Insight into €7.7 billion European transport funding

Horizon 2020, the 1690 European Commission proposal for a new Research & Innovation Framework Programme which comes into force in January 2014, will be the focus of attention at the TRA 2012 transport event being held in April in Athens. The transport component of Horizon 2020 is worth n7.7 billion. Delegates will be able to take part in a series of 13 strategic sessions covering all modes and tackling the entire spectrum of activities envisaged by the framework programme to achieve smart, green and integrated transport for Europe. The proposed transport funding represents a 67% increase on the current FP7 transport research budget. Targets include better mobility, less congestion, more safety and security, with a substantial reduction of traffic congestion, improvements in security and the mobility of people and freight, development and application of new concepts in freight transport and logistics, and reduction of accident rates and fatalities. The most important topic for TRA 2012 will be the creation of an integrated public policy that benefits both mobility and urban development.