MEPs debate way forward in cutting emissions in the transport sector

MEPs discussed possible solutions for moving toward low-emission mobility in the EU during a hearing with transport sector representatives in the Transport and Tourism Committee on Wednesday.

Transport MEPs quizzed transport sector representatives on how the sector aims to improve emissions reductions in road, air, rail and waterway transport, how to avoid delays to emissions reduction because of locking into certain technologies and on the sector’s suggestions for policy solutions.

Some MEPs stressed that the Commission needs to come forward with concrete proposals quickly and said that only focussing on improvements in technology would not be sufficient. Others questioned whether ambitious targets can be reached on time, while some expressed doubt about some of the solutions brought forward by the transport sector representatives.

The hearing was held to take stock of possibilities to reduce emissions from transport, ahead of an own-initiative report on a European strategy for low-emission mobility to be voted in the Transport and Tourism committee in September. Rapporteur Bas Eickhout (Greens/EFA, NL) will present a draft report to the committee in May.