Green corridors in the transport policy of the Republic of Poland

In light of the systematically increasing flow of people and cargo, the importance of sustainable transport is growing. By 2050, freight and passenger transport is projected to increase by 80% compared to current levels in the EU. Efficient freight transport requires a multi-modal, integrated transport network based on modern and well-designed infrastructure, utilizing the latest technologies. The concept of green corridors addresses the needs for the effective implementation and development of intermodal transport. In the coming decade, Green Corridors will serve to achieve the transport policy goals set out in the White Paper, including: more efficient and environmentally friendly transport, without restricting the mobility of goods and services.The currently observed shift in transport routes towards connections with Asia and the weakening dynamics of transport on connections with North America justify the need to launch corridors in north-south relations that also include Polish ports.
The concept of green corridors in the new transport policy of the European Union
The EU enlargement has fully highlighted the differences in the development and state of transport infrastructure between the old member states and Central and Eastern Europe. One of the main goals in the EU development strategy is to reduce the development gap between regions; therefore, one of the main priorities of EU transport policy should be to foster actions aimed at expanding transport infrastructure in less developed areas.
In March 2011, the European Commission published a strategic document titled Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area – Towards a competitive and resource-efficient transport system. This document defines the framework conditions for European transport policy for the next decade. It is one of the most important elements of the “Europe 2020” strategy, the main goal of which is sustainable development based on the conservation of natural resources. Europe’s future prosperity depends on the possibility of full integration of all regions. Effective transport is an essential condition for this. Investments in transport infrastructure should be planned in a way that maximizes the positive impact on economic growth and minimizes negative environmental impacts. The White Paper assumes a fundamental change in the current way of implementing transport policy. An important aspect of this is reflecting the actual use of infrastructure. (…)

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