Decarbonising freight transport with modal shift - iMONITRAF! Lunch Event

November 9th, 2021, Brussels / online (hybrid meeting)

iMONITRAF!, the network of the most affected Alpine transit regions is dedicated to an ambitious modal shift policy for the decarbonisation of the transport sector. During the Lunch Event, which took place in Brussels and online, political representatives from the iMONITRAF! regions discussed the Alpine viewpoint with Members of the European Parliament and invited stakeholders to find common solutions and to identify windows-of-opportunity in the EU legislative framework.

The analysis of the iMONITRAF! Policy Scenarios 2030 has shown that only a combined approach – focusing on consequent modal shift and technological progress at the same time – is able to meet transport and environmental challenges in the next decade and in the long term. Taking into consideration existing EU, national and regional targets and the available toolbox, iMONITRAF! partners developed a policy pathway to reach the Combined Scenario. Daniel Alfreider (Vice-Governor, Autonomous Province of Bolzano), Dimitri Moretti (Regional Councillor, Canton Uri) and Ingrid Felipe (Vice-Governor, Land Tirol) as political representatives from the iMONITRAF! partner regions highlighted the alpine-specific needs for an ambitious policy framework. It is a European need to manage the rising road traffic numbers and capacities on road and rail effectively across borders. Due to its central location in Europe and the sensitive environment, these needs are specifically pressing along the transalpine corridors. Implementing the polluter-pays principle for fair road pricing must be part of the solution to shift freight transport from road to rail.

To implement dedicated policies, the Alpine regions require a strong European framework, which considers the specific needs and constraints of the Alpine corridors. The revision process of the Eurovignette Directive can be considered as a showcase for making the common voice of the Alpine regions heard at EU level – the implementation of the EU Smart and Sustainable Mobility Strategy and the Fit-for-55 package now offer many new opportunities. MEP Barbara Thaler and MEP Herbert Dorfmann expressed their disappointment about the new Eurovignette Directive, highlighting the fact that the EU climate targets are embedded in law, and only joint efforts instead of individual approaches can meet those targets. Stephan Tischler (CIPRA International) added that decision-makers need to refer to the Alpine Convention with its legally binding protocols to implement an effective modal shift policy. James Nix (Transport & Environment) drew a more positive conclusion on the Eurovignette Directive, while Ilja Lorenzo Volpi (CER) outlined the priorities of the European railway sector.

Europe is a lot about finding common ground, and as road infrastructure capacities are already today reaching their limits, the goal is not to shift traffic from one to the other corridor, but from road to rail. The speakers called on iMONITRAF! to continue its efforts in finding common ground and joint solutions in reducing emissions caused by freight transport – prioritising modal shift as most effective decarbonisation measure.