The March Green Mobility Magazine Soirée, hosted at the Press Club Brussels Europe, was an illuminating forum that brought together a distinguished panel of experts to delve into the complexities of the Just Transition within the European Union’s transportation landscape.
The panel, comprising Carlos Zorrinho, a Member of the European Parliament, Livia Spera, General Secretary of the European Transport Workers’ Federation, Lucien Mathieu, Cars Director at Transport & Environment; and Marc Billiet, Senior Adviser on EU Goods Transport at the International Road Transport Union, engaged in a comprehensive analysis of the social, political, and economic challenges intertwined with this transition.
Central to the discussions was the imperative need for a just green transition, with the panel emphasising the need to concurrently address the social dimensions of this transformative process alongside environmental objectives. The affordability challenges faced by consumers and road transport operators were of particular concern. The panellists explored potential solutions, including the prospect of introducing a social electric vehicle (EV) tariff akin to the one implemented in France, whilst select panellists advocated for a technology-neutral approach to decarbonisation in road transport.
Moreover, the ramifications of the transition on the industrial landscape were underscored, with approximately 20 million workers in the transport and mobility sectors poised to grapple with workforce reorganisation and the acquisition of new skill sets. This prompted contemplation on developing an industrial strategy attuned to the evolving employment dynamics in the sector.
"While electrification is undoubtedly an important element in the debate on greening mobility, we need to broaden its scope. Public transportation must be at the forefront of our efforts. It's the most effective way to combat transport poverty and guarantee accessible, sustainable travel for all. Unfortunately, austerity measures act as a barrier to achieving this goal. We need investment, not cutbacks, in public transport to build a transportation system that's both environmentally friendly and equitable." -
"More and easier accessible tools are need in commercial road transport to meet the ambitious EU decarbonisation targets in time. We need a fair and affordable green transition using all tech - battery electric and hydrogen alone will not get the job done"
The just transition with a special focus on smart mobility was the topic of my speech today at the Brussels Press Club. Thanks to the Green Mobility Magazine for Invitation. @PSnaEuropa pic.twitter.com/oMVsNeh1JB
— Carlos Zorrinho (@czorrinho) March 19, 2024
Driving a just transition?
— IRU (@the_IRU) March 20, 2024
Marc Billiet spoke about EU #decarbonisation targets at @ibexpub’s La Soirée yesterday @PressClubBXLEU.
We need a fair & affordable green transition using all tech - battery electric & hydrogen alone will not get the job done. pic.twitter.com/GHtJ1C1rIz
The discussions at the event underscored the intricate interplay between environmental imperatives and the need to ensure a fair and equitable transition. The panellists highlighted the necessity of a holistic approach, acknowledging the multi-faceted nature of the challenges. The debate displayed a commitment to balancing the imperatives of environmental sustainability with the pressing need to address the socio-economic repercussions of the transition.
Image: Carlos Zorrinho via Twitter / X
