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    FIA European Bureau reaction to the publication of the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy

    09 December 2020

    In its Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy just released, the European Commission reemphasises the important role of mobility as an enabler of our economic and social life: it confirms its commitment to making mobility further sustainable towards the ambitious objectives set in the European Green Deal, while at the same time strengthening economic competitiveness and pursuing global technological leadership.

    The Strategy also emphasises the importance of availability and affordability of mobility for all, and of a socially fair and just transition on the way to reaching the environmental goals set by the European Union.

    “The proper functioning of the EU’s transport system is essential to its competitiveness and the quality of life of its citizens. The FIA European Bureau welcomes the endeavour to put citizens at the centre of concerns, designing and managing transport to their needs, and considering social, economic and environmental aspects in a balanced way” said Laurianne Krid, Director General FIA Region I.

    “To be truly sustainable, the implementation of the strategy must remain open to a wide approach and array of technology options, from cradle to grave and for both greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions. Within a planning scope reaching up to 2050, consumers must be empowered to independently verify the vehicles’ environmental performance beyond minimum legislative requirements, and the use of alternative fuels must be increasingly promoted, namely through the deployment of charging and fuelling infrastructure”, insisted Laurianne Krid.

    While the Strategy sets strong focus primarily on environmental sustainability, the FIA European Bureau urges the European Commission to increase efforts in making roads safe, as almost 23,000 people lost their lives on Europe’s roads in 2019. The European Union keeps lagging far behind the targets set a decennium ago, this despite all efforts and technology advances.

    “Road safety needs stronger commitment and leadership. This needs to be a top priority in any strategic mobility approach. Technology is not the silver bullet; road safety remains a concerted effort between vehicle technology, well-designed infrastructure, and well-trained and experienced drivers”, emphasised Laurianne Krid.

    With regard to the confirmed initiatives on access to car data and the common mobility data space, the FIA European Bureau welcomes the acknowledged crucial role granted to transport and mobility data as indispensable lever for developing sustainable and smart mobility.

    “Proposing a balanced framework guaranteeing fair and effective access to vehicle data by mobility service providers is essential for both competitiveness of the sector and its contribution to citizen’s quality of life”, concluded Laurianne Krid.

    About the FIA European Bureau

    The FIA European Bureau, based in Brussels, is a consumer body comprising 67 Mobility Clubs that represent over 36 million members from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The FIA represents the interests of our members as motorists, riders, pedestrians, and passengers. We work to ensure safe, affordable, clean, and efficient mobility for all. Learn more at www.fiaregion1.com