Transport

Transport is critical to the everyday lives of European citizens. Efficient and effective transport facilitates the free flow of people, goods and services, contributes to productivity in all other economic sectors, and is a vital part of Europe's sustainable growth strategy. Indeed, the transport sector accounts for about 3.7% of European GDP and for around 5.1% of employment in the EU.

Along with other sectors, the transport industry has suffered from the economic downturn. From 2010 into the beginning of 2011, passenger numbers and freight volumes recovered steadily, but now the pace of recovery is slowing down.

Governed by Title VI (Articles 90 to 100) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, transport is one of the EU's most strategic common policies. Future policy will be largely based on a , comprising 40 initiatives designed to generate growth, jobs, reduce dependence on imported oil, and cut the sector's carbon emissions by 60% by 2050.