natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
Logistics is in principle the process of planning, implementing and controlling the efficient, effective flow and storage of goods, services and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption.
Logistics is in principle the process of planning, implementing and controlling the efficient, effective flow and storage of goods, services and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption.
However, beyond this general definition, efficient and sustainable logistics has a major if often hidden impact on everyday life of all European citizens.
However, beyond this general definition, efficient and sustainable logistics has a major if often hidden impact on everyday life of all European citizens.
Its potential for improving the quality of life is considerable in many areas and from local to global level.
Its potential for improving the quality of life is considerable in many areas and from local to global level.
Although logistics has been mainly a matter for the industry, State bodies must help to create a favourable environment, to provide solutions for existing bottlenecks and to raise public awareness about the positive potential of the sector.
Although logistics has been mainly a matter for the industry, State bodies must help to create a favourable environment, to provide solutions for existing bottlenecks and to raise public awareness about the positive potential of the sector.
Under that premise, the Commission's intention to prepare a European Action Plan on freight transport logistics is highly welcomed.
Under that premise, the Commission's intention to prepare a European Action Plan on freight transport logistics is highly welcomed.
Freight logistics has been an important factor in the development of European growth and competitiveness.
Freight logistics has been an important factor in the development of European growth and competitiveness.
Logistics play a key role in ensuring the efficient functioning of the EU economy and accounts for about 13% of Gross Domestic Product in the EU when the whole activity is considered.
Logistics play a key role in ensuring the efficient functioning of the EU economy and accounts for about 13% of Gross Domestic Product in the EU when the whole activity is considered.
At the same time, on average logistics costs (transportation and warehousing) represent 10% to 15% of the final cost of finished products in Europe.
At the same time, on average logistics costs (transportation and warehousing) represent 10% to 15% of the final cost of finished products in Europe.
Its economic impact is enormous.
Its economic impact is enormous.
Given the expected growth rates in freight transport - around 50% between 2000 and 2020 – the future role of logistics will be even more important to achieve an efficient, sustainable, accessible and safe transport system.
Given the expected growth rates in freight transport - around 50% between 2000 and 2020 – the future role of logistics will be even more important to achieve an efficient, sustainable, accessible and safe transport system.
To this extent logistics make an essential contribution to the Lisbon goals.
To this extent logistics make an essential contribution to the Lisbon goals.
Similarly, as the transport sector accounts for 20% of total primary energy consumption in Europe, of which 98% is fossil fuel based, its environmental impact is major.
Similarly, as the transport sector accounts for 20% of total primary energy consumption in Europe, of which 98% is fossil fuel based, its environmental impact is major.
Following the conclusions of the 9 March 2007 European Council
Following the conclusions of the 9 March 2007 European Council
· to reduce the EU energy consumption by 20% compared to projections for 2020,
· to reduce the EU energy consumption by 20% compared to projections for 2020,
· to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by at least 20% by 2020 compared with 1990,
· to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by at least 20% by 2020 compared with 1990,
· the binding target of a 20% share of renewable energies in overall EU energy consumption by 2020,
· the binding target of a 20% share of renewable energies in overall EU energy consumption by 2020,
· the binding minimum target of 10% for the share of bio fuels in overall EU transport petrol and diesel consumption by 2020,
· the binding minimum target of 10% for the share of bio fuels in overall EU transport petrol and diesel consumption by 2020,
the transport sector also has to make its contribution to the implementation of these decisions.
the transport sector also has to make its contribution to the implementation of these decisions.
Against this background, it is considered necessary to increase efficiency.
Against this background, it is considered necessary to increase efficiency.
Given its role in freight transport, logistics can play a central part in helping attain carbon emission reduction and other targets and in relation to concerted action to minimise climate change.
Given its role in freight transport, logistics can play a central part in helping attain carbon emission reduction and other targets and in relation to concerted action to minimise climate change.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fuel dependency is a prime objective for the European Union.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fuel dependency is a prime objective for the European Union.
The creation of a single market within the European Union and the globalisation of trade has led to growth in the transport and logistics sector and increased its economic significance.
The creation of a single market within the European Union and the globalisation of trade has led to growth in the transport and logistics sector and increased its economic significance.
The practice of "just in time delivery" has also contributed to the growth of activity in the sector.
The practice of "just in time delivery" has also contributed to the growth of activity in the sector.
Freight transport in EU 25 has increased by 28% from 1995 to 2004 (as measured in billion tonne kilometres).
Freight transport in EU 25 has increased by 28% from 1995 to 2004 (as measured in billion tonne kilometres).
This outstrips growth in GDP.
This outstrips growth in GDP.
This growth in freight transport logistics presents challenges as well as creating opportunities.
This growth in freight transport logistics presents challenges as well as creating opportunities.
For these reasons the Commission brought forward a consultation document on logistics for promoting freight inter-modality and more formally in 2006, a Communication to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social committee and the Committee of the Regions on "Freight transport logistics in Europe - the key to sustainable mobility" ( COM(2006)0336 final).
For these reasons the Commission brought forward a consultation document on logistics for promoting freight inter-modality and more formally in 2006, a Communication to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social committee and the Committee of the Regions on "Freight transport logistics in Europe - the key to sustainable mobility" ( COM(2006)0336 final).
On the basis of these initiatives the Commission plans to establish a framework strategy for freight transport logistics and thereafter to present an Action Plan for Freight Transport Logistics this year.
On the basis of these initiatives the Commission plans to establish a framework strategy for freight transport logistics and thereafter to present an Action Plan for Freight Transport Logistics this year.
This own initiative report and accompanying resolution will help shape the Action Plan by expressing the Parliament's priorities and concerns in relation to the development of logistics policy in the European Union.
This own initiative report and accompanying resolution will help shape the Action Plan by expressing the Parliament's priorities and concerns in relation to the development of logistics policy in the European Union.
On 12 December 2006 the Council adopted its conclusions on then Commission Communication and was broadly supportive of its approach.
On 12 December 2006 the Council adopted its conclusions on then Commission Communication and was broadly supportive of its approach.
At the same time, and in parallel, the Commission has launched the mid-term review of the Transport White Paper.
At the same time, and in parallel, the Commission has launched the mid-term review of the Transport White Paper.
Your rapporteur wishes to ensure that the Parliament's positions on Freight transport logistics and on the mid-term review of the Transport White Paper dovetail.
Your rapporteur wishes to ensure that the Parliament's positions on Freight transport logistics and on the mid-term review of the Transport White Paper dovetail.
Priorities identified by the Commission
Priorities identified by the Commission
The Commission sees freight transport logistics as primarily a business activity and its role as helping to provide the appropriate framework conditions.
The Commission sees freight transport logistics as primarily a business activity and its role as helping to provide the appropriate framework conditions.
Within that framework, and following its consultation exercise, the Commission has identified priorities and concrete areas for action.
Within that framework, and following its consultation exercise, the Commission has identified priorities and concrete areas for action.
These are the identification and resolution of bottlenecks; the use of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) including e-freight; training in logistics; statistics; the utilisation of infrastructure; service performance, promotion and simplification of multimodal chains and loading standards.
These are the identification and resolution of bottlenecks; the use of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) including e-freight; training in logistics; statistics; the utilisation of infrastructure; service performance, promotion and simplification of multimodal chains and loading standards.
On bottlenecks, the Commission argues that a group of "Focal Points" should be set up, composed of representatives of Member States, logistic service providers and customers, to identify and resolve bottlenecks through improved communication and organisation and where necessary regulatory action and infrastructure improvement.
On bottlenecks, the Commission argues that a group of "Focal Points" should be set up, composed of representatives of Member States, logistic service providers and customers, to identify and resolve bottlenecks through improved communication and organisation and where necessary regulatory action and infrastructure improvement.
It recognises the importance of communications technology and argues for common standards and greater interoperability between systems.
It recognises the importance of communications technology and argues for common standards and greater interoperability between systems.
Galileo will have a positive impact in this area, as well as SESAR, RIS, SafeSeaNet, etc. and freight transport logistics will continue to be a priority in the Seventh Framework Programme.
Galileo will have a positive impact in this area, as well as SESAR, RIS, SafeSeaNet, etc. and freight transport logistics will continue to be a priority in the Seventh Framework Programme.
Generally e-freight should be developed to provide one-stop shop solutions and reduce paperwork.
Generally e-freight should be developed to provide one-stop shop solutions and reduce paperwork.
On training, the Commission is considering promoting the development of mutually recognisable certification, under a voluntary regime, for freight transport logisticians.
On training, the Commission is considering promoting the development of mutually recognisable certification, under a voluntary regime, for freight transport logisticians.
The Commission hopes to develop suitable methodologies for statistical indicators which are lacking at the moment for EU freight logistics.
The Commission hopes to develop suitable methodologies for statistical indicators which are lacking at the moment for EU freight logistics.
It recognises that current infrastructure has to be used optimally partly by improving the efficiency of transhipment.
It recognises that current infrastructure has to be used optimally partly by improving the efficiency of transhipment.
New infrastructure where needed should be provided through Trans-European Networks (TEN-T) and the Structural and Cohesion Funds.
New infrastructure where needed should be provided through Trans-European Networks (TEN-T) and the Structural and Cohesion Funds.
The Commission also suggests improving service performance by establishing European quality benchmarks, advancing interoperability in the rail network and encouraging dedicated rail freight corridors.
The Commission also suggests improving service performance by establishing European quality benchmarks, advancing interoperability in the rail network and encouraging dedicated rail freight corridors.
It wants "one-stop administrative shopping", and the creation of a "multi-modal" regulatory structures at global level to overcome the fragmented nature of liability regimes.
It wants "one-stop administrative shopping", and the creation of a "multi-modal" regulatory structures at global level to overcome the fragmented nature of liability regimes.
It is also looking again at inter-modal loading units' standards.
It is also looking again at inter-modal loading units' standards.
Observations on the Commission's approach
Observations on the Commission's approach
General observations
General observations
Your rapporteur welcomes the Commission's Communication and looks forward to the Action Plan for Logistics being submitted to Parliament.
Your rapporteur welcomes the Commission's Communication and looks forward to the Action Plan for Logistics being submitted to Parliament.
Before looking at particular lines of action suggested in the report there are points which merit emphasis, and which are not fully reflected in the Communication.
Before looking at particular lines of action suggested in the report there are points which merit emphasis, and which are not fully reflected in the Communication.
Besides the overall economic impact of freight logistics your rapporteur is very conscious of the importance freight logistics for attaining the Lisbon objectives.
Besides the overall economic impact of freight logistics your rapporteur is very conscious of the importance freight logistics for attaining the Lisbon objectives.
Without an efficient logistics sector the targets of growth and employment and making the EU more attractive to investors and workers will be not be achieved.
Without an efficient logistics sector the targets of growth and employment and making the EU more attractive to investors and workers will be not be achieved.
Your rapporteur is concerned that this wider perspective, as well as its potential for reducing environmental impact, is not lost sight of as the Action Plan is developed.
Your rapporteur is concerned that this wider perspective, as well as its potential for reducing environmental impact, is not lost sight of as the Action Plan is developed.
The overall costs and gains from "just in time" delivery stand in the need of evaluation.
The overall costs and gains from "just in time" delivery stand in the need of evaluation.
Logistics policy should not start from the assumption that this practice should be facilitated or extended without the real costs in terms of congestion, safety and environmental damage being evaluated.
Logistics policy should not start from the assumption that this practice should be facilitated or extended without the real costs in terms of congestion, safety and environmental damage being evaluated.
The balance between modes proposed by the new concept co-modality will be determined to a large extent by the relative costs to the user of each mode.
The balance between modes proposed by the new concept co-modality will be determined to a large extent by the relative costs to the user of each mode.
This is why it is important that all real costs for any mode are integrated into the price of its use.
This is why it is important that all real costs for any mode are integrated into the price of its use.
In this area it could be instructive to look at what has been achieved in terms of co-modal logistics in other countries, for example Switzerland.
In this area it could be instructive to look at what has been achieved in terms of co-modal logistics in other countries, for example Switzerland.
Your rapporteur considers that developed and successful freight transport sector is central to the success of transport policy generally and the objectives set out in the White Paper on Transport.
Your rapporteur considers that developed and successful freight transport sector is central to the success of transport policy generally and the objectives set out in the White Paper on Transport.
Logistics policy cannot therefore be viewed as an optional "add-on" to Transport policy but is central to economic, environmental and social progress in the transport sector.
Logistics policy cannot therefore be viewed as an optional "add-on" to Transport policy but is central to economic, environmental and social progress in the transport sector.
Logistics is also vital for the effective inclusion of outlying areas and regions in the enlarged EU from both the economic and social standpoints, an aspect which the Communication does not directly address.
Logistics is also vital for the effective inclusion of outlying areas and regions in the enlarged EU from both the economic and social standpoints, an aspect which the Communication does not directly address.
Specific observations
Specific observations
Your rapporteur would warn against an approach to the resolution of bottlenecks which is fragmented by transport mode.
Your rapporteur would warn against an approach to the resolution of bottlenecks which is fragmented by transport mode.
That is to say the overall causes of a bottleneck which appears, say, at a port, might be multi-faceted and extend beyond the capacity of the port itself or questions related to the maritime sector.
That is to say the overall causes of a bottleneck which appears, say, at a port, might be multi-faceted and extend beyond the capacity of the port itself or questions related to the maritime sector.
The Commission should avoid a rigid sectoral approach when setting up Focal Points and addressing the general question of bottlenecks.
The Commission should avoid a rigid sectoral approach when setting up Focal Points and addressing the general question of bottlenecks.
When different modes are used, as they necessarily are in the supply chain, it is necessary to rebalance the position of the weakest modes (still less represented and then with higher potential of growth: rail and inland waterways) and this has to be to point of action.
When different modes are used, as they necessarily are in the supply chain, it is necessary to rebalance the position of the weakest modes (still less represented and then with higher potential of growth: rail and inland waterways) and this has to be to point of action.
Linked to this is the proposal for a network for rail freight services dedicated rail freight corridor which your rapporteur supports.
Linked to this is the proposal for a network for rail freight services dedicated rail freight corridor which your rapporteur supports.
Here though it should be noted that the Commission makes reference to the TEN-T network.
Here though it should be noted that the Commission makes reference to the TEN-T network.
Reductions in funding for this network in the context of the financial perspective 2007-2013 mean that the focus must now be on trans-frontier priority projects.
Reductions in funding for this network in the context of the financial perspective 2007-2013 mean that the focus must now be on trans-frontier priority projects.
It is also time to remove the last geographical obstacles to free movement that remain as the Alps or the Pyrenees by clearly improving permeability.
It is also time to remove the last geographical obstacles to free movement that remain as the Alps or the Pyrenees by clearly improving permeability.
Unless Member States increase national investment in TEN-T commensurately it is doubtful that the programme can make the contribution to freight transport logistics which the European economy and environment require.
Unless Member States increase national investment in TEN-T commensurately it is doubtful that the programme can make the contribution to freight transport logistics which the European economy and environment require.
Certainly without such investment, bottlenecks which arise from infrastructure constraints are unlikely to be solved.
Certainly without such investment, bottlenecks which arise from infrastructure constraints are unlikely to be solved.
An improved information flow and statistical basis is needed to develop logistics policy.
An improved information flow and statistical basis is needed to develop logistics policy.
The current statistical basis does not even provide reliable data on the economic impact of freight transport logistics in Europe and places policy makers and the industry at a disadvantage.
The current statistical basis does not even provide reliable data on the economic impact of freight transport logistics in Europe and places policy makers and the industry at a disadvantage.
Your rapporteur expects the Commission to move forward urgently on its proposal to develop suitable methodologies and indicators as reliable indicators of performance in the sector must underpin any policy initiative.
Your rapporteur expects the Commission to move forward urgently on its proposal to develop suitable methodologies and indicators as reliable indicators of performance in the sector must underpin any policy initiative.
Another area for action which the Commission has properly identified is logistics training.
Another area for action which the Commission has properly identified is logistics training.
Your rapporteur supports the proposal to develop mutually recognisable certification for freight transport logisticians.
Your rapporteur supports the proposal to develop mutually recognisable certification for freight transport logisticians.
This would have to be done in cooperation with practitioners and current training providers and agencies but harmonised certification would have clear advantages for employers and employees.
This would have to be done in cooperation with practitioners and current training providers and agencies but harmonised certification would have clear advantages for employers and employees.
Here it should be borne in mind that expert opinion, as delivered before the committee in its mini-hearing on logistics, considers successful action to be 45% dependent on people and 10% dependent on infrastructure.
Here it should be borne in mind that expert opinion, as delivered before the committee in its mini-hearing on logistics, considers successful action to be 45% dependent on people and 10% dependent on infrastructure.
Training is central to an efficient logistics sector.
Training is central to an efficient logistics sector.
However training and initiatives to extend and improve it should not be limited to those in managerial and senior positions.
However training and initiatives to extend and improve it should not be limited to those in managerial and senior positions.
Related to that there is widespread evidence of recruitment difficulties in the sector and these, in your rapporteur`s view, can only be overcome if social and working conditions at all levels are improved.
Related to that there is widespread evidence of recruitment difficulties in the sector and these, in your rapporteur`s view, can only be overcome if social and working conditions at all levels are improved.
However in your rapporteur's view the Commission's communication does not place sufficient emphasis on the need for "intelligent" transport.
However in your rapporteur's view the Commission's communication does not place sufficient emphasis on the need for "intelligent" transport.