Rhine-Alpine Talk #18 Save the Date!

We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming Rhine-Alpine Talk “Enhanced Planning and Governance for the North Sea-Rhine-Mediterranean Corridor”, which will focus on the PREPARED targeted analysis, “Enhanced Planning and Governance for the North Sea-Rhine-Mediterranean Corridor”, funded by ESPON.

Date: 06.06.2025
Time: 11:00–12:30 CEST
Format: Online (Zoom)

The TEN-T network, a crucial part of the EU’s transport policy, has been revised to promote cleaner, greener, and smarter mobility. The updated regulation consolidates core network corridors into the European Transport Corridors, merging the Rhine-Alpine and North Sea-Mediterranean Corridors into the North Sea Rhine Mediterranean Corridor. This analysis aims to facilitate connections with new territories and stimulate the development of integrated governance approaches. It may serve as a blueprint for other transport corridors and provide added value for stakeholders.

You can register for the Talk by clicking here.

A detailed programme will follow soon.

Joint Statement by Railway, Inland Waterway, Maritime and Intermodal sectors

On April 29th, a joint statement was signed by 11 signatories from the Railway, Inland Waterway, Maritime and Intermodal sectors and translated into the mission letters of the College of Commissioners.

The statement calls for a holistic approach to improving freight transport performance in Europe, considering safety, social standards, energy efficiency, resilience, and the transition to a low carbon economy. The proposal to revise the Combined Transport Directive (CTD) was presented in the Greening Freight Transport Package alongside the revision of the Weights and Dimensions Directive (WDD), which aims to enhance interoperability and boost intermodal freight transport. The railway, inland waterway, maritime, and intermodal sectors have jointly welcomed the European Commission’s new Political Agenda and its focus on strengthening Europe’s competitiveness through clean industry, a robust single market, and greater energy efficiency. The commitment to reducing the EU’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and enhancing resilience in the face of geopolitical and climate-related challenges is especially appreciated.

The signatories call on European legislators to recognise the substantial cost savings Combined Transport offers to society, launch the first reading of the Combined Transport Directive in the European Parliament, and avoid solutions that backtrack on the current status quo, leading to longer road legs or a reverse modal shift at the expense of rail freight, short-sea shipping, and inland waterway transport.

The full statement can be downloaded here: Efrarail.eu 

EU Commission proposes overhaul of road safety rules

Symbolic picture by Dimitrisvetsikas1969 on Pixabay

The European Commission is proposing a comprehensive overhaul of the EU’s road safety and vehicle registration rules to improve road safety and air quality. The new rules will consider the growing presence of electric vehicles and adapt to emerging technologies.

They will introduce enhanced inspections, including periodic technical inspections for electric vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems, annual inspections for older cars and vans, and advanced emission testing methods to detect high-emitting vehicles to reduce fine particle pollution. The Commission also proposes digital vehicle registration and periodic testing certificates, simplifying cross-border data sharing and protecting citizens against fraudulent activities.

The proposed changes aim to save around 7,000 lives and prevent around 65,000 serious injuries between 2026 and 2050. Key elements of the new rules include adapting testing to new vehicles, new emission testing, combating fraud, annual inspections for cars and vans over ten years old, digitalisation, mutual recognition of periodic technical inspection certificates, and improved data governance. The proposals will be considered by the European Parliament and Council under the ordinary legislative procedure.

Source:

European Commission