Digital revolution in transport

On Thursday 29 October 2020, the German presidency of the EU Council organised a videoconference of EU transport ministers on “Harnessing the digital revolution to make the mobility of the future sustainable, safe, secure and efficient”. The Passau Declaration on digitalisation of transport was adopted during the meeting. The informal videoconference took place in view of the anticipated European Commission’s strategy for sustainable and smart mobility, which is expected to be published on 9 December 2020. This new White Paper for transport will set new goals and priorities in this sector on EU level for upcoming years.

During the meeting, the EU ministers agreed that digitalisation would provide for more efficient and secure transport. During his appearance, the minister of transport Karel Havlíček supported the Passau Declaration and highlighted some of the ongoing Czech initiatives concerning the digitalisation of transport. As an example, he mentioned the use of an interactive digital map for statistical evaluation of traffic accidents or C-Roads platform for use of cooperative intelligent transport systems (C-ITS). These systems enable digital connectivity between vehicles as well as between vehicles and transport infrastructure. The aim is to improve road safety and traffic efficiency. The minister also welcomed the initiative to share data throughout Europe and pointed out that it is important to ensure the basic principles, i.e. sharing on voluntary basis and protection of data.

The Passau Declaration is available for download below.