Activities of Vera TAX related to 2020/0035(COD)
Plenary speeches (1)
European Year of Rail (2021) (debate)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on a European Year of Rail (2021)
Amendments (18)
Amendment 33 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) The recent experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of rail as being a stable, safe and a more resilient transport mode for freight and passenger transport. This is largely based on the employees who continued working under difficult, dangerous and uncertain conditions to ensure that medical supplies and essential goods are transported across Europe.
Amendment 36 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) In line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, there is a need to transform the Union economy and to rethink policies, in particular in the field of transport and mobility, which implies accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart mobility. Transport accounts for a quarter of the Union’s greenhouse gas emissions, and still growing. To achieve climate neutrality, a 90% reduction in transport emissions is needed by 2050. Achieving sustainable, intermodal transport means putting users first and providing them with more affordable, accessible, healthier and cleaner alternatives to their current mobility habits encouraging those already using sustainable transport modes such as walking, cycling and public transport. Achieving sustainable transport means as well putting transport workers first who are essential workers and deliver quality transport services to the benefit of users only when quality working conditions are realized. The European Green Deal implies to accelerate the shift to sustainable and smart mobility to address these challenges. In particular, a substantial part of the 75% of inland freight carried today by road should shift onto rail and inland waterways.
Amendment 48 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) The COVID-19 pandemic has hit rail and the public transport sector exceptionally hard. The sector experienced an unprecedented decline in passenger numbers in international and long distant services as well as in regional, suburban and urban services. Despite the operational and financial constraints the sector maintained crucial connections for both people and the transport of essential goods. Rail and public transport play a key role in the economic recovery and are amongst the most sustainable transport means. Therefore the European Year of Rail should encourage citizens to use rail and public transport again.
Amendment 61 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) By connecting the Union’s main transport routes with its rural areas, regions, peripheral regions and territories, the rail sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion.
Amendment 79 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, including in respect of the need to minimise noise. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers, employees and businesses alike.
Amendment 82 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) To increase the usage of rail services a comprehensive strategy needs to include a door-to-door approach and thus the use of public transport.
Amendment 86 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 b (new)
Recital 7 b (new)
(7b) There were 979 railway companies employing over 660,000 people in the European Union in 20161a. Making the rail sector the third biggest employer of all modes of transport; in order to reach its full potential, it needs to diversify its workforce and attract women and young workers in particular. It is essential to deliver optimal transport services to the benefit of users, with rail employees enjoying quality working conditions; _________________ 1a European Commission (2019), Statistical Pocketbook: EU Transport in figures, p. 26-27.
Amendment 104 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) promote rail, including urban and suburban rail, as a sustainable, innovative and safe mode of transport, in particular by highlighting the role of rail and public transport as a game changer to help reaching the Union’s climate neutrality objective by 2050 and by reaching out to the wider public, especially youth;
Amendment 113 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) highlight the European, cross- border dimension of rail and its crucial role for sustainable tourism, that brings citizens closer together, allows them to explore the Union in all its diversity, fosters cohesion and contributes to integrate the Union internal market;
Amendment 122 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) enhance the contribution of rail to Union economy, industry and society, covering in particular aspects related to regional development, industrial competitiveness, sustainable tourism, innovation, social sustainable employment, education, youth and culture, and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities;
Amendment 143 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 a (new)
Article 2 a (new)
Article 2a Emphasise the importance of urban rail and public transport in urban areas that guarantee a sustainable first and last mile option for travellers and daily sustainable transport solutions for commuters.
Amendment 154 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) sharing experience and good practices of national, regional and local authorities, civil society, business, trade unions and schools on promoting the use of rail and public transport and on how to implement behavioural change at all levels;
Amendment 166 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Encourage and promote initiatives in the public and private sector to promote and facilitate better business-travel patterns and commuting by rail.;
Amendment 167 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Initiatives to simplify ticketing systems and carriage regulations;
Amendment 169 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 c (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Promote the attractiveness of the railway profession , promote equal pay at the same place, reconciliation of work and private life, career development, protection against abuse and fair conditions of service;
Amendment 171 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 d (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Cooperation with European rail museums and existing cultural events such as film festivals and art exhibitions;
Amendment 172 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 e (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 e (new)
1e. Campaigns to re-establish trust of citizens and passengers to use rail public passenger transport again.
Amendment 184 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
The Commission shall convene regular meetings of stakeholders, social partners and representatives of organisations or bodies active in the field of rail transport, including existing transnational networks and relevant NGOs, as well as of youth organisations and communities, to assist it in implementing the European Year at Union level.