Policy considerations for a pandemic and other major crisis contingency plan for the European freight transport sector

Summary:

Set of conclusions adopted by the Council of the European Union adopted on 23 October 2020 concerning the development of a contingency plan for freight transport in the context of the COVID-19 (coronavirus)  pandemic.

Further information:

The Council calls on the European Commission to draw up a pandemic and other major crisis contingency plan for the European freight transport sector. Such a plan should include EU-level coordination measures and clear guidelines. The Council also encourages the Commission to extend the contingency plan to passenger transport and transport in general.

Other aspects mentioned include the EU's commitment to climate neutrality and the need to promote digitalisation of the transport sector. The Council invites the Commission to develop a specific framework for temporary state aid that would allow member states to act quickly to support the transport sector in pandemics and other major crisis situations.

These conclusions were discussed by Member State representatives on 21 October 2020.

Official

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 23/10/2020: Pandemic contingency plan for freight transport - Council adopts conclusions https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2020/10/23/pandemic-contingency-plan-for-freight-transport-council-adopts-conclusions/

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