Technology

NB – Online registration for this event is now closed. Registration is still possible for people with a permanent EP accreditation (permanent badge or express list) only. For more information please contact EVevents@economist.com.

Background

The European Commission is in the process of finalising its new transport white paper, a strategic document that will set the tone of EU transport policy for a decade. The main stated objective of the white paper is to make transport more sustainable, from an economic, social and environmental point of view.

Over the past decade, the environmental dimension of transport policy has grown in importance, as climate change mitigation has risen to the forefront of EU priorities.

Transport accounts for 27% of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, a share that is set to grow. If current trends are left unchecked, growth in transport emissions could even offset reductions achieved in other sectors. If the EU is to de-carbonise its economy by 2050, this issue will have to be addressed.

Commissioner Kallas recently stated that the Commission would probably aim at a reduction of GHG emissions from 50% to 70% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels, by halving Europe’s transport sector’s reliance on oil. Linked objectives should include a pledge to fully de-carbonise urban mobility, a shift of most long-distance inland freight to rail and inland waterways, and a shift of most medium-distance passenger transport to these same modes.

To achieve this, the Commission is betting heavily on technologies, with the hope that a shift to greener and smarter transport will help to establish a competitive low-carbon economy, deliver green jobs and change users’ habits.

Beyond research and development, the deployment of new technologies will depend on political will and financial resources. With investment in transport infrastructures at an all-time low, and in a context of shrinking public resources, how can this be achieved? Is the private sector ready to step in? Are national governments ready to commit? Will citizens follow?

Comment:Visions invites you to debate these issues with a panel of high-level decision makers and experts.

Provisional Timing

18.00-18.30 Welcome of participants and registration

18.30-18.35 Introduction of participants by Jennifer Rankin, energy and environment reporter, European Voice

 

18.35-19.05 Panel discussion

- Gesine Meissner, MEP, ALDE co-ordinator in the transport committee, European Parliament

- Keir Fitch, deputy head of cabinet of Siim Kallas, vice-president in charge of transport, European Commission – responsible for the white paper within the cabinet

- Martin Rocholl, policy director & programme director, transport, European Climate Foundation

- Richard Aumayer,  director, central division external affairs, governmental and political relations,  Robert Bosch GmbH

 

19.05-19.55 Debate (audience participation strongly encouraged)

19.55-20.00 Conclusions by Mark Gainsborough, executive vice-president strategy, portfolio & alternative energy, Shell

20.00 Networking reception

 

Discussion:

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