendations  for 
automated  vehicles  expected  by  202058,  the  placing  on  the  EU  market  of  these  vehicles  is 

53  See SWD(2017) 177 for further details. 
54  Regulation (EC) 661/2009. At the international level, adoption of the UN Global Technical Regulations on 
Safety  of  Electric  Vehicles,  foreseen  for  November  2017  will  promote  a  uniform  regulatory  framework  in 
countries like China, Japan, Korea and the US. 

55  Directive 2004/54/EC 
56  COM(2016) 588 
57  GEAR 2030 is a Commission High Level Group tasked to develop recommendations on the future regulatory 

framework of the automotive sector. Commission Decision C(2015) 6943 of 19 October 2015. 

58  https://circabc.europa.eu/w/browse/6b12fa47-6d95-498d-b68d-d29581b32179 

13 

 
 
 
 
                                                            
already  possible  under  the  current  EU  type-approval  framework  through  an  ad-hoc  vehicle 
safety assessment. The final report of GEAR 2030 (to be published in November 2017) will 
include long-term recommendations on higher levels of automation for vehicles expected by 
2030. In parallel, important work is being undertaken at the international level by the United 
Nations Economic Commission for Europe with participation of EU Member States and the 
Commission. 

L3PILOT59  is  an  important  demonstration  pilot  project  under  Horizon  2020,  which  will  start  in 
summer 2017. It will focus on large-scale piloting of a wide range of automated driving functions for 
passenger cars. 

As  part  of  the  data  economy  work  stream  under  the  Digital  Single  Market  Strategy,  the 
Commission  is  addressing  key  issues  including  liability,  and  data  sharing  and  ownership 
rules, which are very relevant for the evolution of automated driving.60  

Growth  in  the  uptake  of  increasingly  cooperative,  connected  and  automated  vehicles  means 
that  cooperative  intelligent  transport  systems  are  needed  so  that  vehicles  can  communicate 
with each other directly, with traffic signals and roadside infrastructure, as well as with other 
transport  users.    The  Commission  has  already  presented  a  strategy  aimed  at  delivering  the 
coordinated and  harmonised  deployment  of  Cooperative  Intelligent  Transport  Systems  in 
Europe by 2019.61 The proposed measures are designed to avoid fragmentation of the internal 
market  and  to  address  the  most  critical  issues,  such  as  cybersecurity  and  data  protection, 
which  are  essential  for  operational  effectiveness  and  public  acceptance.  In  addition,  several 
implementing measures will be adopted by the Commission in 2017 to ensure interoperability 
and continuity of services.  

Within  the  C-ROADS  platform62,  Member  States  cooperate  in  the  common  deployment  of 
Cooperative  Intelligent  Transport  Systems.  The  platform  will  ensure  interoperability  through  the 
definition of joint technical specifications and cross-border testing.  

Intelligent  Transport  Systems  and  cross-border 
Trans-European  Cooperative 
Connected and Automated Driving trials: The Commission will strengthen its support for 
large-scale  cross-border  projects  and  trials  for  connected  and  automated  driving  and  the 
deployment  of  cooperative  intelligent  transport  systems  by  2019.    This will  build  on  the  C-
ROADS platform and help to implement actions agreed under the Letter of Intent, mentioned 
above. These actions benefit from combined funding from the Connected Europe Facility and 
Horizon 2020.63  

Enhancing the efficiency of transport networks 

Connectivity and the accessibility of real-time digital information is revolutionising logistics 
operations  and  the  way  journeys  are  planned.  It  allows  freight  or  passengers  to  combine 
transport  modes  so  that  they  can  follow  the  most  efficient,  affordable  and  environmentally-
friendly route. 

59  See SWD(2017) 177 for further details. 
60  COM(2017) 228. See also SWD(2017) 177 for further details. 
61  COM(2016) 766 
62  https://www.c-roads.eu/platform.html See also SWD(2017) 177 for further details. 
63  SWD(2017) 177 

14 

 
 
 
                                                            
The  Commission  is  taking  action  that  will  contribute  to  enhancing  the  sustainability  and 
efficiency  of  the  mobility  network  by  creating  incentives  and  platforms,  which  allow  the 
respective  strengths  and  the  capacity  of  each  transport  mode  to  be  better  exploited.  It  will 
revise  legislation  on  combined  transport64  in  autumn  2017  to  promote  cleaner  freight 
transport.  Reducing  restrictions  such  as  authorisation  procedures,  and  offering  financial 
support  through  fiscal  incentives,  can  stimulate  a  shift  to  minimising  the  road  component 
through combined transport operations. 

The Commission has  set  up the  Digital  Transport and Logistics Forum65 focusing on the 
digitalisation  and  acceptance  of  transport  documents  and  the  establishment  of  management 
systems.  The  work  involves  all  logistics  chain  actors  and  the  need  to  agree  on  technical 
solutions and rules for data accessibility, exchange, ownership, quality, protection, as well as 
financing and governance. 

Using  connected  and  automated  technologies  for  tracking  and  planning  of  goods  and  making  goods 
hubs  more  efficient  (achieving  higher  load  factors  for  heavy  goods  vehicles)  could  significantly 
contribute to fuel and emission reductions.66 

The Commission is also adopting legislation on multimodal travel information, which will 
establish  the  specifications  necessary  to  make  EU-wide  multimodal  travel  information 
services accurate and available to users across borders on the entire transport network.67 

3.4. Investing in a modern mobility infrastructure 

All of the measures presented will contribute to delivering a clean, competitive and connected 
mobility system for EU businesses and citizens in 2025, but realising this vision will also very 
much depend on significant private and public investments and the deployment of modern and 
efficient infrastructure. 

Boosting investment in infrastructure for the future  

Alongside  the  physical  transport  network  and  an  alternative  fuel  infrastructure,  digital 
infrastructures – well-interconnected and interoperable across borders – will be needed for the 
mobility  system  of  the  future.  The  deployment  of  these  interconnected  and  cross-border 
infrastructures  and  harmonised  and  interoperable  digital  services  (5G  coverage,  data 
networks, cooperative intelligent transport systems) will require significant investment.   

The  Investment  Plan  for  Europe  triggered  EUR  194  billion  in  new  investment  in  28 
Member  States  in  less  than  two  years;  9  per  cent  of  the  investments  cover  specifically  the 
transport sector, but it is also driving investment in related sectors such as energy, digital and 
research and innovation, including in low-emission vehicles.68 

64  Council Directive 92/106 
65  C(2015)2259 
66  STRIA Roadmap 7 - CAT.docx - European Commission - Europa.eu 
67  https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/initiatives/ares-2017-1550125_en 
68  https://ec.europa.eu/commission/priorities/jobs-growth-and-investment/investment-plan_en.  For 

concrete 

examples see  SWD(2017) 177  for further details. 

15 

 
 
 
 
                                                            
The Connecting Europe Facility for Transport69, with about EUR 24 billion of funds available over 
the period 2014-2020, finances  large and complex projects along the main Core Network Corridors of 
the Trans-European Transport network. So far, the programme has co-funded 452 projects for a total 
amount  of  EUR  19.4  billion,  representing  a  total  investment  (when  combined  with  other  public  or 
private  funds)  of  EUR  37.7  billion.  The  Connecting  Europe  Facility  "blending  call"  launched  in 
February  2017  seeks  to  leverage  EUR  1  billion  of  grants  using  a  combination  of  different  financial 
instruments with financing from public financial institutions, the private sector and, for the first time, 
the European Fund for Strategic Investments70 

It  will  be  important  to  further  maximise  synergies  between  transport,  energy  and 
telecommunications infrastructure by exploring the potential for combining funds from the 
corresponding Trans-European Network programmes under the Connecting Europe Facility.  
This could contribute to cross-cutting objectives such as the decarbonisation of transport and 
energy supply, diversification and smart grids. A first "synergy call" for proposals combining 
the different sectors was published at the end of 2016 and brought together the transport and 
energy  components  of  the  Connecting  Europe  Facility  with  a  total  availability  of  funds 
amounting to EUR 40 million. 

For the 2014-2020 period, EUR 70 billion have been programmed in the Cohesion Fund and 
European Regional Development Fund to support co-financing for investments in the field 
of  mobility  and  transport.71  Especially  in  the  less-developed  Member  States  and  regions, 
cohesion policy supports transport infrastructure investments (mostly in rail and road) aimed 
at  closing  missing  links  and  removing  bottlenecks  in  the  system.  In  all  Member  States 
cohesion policy helps to make transport smarter, cleaner and safer by supporting investments 
in  areas  such  as  sustainable  urban  mobility,  road  safety,  multi-modal  transport,  Intelligent 
Transport Systems, clean fuels and vehicles, as well as cycling and walking. 

Cities are an area with specific mobility investment needs. Building on experiences within the 
Investment Plan for Europe, the Commission, together with the European Investment Bank, is 
looking into ways to  establish a  specific  framework for regulatory  and financial  support for 
cities. The aim is to enhance cooperation  between cities, which would enable  projects to be 
aggregated and scaled up so that they are more bankable and attractive for private investors.72 

Deploying innovative mobility solutions will also depend on further investments in research 
and innovation. Europe has the biggest multinational research programme in place, Horizon 
2020.  Support  for  future  mobility  will  feature  prominently  in  the  upcoming  calls  under  the 
Horizon 202073 programme and its public private partnerships, the European Green Vehicles 
Initiative74  and  the  Joint  Undertaking  on  Fuel  Cells  and  Hydrogen.75  More  coordination  of 
transport  research  and  innovation  efforts  at  national  and  European  levels  between  Member 

69  See SWD(2017) 177for further details. 
70  See SWD(2017) 177 for further details. 
71  http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/how/strategic-report/esif_annual_summary_2016_en.pdf 
72  One-Stop-Shop for Cities: https://ec.europa.eu/info/eu-regional-and-urban-development/cities  
73  See SWD(2017) 223 and SWD(2017) 177 for further details. 
74  http://www.egvi.eu/  
75  http://www.fch.europa.eu/  

16 

 
 
 
                                                            
States  and  stakeholders  is  needed.76  This  should  also  help  to  steer  implementation  and 
monitor progress in conjunction with existing mechanisms 77. 

Accelerating alternative fuel infrastructure deployment  

Market  development  of  alternative  fuel-powered  vehicles  largely  depends  on  the  wide 
availability  of  alternative  fuel  infrastructure78,  such  as  electric  charging  and  maintenance 
facilities.  Journeys  across  Europe  in  electric  vehicles  should  be  straightforward;  this  means 
electric charging must be as easy as filling the tank.79 

Between now and 2020 over 1200 alternative fuelling points, notably electro-mobility charging points, 
will  have  received  grant  support  under  the  Connecting  Europe  Facility.80  An  estimated  6  million 
charging  points  (2.8  million  pre-cabling  and  3  million  actual  charging  points)  could  be  deployed  in 
non-residential and residential buildings if the European Parliament and the Council  were to rapidly 
adopt  the  Commission's  proposal  for  a  review  of  the  Energy  Performance  of  Buildings  Directive, 
which is currently under negotiation.81 

The  deployment  of  a  network  of  recharging  points  covering  evenly  the  whole  EU  road 
network,  together  with,  for  example,  the  development  of  energy  storage  technologies  and 
devices,  such  as  batteries,  therefore  represents  another  key  enabling  condition  for  zero- 
emission mobility.  

As  required  under  the  Alternative  Fuels  Infrastructure  Directive,  Member  States  are 
developing their National Policy Frameworks setting out plans for the market development of 
alternative fuels vehicles and vessels and the deployment of relevant infrastructure. Member 
States  which  have  not  yet  done  so  should  submit  their  plans  to  the  Commission  as  soon  as 
possible. The Commission will publish its assessment of those National Policy Frameworks 
in November 2017. Building on this analysis, in particular the key aspect of the infrastructure 
roll-out  on  TEN-Transport  corridors  and  in  urban  areas,  the  Commission  will  identify  key 
issues  and  propose  an  action  plan  to  address  market  failures  justifying  action  at  EU  level, 
involving all relevant stakeholders. 

An EU backbone charging infrastructure by 2025: the Commission will address the issue 
of investment financing in the context of an Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Action Plan to 
support the deployment of an EU backbone charging infrastructure, with the aim of providing 
full  coverage  of  the  Trans-European  Networks-transport  (TEN-T)  corridors'  core  network 
with charging points by 2025.82 

Batteries as a key enabling technology  

The  Commission  has  been  an  early  supporter  of  the  development  of  batteries83  as  a  key 
enabling technology for electric mobility and  achieving Energy Union objectives. Initiatives 

76  See SWD(2017) 223  
77  Such  as  the  Accelerating  Clean  Energy  Innovation  Initiative  (COM(2016)  763  final)  and  the  Integrated 

Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan (C(2015)6317) 

78  See SWD(2017)177 for further details. 
79  President Juncker's speech to the European Parliament, 26 November 2014. 
80  SWD(2017) 177 
81  COM(2016) 765 
82  See SWD (2017) 177 for further details. 
83  See SWD(2017) 177 for further details. 

17 

 
 
 
                                                            
have  focused  on  contributing  to  improve  batteries'  performance  (weight,  size,  range, 
durability,  recyclability)  and  reduce  battery  costs  through  research  and  development. 
Research funds were targeted at different phases of the battery value chain from the battery 
materials  (new or  improved chemistries) through to  the manufacturing of battery  cells (new 
manufacturing technologies and machinery), battery packs and battery management systems 
(e.g. power electronics, connectivity to electric cars and to the energy grid). The Commission 
has also financed pre-market deployment and pilot production lines. However, although it is 
competitive in several segments of the value chain, the EU industry has not yet managed to 
develop a complete battery value chain. Battery cells are, for instance, still mostly imported 
from third countries as there is currently no mass production of battery cells in the EU. Given 
the  growing  strategic  interest  in  batteries,  the  Commission  plans  to  support  industry-led 
initiatives  for  a  full  battery  value  chain  in  the  EU  that  can  be  used  for  mobility  and  non-
mobility  applications  (energy  storage).  Storage,  including  batteries,  is  one  of  the  four 
priorities  identified  in  the  Communication  on  accelerating  clean  energy  innovation.84    To 
drive innovation and competitiveness, it is now necessary to accelerate the work that has been 
carried out so far with the involvement of Member States, industry and research centres.  This 
should  be  based  on  needs,  after  careful  consideration  of  market  conditions,  with  the  aim  of 
defining and optimising possible intervention at EU and global levels. 

Scaling  up  battery  cells  and  battery  packs  production:  The  Commission  will  step  up  its 
work with stakeholders (including the work under the Strategic Energy Technology Plan85) to 
support an industry-led initiative and develop support measures for research, development and 
manufacturing  of  the  next  generation  of  battery  cells  and  battery  packs  in  the  EU.  The 
Commission  will  promote  an  integrated  European  battery  eco-system  in  support  of  electric 
mobility  and  energy  storage  addressing  the  issue  of  scarce  resources  and  battery  recycling, 
which  will  help  facilitate  the  emergence  of  new  circular  economy  business  models  for  the 
automotive industry. 

4. CONCLUSIONS 

Mobility  is  changing  fast.  At  the  beginning  of  an  era  of  connected  and  automated  vehicles, 
shared  mobility,  zero  emissions,  and  easy shifts  between  transport  modes,  it  is  high  time  to 
prepare  the  future  of  mobility  in  Europe.  Europe  must  move  from  the  fragmented  transport 
networks  of  today  towards  an integrated,  modern  and  sustainable  mobility system,  which  is 
connected to the energy and  digital  networks. Citizens and businesses must be  offered  safe, 
smart  and  seamless  mobility  solutions  across  Europe,  and  European  infrastructure  must  be 
among the most advanced of the major global economies.  

With  this  Communication,  the  Commission  is  putting  forward  an  agenda  for  the  future  of 
mobility in the EU, for jobs, growth and a socially fair transition. The comprehensive package 
of regulatory and support measures can make clean, competitive and connected mobility for 
all a reality and allow Europe to be a global leader in shaping the future of mobility.  

84  COM(2016) 763 
85  C(2015) 6317 

18