Connecting the Union's tranport infrastructure network. A cooperative pan-European transport network policy

In a Commission working document relating to the rational use of transport systems, the Commission conducted a general review of Community policy on internal transport (with the financing and implementation of trans-European transport networks) and on the Community approach to the countries of the East in this regard. The document sought essentially to supplement the Commission communication entitled 'Connecting the Union's transport infrastructure network. A cooperative pan-European transport network policy' (COM(97)172). This document, drawn up with a view to the Third Pan-European Transport Conference (Helsinki, 23-25 June 1997): - provided background information for the work on pursuing the pan-European transport policy and the establishment of infrastructure, in particular for its rational use; - highlighted the way in which existing Community policies (for example TEN, R&D, financial instruments and TINA, i.e. 'Transport Infrastructure Needs Assessment', a process launched at the EU Council on 28 September 1995) contributed to the rational use of transport systems and networks; and - presented, in its broad lines, a pan-European approach to the rational use of transport systems. Among the most interesting elements presented as part of this pan-European approach, particular mention should be made of the following five objectives: 1) within the framework of the G24, to encourage work on the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) with a view to extending it to all the neighbouring European countries; 2) to promote the idea of a European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) for pan-European rail transport corridors and zones; 3) to assist the introduction of a coherent system for monitoring vessels in European waters; 4) to promote the interoperability of road traffic management systems outside the borders of the Union; 5) to support the activities to encourage more effective management of air traffic throughout the European continent. The existing structures would be used fully in the initial period. In the field of research, closer cooperation would be encouraged to promote the concept of sustainable mobility in Europe and the rational use of transport systems.�