The impact of the conclusions of COP21 on European transport policy

Rapporteur: Raymond Hencks

Main points

The EESC welcomes the adoption of the Paris Agreement by the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and of the intended nationally determined contribution (INDC) of the EU and its Member States, committing to a reduction in domestic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of at least 40% by 2030 and by 80 to 95% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels.

The objective of reducing transport-related GHG emissions by 60% can therefore still be considered to be relevant and in line with the EU's general objective under COP 21, provided the associated actions and initiatives are implemented urgently, with the necessary determination and as soon as possible.

The EESC stresses that the polluter-pays principle should be applied flexibly, in particular in the context of remote rural, mountain and island areas, in order to avoid effects that are inversely proportional to the costs and in order to ensure that it continues to be useful as a way of influencing choices regarding the organisation of transport operations, while at the same time abolishing any unfair competition between different modes of transport.

In any event, application of the polluter-pays principle will not be sufficient to guarantee the transition to a low-carbon society, making additional measures – such as increasing energy efficiency, promoting electromobility, car-sharing and comodality, developing alternative energy sources, developing environmental quality standards and, above all, promoting public transport –all the more important.

The mobilisation of civil society organisations and economic and social interest groups seen in relation to COP21 should be maintained, so as to develop a civic movement in favour of climate justice and disinvestment in polluting activities. The EESC therefore recommends undertaking a participatory dialogue with civil society, as set out in its exploratory opinion of 11 July 2012 entitled Transport White Paper: getting civil society on board (CESE 1598/2012).

 

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