To help meet its goal of a dynamic economy and cohesive society, the EU has developed a transport policy that allows people and goods to move around quickly, efficiently and cheaply.
The transport sector occupies an important position in the EU, generating 10% of EU wealth, 7% of total employment, 40% of investment and 30% of energy consumption.
European activity in the transport sector has a long history, dating back to the establishment of the Common Transport Policy in 1957. Efforts to liberalise the industry across the EU began in 1988, and measures to improve safety were added in 1992.
In 1998 the Commission set out new objectives aimed at improving the internal market and establishing trans-European transport networks. The 2001 White Paper "European Transport Policy for 2010: Time to Decide" proposed 60 new measures to stimulate the industry and guarantee efficiency, quality and safety.
To help take this forward, EU Transport Ministers met in the Transport Council twice during the UK Presidency - on 6th October and 5th December 2006. The work programme included negotiations across all modes of transport, with a focus on carrying forward the agenda inherited from Luxembourg's Presidency.
Ministers also held an online discussion by means of an electronic bulletin board from 12 - 19 September 2006 of the Commission's 2001 White Paper. Ministers were asked to respond to the question "What should be the priority objectives for transport policy at EU level between now and 2010, and how most effectively should these be carried forward?"
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