"Mobility is essential for the free movement of European citizens and for economic development": it is up to Jacques Barrot, deputy president of the Commission and transport officer, to present the guidelines that have been adopted today "for the future EU policy" in this area. According to the Executive Commission, "mobility is essential for the prosperity of Europe and the free movement of people", but "its negative consequences in terms of energy consumption and environmental quality must be reduced". For this reason, new actions have been planned, in addition to those stated in the 2001 White Book, including: "Enhancement of railway and sea connections for long-distance freight; an integrated plan for the logistics of freight; intelligent transport systems for a more efficient and environmentally-compatible mobility". In addition, the Commission is going to open "a debate about how to change people’s mobility in urban areas" and what to do to increase safety as well as reduce the road toll. In addition, the possibility of introducing the so-called "intelligent tolls" and establishing a Road Safety Day from 2007 is getting stronger. Finally, according to the EU Commission, "the protection of the rights of the passengers" of public transport and airlines "must be improved".
