Intermodality and intermodal freight transport: implementation of the action programme

The European Parliament adopted by a large majority the report by Mrs Adriana POLI BORTONE (UEN, I) which welcomes a Commission initiative to promote intermodal or combined transport. (Please refer to the previous step in the legislative process). In addition to the decisions of the committee responsible, an amendment was adopted calling on Council to reach a decision on the introduction of the Galileo satellite navigation system on the grounds that this advanced technology is a key element in promoting intermodal transport. Moreover, it is emphasised that the use of short sea shipping should be encouraged and that the Commission should grant start-up aid from the existing European funds to promote this form of transport and to frame the planned combined transport measures in such a way as they can apply easily to short sea shipping. Lastly, in Central and Eastern Europe, the Commission is urged to focus resources primarily on railways so that these countries can maintain their strong position in the freight sector. �