# An Overview of Intelligent Transportation Systems in Europe
## 4 Use of ITSs in Europe  
### Major ITS Initiatives  
The European Union has recognized the importance of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITSs) in improving the safety, efficiency and sustainability of transport networks. The integration of road and rail networks helps facilitate sustainable means of transport such as cycling, scooters and walking [19]. This reduces emissions and improves quality of life in cities.  
In Figure 6, the main ITS initiatives in Europe are symbolically represented in a concentric arrangement. The colors and positioning of the elements indicate the relative levels of relevance and strategic impact, without expressing quantitative values. Important ITS initiatives in Europe are grouped into categories such as innovation and societal challenges, legislative changes and significant initiatives. These groups contribute to driving the overall growth of ITSs in Europe.  
To improve interoperability between systems and guarantee the integration of ITSs with different types of transport, Directive 2010/40/EU specifies the technical requirements and regulatory conditions for harmonized implementation in EU Member States [5].  
Following extensive consultations with private and public stakeholders, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted a revised version of the Directive in 2023. The aim of the new regulation is to eliminate monopoly practices and facilitate seamless interoperability between different transport systems, creating a level playing field for ITS applications [20].  
To accelerate the deployment of ITSs in Europe, the European Commission has launched a number of strategic initiatives. From the New European Innovation Agenda, which aims to place Europe at the forefront of cutting-edge technological innovation, these programs include the following [21; 22]:  
Figure 6: Major ITS initiatives in Europe.  
Battery 2030+, which is an effort to position Europe as a leader in battery technology by developing high-performance, safe and sustainable batteries. Efficient batteries are essential for electric vehicles and cleaner economies.
* Graphene flagship, which reflects Europe's commitment to improving materials science, exploring the applicability of graphene in various transport applications, such as sensors and lightweight materials for vehicles.
* Social challenges and innovation in ITSs: Addressing societal challenges such as sustainable mobility and social inclusion is closely related to the implementation of ITSs. Projects funded through the European Union's Horizon 2020 program emphasize that transport solutions should be easy to use and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender or social status [21]. The incorporation of social innovations into ITSs underlines the European Union's commitment to developing a transport system that meets the needs of all users, facilitating the mobility of people with disabilities and those belonging to disadvantaged communities [20].
* Cross-border collaboration and activities: For ITS projects to be successfully implemented, Member States, local governments and private sector stakeholders need to work together. However, legislative obstacles often hinder international trade, especially in areas where national regulations are strict [19]. The European Commission is addressing these issues by creating a single market for sustainable digital goods and services. This facilitates innovation and the integration of new business models into the ITS ecosystem [23].  
Through these programs, Europe hopes to create a solid framework for Intelligent Transport Systems, which will not only improve transport efficiency, but also promote social equality and the environment. The future of European mobility is based on ITSs, which address inclusive transport solutions, efficient batteries and innovative materials.