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On 4 December, MEPs from the TRAN Committee received a presentation on the study analysing the expected impacts of the Fit for 55 legislation on connectivity and mobility in Europe. The study commissioned by the TRAN Committee and developed by Ecorys and CE Delft is based on a comprehensive review of eleven legislative texts in the package with a transport policy dimension.

Overall, the study acknowledges that the ‘Fit for 55’ Package will require coordinated policy efforts, substantial investments in infrastructure and careful consideration of the economic and social impacts to ensure equitable and efficient transitions in connectivity and mobility. Specifically for road transport, the adoption of zero- and low-emission Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDVs) will necessitate significant investment in dedicated recharging and refuelling infrastructure, coupled with subsidies schemes lowering the purchase price which will remain important for transport operators. In maritime transport, the inclusion of maritime emissions into the ETS would increase ship operation costs and freight rates, while evasion strategies may lead to EU ports losing traffic, connectivity and competitiveness. In air freight, the study underlined the crucial need for significant investment in SAF production and infrastructure.

The authors of the study recommend Member States to continue their support for the implementation of the legislation, with particular attention on comprehensive funding strategies that address the uneven distribution of transport impacts over time, space and demographic groups. It would be crucial to achieve the TEN-T and AFIR targets for charging infrastructure to support the decarbonisation of transport in the EU. Finally, they note that Member States should promote stronger global climate policies both for maritime and air transport to maintain EU competitiveness.

Source: European Parliament