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The European Commission has published a new report providing an overview of the trends shaping transport across the EU, highlighting the importance of investment, resilience, connectivity and decarbonisation for the competitiveness of the European transport system.

Published on 22 July, Transport and tourism in the European Union – Current trends and issues brings together indicators at EU and Member State level covering sustainability, resilience and connectivity, safety and security, as well as the social dimension of mobility. Transport remains a major part of the European economy, comprising around 1.4 million companies and employing approximately 10.4 million people.

The report also provides data on energy consumption, the uptake of alternative fuels, transport infrastructure and investment. Individual country factsheets provide further information on national transport networks and developments in the transition towards alternative fuels.

The findings come at a time when Europe's freight transport and logistics system is facing growing demands. Ageing infrastructure, climate-related disruption, geopolitical tensions, security requirements and the transition to alternative energy sources are placing additional pressure on transport networks, while substantial investment will be required to implement the TEN-T network and support the decarbonisation and digitalisation of freight transport.

CLECAT therefore considers a strong evidence base important for future EU transport policy. Data on freight volumes and infrastructure should be complemented by a clear understanding of capacity constraints, missing cross-border links, climate vulnerabilities and the investment required for alternative-fuel infrastructure and digitalisation.

The Commission's report and Member State factsheets provide a useful basis for assessing where progress is being made and where further investment is required.