“It is essential that the main TEN-T network is developed in the coming 10 years because this will translate into 10 million jobs on a European level and a 1.8% GDP increase. On the initiatives to address the needs of passengers living in urban nodes, we would like to see better use of ‘Big Data’ to be used in ‘intelligent transport systems’ which would give an indication on the exact trip duration,” Transport Minister Joe Mizzi said.

The TTE (Transport) Council meeting was held in Luxembourg on 8 October. The Council held, inter alia, a policy debate on EU transport policy priorities and targets in the context of the 2011 Transport White Paper. The White Paper aims to build a competitive transport system, while significantly reducing Europe's dependence on oil and cutting greenhouse gas emissions in transport by 60% by 2050, compared to the 1990 levels.

Minister Mizzi remarked that by 2030, vehicles that run on conventional fuel should be reduced by 50%. However, Minister Mizzi noted that the cost of vehicles with no emissions is still prohibitive for consumers. The industries’ efforts to further reduce fuel expenses together with the development of new technologies including LNG, should have a positive impact and are invaluable in attaining a reduction in emissions.

On the maritime sector Mizzi highlighted that a lot of important results have been achieved on an international level, and such momentum needs to be maintained.

On the subject of active mobility (i.e. walking and cycling) and how this can be better integrated in the EU transport policy, Minister Mizzi commented on the specificity of each city which impacts directly urban mobility.  Malta supports the exchange of best practices and strongly believes that the EU should increase financial opportunities to support pilot projects of innovative mobility. 

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Joe Mizzi was accompanied by Ambassador Neil Kerr, Deputy Permanent Representative of Malta to the EU.