Transport Working Group

Chair: France

The first objective of the Transport Protocol of the Alpine Convention is "to pursue a sustainable transport policy which will reduce the negative effects of and risks posed by intra-Alpine and transalpine transport to a level which is not harmful to people, flora and fauna and their environments and habitats” (art. 1 (a)). "Promoting sustainable transport" is also one of the six priorities set in the Multiannual Work Programme 2017-2022 of the Alpine Convention, with the  aim of decoupling economic growth from an ever-increasing transport demand. 
 
The Transport Working Group was initially established elaborate and negotiate the Transport Protocol of the Alpine Convention, which was adopted in 2000. Since then, the Working Group continued its activities for more than 20 years, covering many different aspects and addressing the challenges to promote sustainable transportation of persons and goods in the Alps. 

In recent years, major areas of focus for the Working Group have been the analysis of daily mobility in the Alps after the pandemic; the evaluation of the potential of new technologies for the promotion of sustainable transport; the policies for sustainable mobility in the Alps; and an updated report on the status of application of the EuroVignette Directive in the Alpine perimeter. In addition to this, the Transport Working Group also regularly exchanges information with different bodies working on transport in the Alps, such as EUSALP AG4 and the Zurich Process. Cooperation with the latter has been deepened, and, in its 2023-24 mandate, the Transport Working Group will take up some of the tasks previously assigned to the EnvALP Working Group within the Zurich Process.

The XVII Alpine Conference held in October 2022 mandated the Transport Working Group with a new set of tasks, which mirror the most current and relevant fields of actions for sustainable transportation in the Alps. In particular, the Group will:

• Carry out an in-depth study of the connections between transport and regional development.
• Assess the necessary framework conditions for the creation of emission-free pilot routes for LGV, HGV, and buses, together with their relevant charging infrastructures.
• Assess the implementation of the energy transition in transalpine logistics.
• Assess the potential of combined transport for the modal shift in Alpine-crossing freight transport.

Contact: 
Michel Pinet, French Ministry for the Ecological Transition
michel.pinet@developpement-durable.gouv.fr