Representing major EU players, the members of AEL are asking the new Commission and European Parliament to enable the logistics sector to fully contribute to the EU’s 2020 strategy prioritising the enforcement of the EU internal market.
“The free movement of goods is one of the main pillars of the foundation of the European Union. The logistics sector is essential to make this possible as it constitutes the backbone of Europe’s economy. Thus, we need to work more closely with EU policy-makers towards an integrated EU Policy Agenda,” explained Dr Frank Appel, member of AEL and CEO of Deutsche Post DHL. “If Europe wants to remain a competitive market, logistics must be at the top of the agenda”.
AEL’s Declaration specifically asks EU institutions to cut excessive red tape and ensure the proper enforcement of legislation. It also calls for a transport policy to be at the core of the EU agenda for the next five years recognising the need for flexibility and efficiency across all modes of transport.
“An efficient intermodal transport network is the key for Europe’s competitiveness. As funding is limited, infrastructure investments should be made according to objective criteria which are tailored to suit market needs. Through intelligent intermodal solutions, European industry and business will continue to invest in Europe which benefits our economy as a whole,” said Erich Staake, CEO of duisport.
MEP Ismail Ertug, S&D co-ordinator for the European Parliament’s Transport Committee, who hosted the launch event of AEL’s declaration highlighted that “logistics plays a critical role in Europe’s competitiveness, growth and sustainability. The highest degree of co-operation is certainly the way forward to guarantee a dynamic logistics sector that keeps our goods moving in an increasingly interconnected Europe”.