Danubius International Conferences, Dunarea - axa a identitatii europene - prima editie

The European Transport Network - a Priority of the enlarged EU

Georgeta Modiga
Last modified: 2011-06-27

Abstract

If the beginning of the XXI century, we entered the information society and exchanges were virtual, it does not reduce the need for travel, but on the contrary. Thanks to the Internet, anyone can communicate with others and to order, the distance a product without having to go to the shop to see, or choose to meet. But information technology also provides proof that they can provide in certain cases, an opportunity to reduce demand for physical transport, facilitating remote work or services. Continuing demand for transport is explained by two factors. For passengers it is a spectacular evolution motorization. Fleet has tripled in the last 30 years, passing three million cars sold per year. If in most EU countries the family engine level tends to stabilize, the same happens in the candidate countries, the possession of a car is considered a symbol of freedom. Enlarged EU will see the end of the first decade of this century a significant increase in the fleet. Regarding the European Union, the importance of integrated transport structure has been recognized since the Treaty of Rome (1957), but progress until the second half of the ‘80s was quite small. Were therefore made ​​several recommendations to ensure freedom to provide services and have established guidelines for the common transport policy.