Green Corridors

On 21 - 22 September 2011, Szczecin hosted an international conference on 'Green Corridors - Multimodal Sustainable Transport System'. Co-organised and hosted by Mr Cezary Grabarczyk, Minister of Infrastructure, Mr Stanisław Gawłowski, Minister of the Environment and Mr Olgierd Geblewicz, Marshall of the Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship, theeventgrouped representatives of the European Commission, EU member states' regional and national administrations, responsible for transport development, research communities and companies from the transport sector.

The conference experts unanimously agreed that green corridors require appropriately prepared transport infrastructure, both hubs and routes.

Presentations and opinions on green corridors and development directions of Europe's transport sector were in the main focus.

The green corridors concept originated in 2007 at a time when intensive works were in progress on a new transport policy and a revision of the TEN-T network. Currently, the TEN-T will comprise of complementary core and comprehensive networks. Within the core network, the Commission plans to develop those corridors that in their opinion will accelerate the TEN-T network implementation as said Mr Jean-Éric Paquet, Director of B Directorate, DG MOVE. Also, Mr. Zoltan Kazatsay, Deputy Director General, DG MOVE indicated that Europe cannot afford to slow down or limit the level of mobility in the EU. Mobility and freedom of movement are primary freedoms enjoyed bytheEU citizens. Certainly, the discussion within the Council and the European Parliament shall determine which elements of the network will ensure territorial, social and economic cohesion for the entire, unified Europe.

Transport infrastructure, including road infrastructure equipped with appropriate devices to limit the negative impact on the environment, lies at the foundation of sustainable development. S-3 express road, the most up- to- date eco-friendly solution in Europe and a road component of the Central European Transport Corridor may serve as an example.

Additional technologies are required which will allow for better management of cargo, information, modes of transport, and will facilitate the reduction of negative impact on people and the environment. Organizational and legal changes that will allow the carriers to provide their services at a higher standard and are more appropriate as for the customers' expectations, are also significant. Instruments for financing the new transport policy as proposed by the European Commission are such as to support the pragmatism inherent in transport infrastructure planning and not a "one-size jacket that fits all".