Tag: transport

SPECIAL REPORT/ The new head of the International Road Transport Union (IRU) has mounted a philosophical case that economic growth and transport demand are two sides of the same coin.

SPECIAL REPORT / A controversial proposal to end cross-border restrictions and length-restrictions for mega-trucks across the EU is looking increasing unlikely to see the light of day in the current European Commission.

European carmakers are on track to meet their CO₂ emission targets without special support, contrary to what the German government is arguing, according to green campaign group Transport & Environment (T&E).

The bioethanol industry should stop defending wasteful public subsidies and join forces with NGOs to fight for the full carbon accounting which it says would vindicate its environmental record, argues Jos Dings.

In a request for information regarding new investments at Charleroi airport near Brussels, the European Commission refers to the construction of a second runway, a false news story published by a Belgian website as a 1 April spoof.

A political proposal to impose road tolls on foreign car drivers has become a feature of the German election campaign, but the European Commission made clear yesterday (12 August) that it would not accept any measure which amounts to discrimination on the ground of nationality. EurActiv Germany contributed to this article.

A new air-conditioning refrigerant used in cars poses no material risk to occupants even if it is more dangerous than an older alternative now being phased out to meet environmental rules, German officials said in a closely watched report.

French motorists continue to register new models of Mercedes-Benz despite a government ban, but the damage may already be done to sales of the German luxury car.

Indonesian palm oil has been blamed for deforestation, transcontinental smog, greenhouse gas emissions, forced evictions, child labour and modern day slavery. But if the EU imposes punitive duties on it before 2014, it will be for tax reasons.

Fuel and VAT tax exemptions on international flights could provide EU countries with an extra €39 billion a year, a sum approaching Spain’s swingeing budget cut in 2013, according to a new study by the consultancy CE Delft.  

On 11th July, the Environment Committee of the European Parliament voted in favour of accounting for scientifically proven ‘indirect emissions’ (known as ILUC) from European biofuels. This type of accounting is the best available option to reduce negative climate impacts from biofuels, says Chris Malins.

EU efforts to limit the use of crop-based biofuels, increasingly seen as doing the planet more harm than good, won parliamentary backing on Thursday (11 July) in what a top biodiesel company called "a very bad blow".

Improving the energy efficiency of urban transport systems could save as much as $70 trillion (€54.6 trillion) in spending on vehicles, fuel and transport infrastructure by mid-century, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Airlines struggling to sustain profits in an era of volatile jet fuel prices will increasingly turn to new and more efficient aircraft, according to industry forecasters who expect to supply more than 7,000 new aircraft in Europe over the next 20 years.

The European Parliament voted Tuesday (2 July) to extend vehicle safety checks to motorcycles, reversing a parliamentary committee’s effort to exempt two-wheeled vehicles from inspections.

Campaign groups have accused EU decision-makers of weakening a regulation designed to end the practice of “beaching” old ships in foreign countries, saying the new law offers loopholes to shippers and would “unilaterally exempt” European vessels from international rules barring the export of hazardous materials to developing nations.

Germany is working to derail a compromise deal to enforce stricter rules on carbon dioxide emissions for all new cars in the European Union from 2020, EU sources said on Wednesday (26 June).

SPECIAL REPORT / As jet engines grow quieter, European researchers are turning to other parts of aircraft to reduce noise to spare those living near airports and to make the final moments before landing more comfortable for passengers. EurActiv reports from the Paris Air Show.

SPECIAL REPORT / Labour actions by French air traffic controllers who oppose longstanding EU plans to overhaul air traffic management demonstrate that efforts to improve aviation efficiency and reduce nuisances in Europe’s crowded airspace will not happen easily. EurActiv reports from the Paris Air Show.

SPECIAL REPORT / Though civilian airlines are pressing for quieter, more efficient aircraft, noise output is low on the list of priorities for the sector’s military wing, but there are indications that may be changing.

The European Commission’s proposed regulation to fit new passenger cars and light vehicles with eCall - a form of embedded mobile technology - will not only save lives but revolutionise Europe’s car and mobile technology industries in the process, writes Francesca Forestieri.

SPECIAL REPORT / When jet-powered passenger aircraft first went into service in the 1950s, their engines were as loud as rock bands. Times have changed, but public discord over noise has not. EurActiv reports from the Paris Air Show.