EU 2025–2029: Position and strategy paper of the Federal Transport Division

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Preface

The Federal Transport Division of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber is the legal representative of the interests of all 43,000 Austrian transport and logistics companies. We represent the following sectors: Freight transport, railway, bus, taxi and hire car companies, aviation, shipping, cable cars, freight shipping and logistics, driving schools and garage and petrol station companies. The companies operate in all modes of transport and employ over 230,000 people in Austria. The gross value-added amounts to 19 billion euros annually.

The European transportation and logistics industry is facing profound economic, technological, and geopolitical upheavals. The geopolitical situation is more volatile than ever: the war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, attacks on global supply chains and trade routes, increasing geo-economic rivalries, and the growing use of trade and infrastructure as tools of geopolitical power are creating new uncertainties for the economy and transportation. At the same time, protectionist tendencies and industrial policy measures by major economic blocs are intensifying international competitive pressure on Europe.

As both the Letta Report on the Future of the Single Market and the Draghi Report on European Competitiveness highlight, Europe continues to suffer from fragmented regulations and technical standards, excessive bureaucracy and reporting requirements, high energy costs, labor and skilled worker shortages, deficits in digitalization and infrastructure, and dwindling industrial competitiveness. At the same time, the state-supported industrial and trade policies of other economic blocs - particularly China and, increasingly, the United States - are heightening the pressure on European companies.

Europe therefore needs a fresh start in economic and competition policy. Competitiveness, security of supply, strategic resilience, and the transition away from fossil fuels must be pursued as equally important priorities in the future. To ensure that European companies can continue to operate successfully, invest, and create jobs even in an increasingly uncertain global environment, European policymakers must create the necessary framework conditions.

Future & Strategy

This chapter of the transportation transport sector’s position and strategy paper addresses key areas of action at the EU level.

Infrastructure and Combined Transport

This chapter of the transportation transport sector’s position and strategy paper addresses the expansion of the Trans-European Transport Network and the coordination of construction projects on the rail network.

Weights & Dimensions

This chapter of the transportation transport sector’s position and strategy paper addresses the revision of the Directive on the weights and dimensions of road vehicles.

Harmonization & Digitalization

This chapter of the transportation transport sector’s position and strategy paper addresses harmonization and digitization in European transportation.

Driving Time and Rest Periods

This chapter of the transport sector’s position and strategy paper outlines approaches to alleviating the burden on the industry.

Reducing Administrative Burden

This chapter of the transport sector’s position and strategy paper outlines approaches to alleviating the burden on the industry.