Modal Shift to Environmentally Friendly Rail

Abstract

As one of the main sources of pollution transport has become central to the EU’s environmental policy yet simultaneously free movement of goods and persons are central principles in the Treaties and integral to proper functioning of the Single Market. The principle of free movement prevents the Commission from adopting strong environmental measures aimed at restricting mobility. Instead the Commission aims to bridge these two conflicting objectives by shifting the modal balance from road and air traffic to railways and inland waterways. This policy objective requires a successful rail market opening. Thus, the EU railway policy plays an important role in both the common transport policy and in achieving the EU’s overall environmental goals.