The European Commission published the 2016 edition of the “EU Transport Scoreboard”, a benchmark which compares how Member States perform in 30 categories covering all aspects of transport.
The objective of the Scoreboard is to help Member States identify areas requiring priority investment and action. It shows how the EU further deepens the internal market in transport and promotes the shift towards low-emission mobility, two priorities of the Juncker Commission.
EU Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said “My objective is to have a high quality, decarbonised, fully integrated and efficient transport system. The scoreboard serves as a road sign on this journey, pointing the way and indicating the distance still to be covered. It is a useful tool for us, for Member States, and for stakeholders, to identify where we do well and where further investment and actions are needed. It is particularly encouraging to see that the efforts of this Commission to bridge the investment gap in the transport sector are starting to bear fruit.”
The Netherlands tops the Scoreboard for the third year running with high scores in 15 categories, followed by Sweden, Germany and Austria. While they have different strengths, they all share a solid framework for investment, good transport safety scores, and a good record of implementing EU law.
There is progress across the EU towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly mobility (for example in the share of renewable energy for transport and in the number of new cars using alternative fuels). However, levels are still low and the fact that some Member States are clear front-runners shows the potential to accelerate the shift towards low-emission mobility. To this end, the Commission adopted a European Strategy for low-emission mobility in July 2016.
Investment in transport infrastructure takes time to show effects. However, some positive effects of investment can be seen in the perceived quality of transport infrastructure. This will become more pronounced in the coming years with additional investment, especially through the Connecting Europe Facility and the Commission’s Investment Plan for Europe
The quality of Finland‘s rail, port and air infrastructure is rated among the best in the entire EU, maintaining last year’s level. The share of renewable energy used in transport fuels has risen sharply and is now the highest in Europe.
France continues to receive excellent ratings for its road, rail and air infrastructure. It has further improved the timeliness of shipments.
In Romania, competitors of the main freight rail undertaking have a large market share. Ratings for its transport infrastructure are rather low. However, consumer satisfaction with urban, rail and air transport has increased.
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