Acta Universitatis Danubius. Œconomica, Vol 7, No 3 (2011)

Abstract

This article explores the reasons that delayed the progress of the Common Transport Policy, underlying possible future developments. Even though Common Transport Policy (CTP) was mentioned in one of the founding treaties of EU, it laid still until the 1980s. The paper begins by presenting the importance of an open and efficient transport for a successful customs union, part of the most successful EU achievement- the single market. The article then analyses the successes of the CTP and its evolution since the signing of the Treaty of Rome. After outlining the progress made by the European Union towards its objective, the article highlights the reasons for which the Common Transport Policy laid dormant for almost two decades. As a sub-section, each means of transport is analysed with the successes and failures/problems. Finally, several salient issues that are addressed in the European Commission’s communication: A sustainable future for transport: Towards an integrated, technology-led and user-friendly system are underlined.