Memorandum to the Italian Presidency

The Italian Presidency can bring an enlarged Europe closer to the guiding principles of sustainable transport. This means working to reduce transport rather than focussing on supply-side solutions, promoting a shift towards more environmentally sound modes and promoting intelligent transport technologies.

The work of the Greek presidency on maritime safety could usefully serve as an example to Italy of developing political will.

Particularly in relation to the revision of the Trans- European Transport Networks and the replacement of the Eco-points system with a more sensible revision of the Eurovignette directive, the Italian presidency has a chance to leave its fingerprints on future transport policies. These two areas will be among the most important for transport in Europe over the next decade. The Italian presidency now has both an opportunity to move transport towards sustainability, and a responsi- bility to take it.