AM-37-2 to R3: Shifting Europe's Transport Infrastructure Towards Sustainability and Justice: The European Rail Network at the Centre

Shifting EU Transport Policy to a Sustainable Model

Europe’s current transport model is unsustainable, unjust, and increasingly
incompatible with climate goals. The mass use of cars, proliferation of flights,
and the high cost of train journeys favour the wealthiest and exclude peripheral
areas, exacerbating mobility poverty. At the same time, large destructive
infrastructure projects are further increasing emissions, destroying habitats,
and undermining the goal of climate neutrality by 2050, while jeopardising
energy sovereignty, geopolitical autonomy, and security .

Increased aviation and road traffic produce high greenhouse gas emissions, as
well as noise and air pollution, that harm public health. Despite this,
subsidies are still flowing disproportionately toward aviation, with kerosene
still tax-free and touristification rising. Road traffic represents as much as
20% of Europe’s total emissions, but governments insist on expanding motorways,
inducing further demand, while online shopping and last-mile logistics add even
further pressure.

Relying on offsets, alternative fuels, or other techno-fixes distracts from a simple truth: green flying doesn’t exist. Aviation is inherently energy-intensive, and no fuel can make it energy-sober. In the crucial years ahead, we must reduce flying, not just rebrand it.

Europe’s infrastructure model remains based on the outdated belief that massive
road and port expansion drives economic growth. Human- and nature centred means
of transportation are overlooked and disregarded. The current model places
disproportionate pressure on cities and fragile ecosystems, particularly in
peripheral regions, where access to mobility, economic opportunities and social
services remains limited. Sustainable mobility should be seen as a meta-right,
necessary to exercise other rights, not an economic privilege.

If Europe continues this path, it will remain geopolitically fragile,
economically inefficient and socially unequal. It will be impossible to achieve
carbon neutrality by 2050, mitigate climate change and protect life on Earth. A
fundamental shift toward sustainable transport centred on rail is essential to
protect the planet, ensure energy independence, and guarantee fair mobility for
all citizens.