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EVENT POSTPONED Media invitation: Fast track to improved mobility, competitiveness: EU road transport stakeholders join forces for strategic research agenda -

June 14, 2004

***PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED***


WHEN?
Monday 21 June 2004, 11:30-14:30

WHERE?
Belgian Road Research Centre
Fokkersdreef 21, Sterrebeek, Brussels
(ERTRAC Press bus will leave at 11:30 sharp from the European Commission Breydel Building, Av d'Auderghem, and return at 14:30)

WHAT?
Press briefing, launch of ERTRAC report Vision 2020 and challenges

WHO?
Philippe Busquin, EU Research Commissioner;
Claude Van Rooten, General Director of BRRC and Vice-President FEHRL;
Rudi Kunze, Chief Technical Officer Ford Europe and ERTRAC Chairman;
Wilhelm Bonse-Geuking, Vice President BP- Europe & President EUROPIA
Cllr Helen Holland, City of Bristol and POLIS board


On Monday 21 June 2004, the European Road Transport Research Advisory Committee will formally present its strategic paper "Vision 2020 and challenges" to Philippe Busquin, European Commissioner for Research and to the press. Building upon similar initiatives in the field of aeronautics (ACARE), rail transport (ERRAC), as well as the launch of European technology platforms in the areas of nanotechnology, steel, hydrogen, and chemical industries, the launch of ERTRAC platform has initiated an in-depth dialogue between the main European stakeholders in the road transport sector.

ERTRAC includes representatives from the road transport industry, road infrastructure, local and national governments, national and EU research organizations, NGOs, and the European Commission. ERTRAC's objectives are to define and implement a strategic research agenda for road transport in Europe over the next 20 years, in order to achieve a more sustainable, competitive and integrated transport system in Europe and meet the citizens' needs for better mobility & quality of life.

Following on the initial launch of ERTRAC in 2003, the main stakeholders of the road research sector have agreed on a joint vision for the future of European road transport. The Vision 2020 paper present the challenges which need to be addressed and outlines the stakeholders' commitment to reach common solutions by 2020. Key research priorities include
"¢Mobility of people, transport and goods: how to enhance mobility for all in an optimized and efficient seamless system?
"¢Safety and security: how to design a safe and secure road transport system for all users?
"¢Environment, energy and resources: how to make road transport system cleaner, quieter and more energy efficient?
"¢Design and production systems: how to ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of products and services?


OPORTUNITIES FOR THE PRESS

In addition to the presentations of the ERTRAC strategic paper Vision 2020 and challenges, and interventions by Commissioner Busquin and key road transport sector representatives, the programme will include visit to the laboratories and test sites of the Belgian Road Research Centre. It will also offer interview opportunities with senior policymakers and industry leaders and representatives of EU cities.

SCHEDULE

11:30
ERTRAC Press bus departs from Breydel Building

12:00
Welcome by Claude Van Rooten, General Director of BRRC and V-P of FEHRL

12:05
Presentations by Rudi Kunze, Chief Technical Officer Ford Europe and ERTRAC Chairman;
Wilhelm Bonse-Geuking, Vice President BP-Europe and President EUROPIA;
Cllr Helen Holland, City of Bristol and POLIS board;
Philippe Busquin, European Commissioner for Research

12:30
Question and answers

13h00
Visit of road safety labs and test-sites

13h30
Buffet lunch and interviews

14h30
Press bus returns to Breydel Building

European Commission, Research Directorate