Latest documents

Summary : Stress-testing is a promising foresight policy tool that can support the design of EU policies able to withstand the shocks and challenges of both the present day and the years to come. This study explores how the European Parliament could use stress-tests to identify weak points in EU legislation and avenues for further EU action. The study draws on the findings of a stress-test of EU rail transport policy and recommendations from an expert practitioner of foresight and regulatory policy. It finds that stress-tests across different policy areas could boost the European Parliament's role as co-legislator in the European Union, especially in the agenda-setting and law-making phases of the legislative cycle.

Authors : ALEKSANDRA HEFLICH, MEENAKSHI FERNANDES

Summary : This At a glance note sumarises the study providing the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) with an assessment of the potential of sustainable fuels to decarbonise the transport sector, and help the sector achieve the 2050 decarbonisation goals. It assesses their potential for use in maritime, aviation and road transport, considering their technology readiness, feedstock availability, sustainability of supply, resource and energy efficiency, and the most appropriate match-making between fuels and applications.

Authors : Pierpaolo CAZZOLA, Frank GERARD, Marine GORNER, Mark GIBBS, Katrina YOUNG.

Summary : This study provides the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) with an assessment of the potential of sustainable fuels to decarbonise the transport sector, and help the sector achieve the 2050 decarbonisation goals. It assesses their potential for use in maritime, aviation and road transport, considering their technology readiness, feedstock availability, sustainability of supply, resource and energy efficiency, and the most appropriate match-making between fuels and applications.

Authors : Pierpaolo CAZZOLA, Frank GERARD (Trinomics), Marine GORNER (Trinomics), Mark GIBBS (Aether), Katrina YOUNG (Aether)

Summary : When it comes to road safety, the EU is the world leader by far. Over the past 20 years, the number of people killed on roads has decreased by 60 %, from around 51 400 in 2001 to around 20 600 in 2022. However, since 2014, this decrease has stagnated, with hardly any drop in the number of road fatalities in the years between then and 2020. Moreover, improvements in road safety have not been significant enough to meet the EU's 2010 and 2020 objectives for reducing road death numbers. Much more will need to be done to achieve the EU's ambitious objectives of halving fatalities in road transport by 2030 and reducing them to close to zero by 2050. While enforcement of traffic rules contributes to road safety, many non-resident road offenders have long enjoyed impunity in the EU. In 2011, to improve enforcement of financial penalties for traffic offences committed by non-resident drivers, the EU adopted a directive on facilitating cross-border exchange of information on road safety-related traffic offences (Directive 2011/82/EU). Its successor, Directive (EU) 2015/413 (the 'CBE Directive') pursued two main goals: to improve road safety – helping Member States' authorities to prosecute offenders by allowing the person behind the vehicle's registration to be disclosed – and to ensure equal treatment for resident and non-resident drivers. In 2016, an ex-post evaluation carried out by the European Commission pinpointed major shortcomings of both the CBE Directive and its implementation: while the directive had helped remove the anonymity of foreign offenders by increasing significantly the number of cross-border cases investigated, it was considered insufficient for removing the offenders' impunity. To tackle this issue, the Commission adopted a proposal amending the CBE Directive on 1 March 2023.

Authors : Nora HAHNKAMPER-VANDENBULCKE

Summary : This study provides an up-to-date expert assessment and comparison between the life cycle’s carbon footprint of BEV and ICEV passenger cars. It presents evidence from the literature and from LCA modelling and concludes with policy recommendations. The analysis includes sensitivities, regional variations for six Member States, and also the effects of technical and legislative development on the potential outlook up to 2050.

Authors : Ricardo: Nikolas HILL, Marco RAUGEI, Aleix PONS, Nikos VASILEIADIS, Hugo ONG, Lorenzo CASULLO

Summary : This At a glance note summarises the study providing an up-to-date expert assessment and comparison between the life cycle’s carbon footprint of battery electric and internal combustion engine passenger cars. It presents evidence from the literature and from life cycle assessment modelling and concludes with policy recommendations. The analysis includes sensitivities, regional variations for six Member States, and also the effects of technical and legislative development on the potential outlook up to 2050.

Authors : Nikolas HILL, Marco RAUGEI, Aleix PONS, Nikos VASILEIADIS, Hugo ONG, Lorenzo CASULLO

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : This 'cost of non-Europe' report looks at the potential benefits of efficient, ambitious and united EU-level action in the space sector. The report finds that to enable the European space sector to benefit from open strategic autonomy, and to ensure EU access to and use of space, including for its security, the EU must act decisively. Moving away from fragmentation could bring large benefits, amounting to at least €140 billion per year by 2050.

Authors : ALEKSANDRA HEFLICH, JEROME LEON SAULNIER, CLEMENT THIERRY EVROUX

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : This At a glance note sumarises the study discussing the technological innovations, operational measures and alternative fuels that are needed for the aviation industry to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal by 2050. The study also presents estimates of the investment needed for the industry to achieve those goals and analyses the EU regulatory framework and funding sources that can support the industry in its decarbonisation pathway.

Authors : Davide PERNICE, KINGA OSTANSKA, Ariane DEBYSER

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : This study discusses the technological innovations, operational measures and alternative fuels that are needed for the aviation industry to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal by 2050. It also presents estimates of the investment needed for the industry to achieve those goals and analyses the EU regulatory framework and funding sources that can support the industry in its decarbonisation pathway.

Authors : Marta BALLESTEROS, Max KEMP, Nina KUSNIERKIEWICZ; Rui NEIVA, Gareth HORTON, Aleix PONS, Kadam LOKESH, Lorenzo CASULLO, Alexander KAUFFMANN, Giannis GIANNELOS

Summary : This document is a compilation of briefings that track the commitments made by the Vice-Presidents and Commissioners to the European Parliament – in their written answers to Parliament’s questions, at their hearings, and, in some cases, in subsequent appearances before Parliament’s committees. The document provides an overview of the state-of-play at the mid-term of the von der Leyen Commission. Since many of these commitments were made, major international crises have shifted some political priorities. The Vice-Presidents’ and Commissioners’ progress on their commitments should be considered in this context.

Summary : This briefing follows up on the commitments made by the commissioner in 2019.

Summary : This At a glance note sumarises the briefing providing the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) with an overview of the potential of sustainable fuels in transport in the context of the current Ukraine/Russia crisis. It assesses biofuel’s potential to be quickly ramped up, the impact on LNG demand in the EU transport sector, and the potential use of gas pipelines repurposed for hydrogen.

Authors : KINGA OSTANSKA, Ariane DEBYSER

Summary : This At a glance note sumarises the report that provides the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) with an overview of the EU’s 29 transport sector priorities and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan’s (NRRP) funding to achieve those priorities. NRRP transport sector measures also contribute to the further development of nine TEN-T Core Network Corridors and achievement of TEN-T goals.

Authors : Davide PERNICE, KINGA OSTANSKA

Summary : This Report provides the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) with an overview of the EU’s 29 transport sector priorities and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan’s (NRRP) funding to achieve those priorities. NRRP transport sector measures also contribute to the further development of nine TEN-T Core Network Corridors and the achievement of TEN-T goals

Authors : Daina BELICKA, Dace KRUPENKO, Ivo HINDRIKS, Maria RODRIGUES, Georges FUCHS

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : This briefing provides the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) with an overview of the potential of sustainable fuels in transport in the context of the current Ukraine/Russia crisis. It assesses biofuel’s potential to quickly ramp up, the impact on LNG demand in the EU transport sector, and the potential use of gas pipelines repurposed for hydrogen.

Authors : Pierpaolo CAZZOLA, Marine GORNER, Frank GERARD, Melanie HOBSON, Katrina YOUNG, Peter LEMOINE, Joris MOERENHOUT, Victor DE HAAS

Summary : This at a glance note summarizes the research paper that provides a general overview of the current and proposed pricing instruments on road transport CO2 emissions in the EU.

Authors : Jacques LECARTE, Davide PERNICE, Ariane DEBYSER

Summary : This briefing provides an overview of pricing instruments on road transport CO2 emissions. It presents the current use of these instruments in the EU, the main EU legal framework in this field including the expected developments, and the impacts these instruments may have on the road transport sector and society in general.

Authors : Arno SCHROTEN, Julius KIRÁLY, Peter SCHOLTEN

Summary : The IA provides a comprehensive problem analysis, based on the evaluation of the current TEN-T Regulation, a public consultation, and targeted consultations with stakeholders and Member States. It is transparent about the methods and uncertainties (e.g. long-term funding) and limitations. The objectives and the policy options have a clear link to the problem definition. The IA comprehensively analyses the economic, social and environmental impacts of the policy options. However, territorial impacts linked to the shift to more sustainable modes of transport could have been explained in more depth. Costs and benefits are assessed and quantified. It could have been explained in more detail how funding will be mobilised. All in all, the IA provides useful information for policy-makers and future policy choices.

Authors : DIETER FRIZBERG

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : This At a glance note summarises the study on Relaunching transport and tourism in the EU after COVID-19: Public transport

Authors : Jacques LECARTE, Davide PERNICE, Ariane DEBYSER

Summary : This thematic briefing provides the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) with an overview of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the public transport sector, as well as policy recommendations to address the challenges emerging from the crisis.

Authors : Giacomo LOZZI, Ivo CRÉ, Carolina RAMOS

Summary : The impact assessment (IA) supporting the proposal 'Fuel EU Maritime' provides a qualitative and quantitative analysis, which is based on sound and recent data. It also explains some uncertainties in the analysis of impacts. The IA presents a well-evidenced problem definition and a sufficiently broad range of policy options. The quality of the IA is weakened by some inconsistencies in the comparison of options. In addition, the IA does not assess to what extent SMEs are effected of this proposal and the stakeholders' views on the fully fledged options are not indicated. It can be noted also that the open public consultation period does not meet the 12 week-requirement.

Authors : ULLA-MARI TUOMINEN

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : This At a glance note summarises the study on The future of transport in the context of the Recovery Plan - overview briefing

Authors : Jacques LECARTE, Davide PERNICE, Ariane DEBYSER

Summary : This At a glance note summarises the study on Relaunching transport and tourism in the EU after COVID-19: Freight transport

Authors : Jacques LECARTE, Davide PERNICE, Ariane DEBYSER

Summary : This Overview Briefing provides the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) with an overview of the EU policy priorities in the field of transport and the Recovery Plan’s funding opportunities for the transport sector.

Authors : Ivo HINDRIKS, Maria RODRIGUES, Daina BELICKA, Dace KRUPENKPO, Georges FUCHS

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : This thematic briefing provides the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) with an overview of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on EU freight transport, as well as policy recommendations to address the challenges emerging from the crisis.

Authors : Maria RODRIGUES, Tharsis TEOH, Emilia SANDRI, Edoardo MARCUCCI, Giacomo LOZZI, Valerio GATTA

Summary : The IA analyses the nature and scale of the problem, which triggers the revision of the Effort Sharing Regulation. While subsidiarity is suffiicently addressed, the proportionality aspects of the revision are not addressed by the IA. One general and three specific objectives, clearly deriving from the problem, were set up. Three policy options were identified and analysed in detail. The options (and their sub-options) were compared in terms of their potential to achieve the specific objectives, in particular, regarding their scope, environmental integrity, distribution of efforts (in terms of fairness and cost-efficiency) and flexibility offered. The options have been analysed mostly for their environmental, economic and administrative impacts. Stakeholder views are abundently used and transparently referenced throughout the analysis of impact. The IA is based on a solid knowledge base combining the use of qualitative and quantitiave methods.

Authors : Ekaterina KARAMFILOVA

Summary : The impact assessment (IA) accompanying Commission's ReFuelEU Aviation proposal provides a qualitative and quantitative analysis, which is based on sound and recent data. The IA presents clearly described policy options and openly explains uncertainties in the analysis. However, contrary to the Better Regulation Guidelines, the IA does not assess the impacts on SMEs. In addition, the assessment would have benefited of further clarification in the comparison of options, the scale of the defined problems, and monitoring and evaluation plans. Moreover, the description of stakeholder consultation lacks some transparency.

Authors : ULLA-MARI TUOMINEN

Summary : This At a glance note summarises the study on Relaunching transport and tourism in the EU after COVID-19: Tourism sector

Authors : Jacques LECARTE, Davide PERNICE, Ariane DEBYSER

Summary : This At a glance note summarises the study on Alternative fuels infrastructure for heavy-duty vehicles.

Authors : Jacques LECARTE, Davide PERNICE, Ariane DEBYSER

Summary : This thematic briefing provides the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) with an overview of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism sector, as well as policy recommendations to address the challenges emerging from the crisis.

Authors : Ljubica KNEZEVIC CVELBAR, Maria RODRIGUES, Tharsis TEOH, Barbara ANTONUCCI, Nicole CUTRUFO, Lidia MARONGIU

Summary : This study presents the opportunities and challenges for the use and deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure in the EU for heavy-duty vehicles, in particular trucks. The current state of play and future needs are presented in the context of the ambitions of the Green Deal, the proposal for an Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation published mid-July 2021 and the upcoming review of the TEN-T Regulation.

Authors : CE Delft: Anouk VAN GRINSVEN, Matthijs OTTEN, Emiel VAN DEN TOORN, Reinier VAN DER VEEN, Julius KIRÁLY, Roy VAN DEN BERG

Authors : Jacques LECARTE, Davide PERNICE, Ariane DEBYSER

Summary : Based on the EU Commission’s Fit for 55 proposals published in July 2021, this report discusses the challenges and impacts resulting from the integration of the maritime sector in the EU ETS, and a more stringent EU ETS for aviation. It considers implementation challenges and consequences for the competitiveness of European stakeholders, e.g. caused by carbon leakage, and impacts on sectoral employment. Based on the initial analysis and the results of stakeholder consultations, recommendations on how to overcome implementation issues and adverse competitive and societal effects are provided.

Authors : Dagmar NELISSEN, Jasper FABER, Sven MAERTENS, David ENNEN, Wolfgang GRIMME

Summary : This briefing presents the opportunities and challenges for use and deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure in the EU for heavy-duty vehicles, in particular for trucks. Details on the current state of play and future needs are presented in the context of the ambitions of the Green Deal and current legislative developments, in particular the upcoming reviews of the Alternative Fuels Directive and TEN-T regulation.

Authors : Jacques LECARTE, Davide PERNICE, Ariane DEBYSER

Summary : This thematic briefing provides the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) with an overview of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation sector, as well as policy recommendations to address the challenges emerging from the crisis.

Authors : Jacques LECARTE, Davide PERNICE, Ariane DEBYSER

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : This paper gives an initial overview of the market structure in a revised EU ETS for the European aviation and maritime sectors. Key design options like the scheme’s geographical scope, the baseline year(s), cap and allocation of allowances, and – in the case of aviation – the relationship with CORSIA, can have impacts on the competitive situation of EU carriers and vessels. This is the first stage in the research project focusing on the implementation and socio-economic perspectives related to the eventual inclusion of aviation and maritime in the EU ETS system. The analysis of the Commission’s proposal is expected to follow in fall 2021.

Authors : CE Delft: Dagmar NELISSEN, Jasper FABER DLR: Sven MAERTENS, David ENNEN, Wolfgang GRIMME, Florian WOZNY

Summary : This briefing presents the opportunities and challenges for the use and deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure in the EU for heavy-duty vehicles, in particular trucks. The current state of play and future needs are presented in the context of the ambitions of the Green Deal and current legislative developments, in particular the upcoming reviews of the Alternative Fuels Directive and the TEN-T Regulation. This briefing will be followed by a full-length study that will provide a more in-depth analysis, an update of the policy context based on the ‘Fit for 55’ package and outcomes of stakeholder interviews and case study analysis.

Authors : CE Delft: Anouk VAN GRINSVEN, Matthijs OTTEN, Emiel VAN DEN TOORN, Reinier VAN DER VEEN, Julius KIRÁLY, Roy VAN DEN BERG

Summary : This thematic briefing provides the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) with an overview of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation sector, as well as policy recommendations to address the challenges emerging from the crisis.

Authors : • PANTEIA: Maria RODRIGUES, Emilia SANDRI, Ljubica KNEZEVIC, Tharsis TEOH • Università degli Studi Roma Tre: Barbara ANTONUCCi, Nicole CUTRUFO, Lidia MARONGIU

Summary : This paper gives an initial overview of the market structure in a revised EU ETS for the European aviation and maritime sectors. Key design options like the scheme’s geographical scope, the baseline year(s), cap and allocation of allowances, and – in the case of aviation – the relationship with CORSIA, can have impacts on the competitive situation of EU carriers and vessels. This is the first stage in the research project focusing on the implementation and socio-economic perspectives related to the eventual inclusion of aviation and maritime in the EU ETS system. The analysis of the Commission’s proposal is expected to follow in fall 2021.

Authors : CE Delft: Dagmar NELISSEN, Jasper FABER DLR: Sven MAERTENS, David ENNEN, Wolfgang GRIMME, Florian WOZNY

Summary : Regulation (EU) 1315/2013 (the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Regulation), has shaped EU transport infrastructure policy by strengthening the network approach. It has furthermore established guidelines for national and EU investment in transport infrastructure, and introduced targeted funding under the Connecting Europe Facility and other relevant EU schemes. In the context of new technological and social challenges and new policy approaches, the TEN-T Regulation needs to better address present and future needs. To this end, the European Commission has started a revision process that should end with the adoption of a new legislative proposal, planned for the third quarter of 2021.

Authors : Alina Ileana DINU

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : This thematic briefing provides the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) with an overview of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on EU transport workers and their working conditions, as well as policy recommendations to address the challenges emerging from the crisis.

Authors : Jacques LECARTE, Davide PERNICE, Ariane DEBYSER

Summary : This thematic briefing provides the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) with an overview of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on EU transport workers and their working conditions, as well as policy recommendations to address the challenges emerging from the crisis.

Authors : PANTEIA: Maria RODRIGUES, Tharsis TEOH, Carolina RAMOS, Ljubica KNEZEVIC Università degli Studi Roma Tre: Edoardo MARCUCCI, Giacomo LOZZI, Valerio GATTA POLIS: Giacomo LOZZI, Ivo CRÉ

Summary : Alternative fuels can help to diminish the negative effects on the environment and health caused by both passenger and freight transport. Examples of alternative fuels include: electricity, hydrogen, biofuels, synthetic and paraffinic fuels, natural gas, including biomethane, in gaseous form (compressed natural gas, CNG) and liquefied form (liquefied natural gas, LNG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). At European Union (EU) level, a directive on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure was adopted in 2014, with the aim of boosting the development of standard rules and minimum requirements as regards alternative fuels infrastructure (i.e. electric car recharging stations or natural gas refuelling points) in the EU Member States. However, a revision of the directive is planned for 2021 to take account of the latest technological and market developments.

Authors : Alina Ileana DINU

Summary : The study investigates key challenges and trends concerning transport infrastructure in low-density and depopulating areas . It also provides a comprehensive assessment of relevant transport policies and projects already implemented as well as policy recommendations aimed at overcoming those identified challenges and gaps.

Authors : Jacques LECARTE, Davide PERNICE, Balazs MELLAR, Ariane DEBYSER

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : This study investigates the key challenges and trends concerning the provision of transport policies and infrastructure in low-density and depopulating areas. It also provides a comprehensive assessment of relevant transport policies and projects implemented in these areas. Finally, it provides policymakers with an array of policy recommendations aimed at overcoming the identified challenges and gaps.

Authors : Luca BISASCHI, Francesco ROMANO, Malin CARLBERG, Jessica CARNEIRO, Davide CECCANTI, and Liviu CALOFIR.

Summary : This briefing provides the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) with an overview of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the EU transport and tourism sectors and policy recommendations to address the challenges emerging from the crisis. This overview briefing will be followed by 5 thematic briefings, focusing on specific issues relating to transport/tourism and COVID-19.

Authors : PANTEIA: Maria RODRIGUES, Tharsis TEOH, Carolina RAMOS, Thomas de WINTER, Ljubica KNEZEVIC Università degli Studi Roma Tre: Edoardo MARCUCCI, Giacomo LOZZI, Valerio GATTA, Barbara ANTONUCCI, Nicole CUTRUFO, Lidia MARONGIU POLIS: Giacomo LOZZI, Ivo CRÉ

Summary : Recent trends and developments indicate a growing user-centric approach to mobility, prioritising individual needs and users’ interests. Disruptive emerging technologies and shared mobility solutions bring new stakeholders to the urban ecosystem. COVID-19 has changed behaviours, with walking, cycling and private car use increasing. E-commerce demand has increased significantly, and contactless solutions are still preferred.

Authors : Jacques LECARTE, Davide PERNICE, Balazs MELLAR, Ariane DEBYSER

Summary : This study aims to provide the European Parliament’s TRAN Committee with an overview on the state of play of sustainable and smart transport, including recent developments/trends, challenges and opportunities, solutions/good practices and recommendations for EU policy makers. It also considers some recent developments related to the impact of COVID-19.

Authors : Giacomo Lozzi, Edoardo Marcucci, Valerio Gatta, Maria Rodrigues, Tharsis Teoh, Carolina Ramos, Eline Jonkers

Summary : This study provides an overview of the impact of Smart Mobility and their underlying emerging technologies on transport, the transport infrastructure and society. The main challenges for the deployment of Smart Mobility applications are identified and (policy) actions are defined that could be taken to overcome these challenges.

Authors : CE Delft: Arno SCHROTEN, Anouk van GRINSVEN, Eric TOL, Louis LEESTEMAKER TNO: Peter-Paul SCHACKMANN, Diana VONK NOORDEGRAAF, Jaco van MEIJEREN, Sytze KALISVAART

Summary : The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

Summary : This study provides an overview of the impact of Smart Mobility and their underlying emerging technologies on transport, the transport infrastructure and society. The main challenges for the deployment of Smart Mobility applications are identified and (policy) actions are defined that could be taken to overcome these challenges.

Authors : CE Delft: Arno SCHROTEN, Anouk van GRINSVEN, Eric TOL, Louis LEESTEMAKER TNO: Peter-Paul SCHACKMANN, Diana VONK-NOORDEGRAAF, Jaco van MEIJEREN, Sytze KALISVAART

Summary : This document provides links to all Briefings produced by the Policy Departments of the Directorate-General for Internal Policies and of the Directorate-General for External Policies of the European Parliament, with salient points and essential commitments made by the Vice-Presidents and Commissioners-designates at their respective hearings before the European Parliament, in September-November 2019 and in October 2020. For an exhaustive list of all commitments made and positions taken by the candidates, the full verbatim report of each public hearing is available on the dedicated hearings website of the European Parliament, as are the written questions and answers.

Summary : The briefing provides an overview on the state of play and trends of urban transport since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It outlines four scenarios, the prevalence of one or the other depending on the priorities established by policy makers and service providers. The briefing delivers general recommendations for a post-COVID-19 smart and sustainable urban transport and a set of desirable actions on how to integrate EU response into existing policy priorities.

Authors : Università degli Studi Roma Tre: Giacomo Lozzi, Edoardo Marcucci, Valerio Gatta, Valerio Pacelli Panteia B.V: Maria Rodrigues, Tharsis Teoh

Summary : This study aims at providing the European Parliament’s TRAN Committee with an overview of the EU postal services sector, including recent developments, and recommendations for EU policy-makers on how to further stimulate growth and competitiveness of the sector.

Authors : Henrik BALLEBYE OKHOLM, Martina FACINO, Mindaugas CERPICKIS, Martha LAHANN, Bruno BASALISCO

Summary : This document is a compilation of all Briefings produced by the Policy Departments of the Directorate-General for Internal Policies and of the Directorate-General for External Policies of the European Parliament, with salient points and essential commitments made by the Vice-Presidents and Commissioners-designates at their respective hearings before the European Parliament, in September-November 2019 and in October 2020. For an exhaustive list of all commitments made and positions taken by the candidates, the full verbatim report of each public hearing is available on the dedicated hearings website of the European Parliament, as are the written questions and answers.

Summary : The Commissioner-designate, Adina-Ioana Vălean, appeared before the European Parliament on 14 November 2019 to answer questions put by MEPs from the Committee on Transport and Tourism. During the hearing, she made a number of commitments which are highlighted in this document. These commitments refer to her portfolio, as described in the mission letter sent to her by Ursula von der Leyen, President-elect of the European Commission, including: - a sustainable, safe and affordable transport.

Authors : ESTEBAN COITO GONZALEZ

Summary : This study provides an overview of the current state of affairs in European tourism, considering the latest developments, identifying future challenges and emerging opportunities. It draws a number of conclusions and makes recommendations at an EU policy level that will support the sustainable development of the sector.

Authors : Richard WESTON, Mary LAWLER, David JARRATT, Jaume GUIA, Lluís PRATS, Dani BLASCO, Natàlia FERRER-ROCA, Tanja MIHALIČ

Summary : This study provides an analysis of the most important EU funding instruments currently available for transport projects with the aim to evaluate the extent to which they are fulfilling strategic EU policy goals. Based on a thorough assessment of the overall performance of these instruments (through previous reports, interviews and case studies), and after identifying the main opportunities and challenges they will face in the future, the study proposes a set of recommendations on how to improve their effectiveness and contribution to EU added value in the future.

Authors : José Manuel VASSALLO, Laura GARRIDO