Improving Transnational Transport Corridors
In the OIC Member Countries: Concepts and Cases
61
infrastructure networks need to be built up, such as for electricity, LNG and CNG, and where
appropriate, hydrogen and methanol.
Thus, new EU rules have been adopted to ensure the build-up of alternative refueling points
across Europe with common standards for their design and use, including a common plug for
recharging electric vehicles. Cross-border continuity needs to be ensured if an international
continuity in infrastructure is to be obtained. Cross-border links should be taken into account
with a view of enabling alternative fuels powered motor vehicles to circulate Union-wide.
As indicated in the Directive, Member States should therefore cooperate, where necessary,
with other neighboring Member States at regional or macro-regional level, by means of
consultation or joint policy frameworks, in particular where continuity of alternative fuels
infrastructure coverage across national borders or the construction of new infrastructure in
the proximity of national borders is required, including different non-discriminatory access
options for recharging and refueling points. The coordination of those national policy
frameworks and their coherence at Union level should be supported by cooperation between
Member States and assessment and reporting by the Commission.
Currently, several initiatives and measures have been already taken into account and
implemented to guarantee solutions ensuring interoperability across some neighboring
Member States.
Point of view of industry sector
The European industry sector supports the effort of the European Commission to make the
transport sector more sustainable. Not only because they are obliged to meet the European
standards and requirements, but also because they are starting to realize the importance of
being independent from fossil fuels. Based on the online survey conducted by Fimotions for
industry representatives, sustainability is among the top three of decision-making criteria
when it comes to freight transport. The other two are total costs (door-to-door) and quality of
suppliers (ports, rail, barges, roads).
Furthermore, freight companies look for alternatives and multimodal channels next to each
other in order to tackle environmental issues. Respondents with academic background also
confirm this trend. They believe that multimodality through integration of ICT offers more
value and opportunities.