MEPs Acknowledge Need for Better Alignment between Research and Innovation and Transport Policy
25 March 2013
On 25 March 2013, the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) of the European Parliament discussed the draft report addressing the recent Commission Communication on “Research and innovation for Europe’s future mobility - Developing a European transport-technology strategy”.
Rapporteur, Michael Cramer (Greens EFA/ Germany) , raised its concerns on the achievement of the Union’s targets in terms of reducing energy consumption, traffic noise, air pollutants, GHG emissions, accidents and land use, thereby decreasing the impact of transport on climate change and contributing to the improvement of the health and quality of life of EU citizens.
MEPs recognised the remaining challenges in terms of better aligning research and innovation (R&I) to transport policy. MEPs also stressed the need to respect general principles such as technology neutrality, complementarity, accountability and transparency. Moreover, they believe that Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) deserve particular attention and stronger opportunities in research should be given to them, especially through streamlined procedures and the reduction of administrative burdens when applying for EU funding schemes.
Finally, MEPs strongly supported R&I that aims at reducing transport needs through better spatial planning, communication strategies as well as new behavioural approaches.
The deadline to present amendments is 9 April. The TRAN Committee will vote the final report on 18 June.
Related documents
No attachments.