Transport (including aeronautics)

Welcome to the UK National Contact Point service offered by UK Government to applicants to the Transport Theme.

Objective

Based on technological and operational advances and on the European transport policy:

• To develop integrated, safer, “greener” and “smarter” pan-European transport systems for the benefit of all citizens and society and climate policy, respecting the environment and natural resources; and


• To secure and further develop the competitiveness attained by the European industries in the global market.

Transport policy objectives are set out in the White Paper on Transport “European Transport Policy for 2010: Time to decide” and its Mid-term review. In the 2007 Spring Council the EU agreed on targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% until 2020, to reduce energy consumption and on binding targets for biofuels. The interdependency between transport and other European policies means that research that supports transport policy spans eight Thematic Priorities in the Cooperation Programme and a total of Seven calls during 2008. It is now complemented by a number of other European Programmes.

Industrial competitiveness issues are based on the work of the Technology Platforms set up in the Transport sectors (ACARE for aeronautics and air transport, ERRAC for rail transport, ERTRAC for road transport, WATERBORNE for waterborne transport, FCH for fuel cells and hydrogen), which have set out long-term visions and strategic research agendas.

The Transport theme takes a holistic “transport systems” approach in addressing the challenges, by considering the interactions of vehicles or vessels, networks or infrastructures and the use of transport services. Such an approach will necessitate the integration of new concepts, knowledge and technologies within a socio-economic and policy context.

The Transport theme is divided into 3 sub-themes:

AERONAUTICS and AIR TRANSPORT, managed by both the Directorate General for Research and the Directorate General for Transport and Energy. Each DG manages its own Calls which are complemented by a Call covering horizontal activities relevant to all transport modes focused on major EU policy drivers.

SUSTAINABLE SURFACE TRANSPORT, managed by both the Directorate General for Research and the Directorate General for Transport and Energy. Each DG manages its own Calls which are complemented by a Call covering horizontal activities relevant to all transport modes focused on major EU policy drivers.

GALILEO managed by the GNSS Supervisory Authority.