The European Commission has decided to award financial support to the 16 best projects submitted under the third call of the Marco Polo Programme.
These projects will result in an important transfer of freight off heavily congested roads to more environmentally-friendly modes of transport, such as short-sea shipping, rail and inland waterways. The financial support awarded to the 16 selected projects amounts to € 21.7 million.
Vice-President Jacques Barrot in charge of transport welcomed the Commission’s decision, stressing that “all supported projects will shift the balance between the transport modes, and thereby contribute to the sustainable development strategy of the European Union”.
The actions were submitted under the third call for proposals. An extensive evaluation has been carried-out, followed by a formal procedure involving both the Member States and the European Parliament, who fully endorsed the Commission’s shortlist of actions.