Mission & Aims

Mobility for Prosperity in Europe is a transport association which has been founded in 2005. It mainly works in Brussels led by its President, former MEP Ari Vatanen, in close cooperation with transport organisations and multinational companies.

Why is the association needed?

European transport policy is, even after certain improvements in a summer 2006 EU Commission review, distorted and largely ignores the needs of users. This leads to inefficiency and wasteful use scarce resources. Political dogmatism has so far prevented us from getting the best value for money and risks seriously undermining our future prosperity. Modal shift away from efficient and user-friendly modes and a futile attempt to decouple transport growth from economic growth are serious menaces to prosperity.

What do we want?

The time has come to change the false perceptions. We have to acknowledge the role of road and air transport as necessary and beneficial components of modern logistics. Now we must put welfare in the driver's seat!

European transport policy should:

  1. Decouple the harmful effects of transport from its growth rather than try to limit transports as long as they are efficient and non-subsidized.
  2. Admit that modal shift is not possible. Even doubling rail freight in Europe would hardly make a dent on the amount of transports by truck.
  3. Improve logistics and lower costs. Otherwise Europe cannot compete in the global market. Only by allowing modal choice to be market driven can this be ensured.
  4. Enhance the image of transports. Transports create jobs and allow us to enjoy much higher quality of life than otherwise. It is also essential to point out how much cleaner transports are nowadays. Much prejudice is based on old facts!

What does Mobility for Prosperity do to achieve its aims?

The association is a tool - almost a Swiss army knife! - of its Members, flexibly taking up issues important to them. The main types of actions include:

  1. Gathering the Members and other stakeholders to discuss logistical needs and how to coordinate efforts so as to reach the goals.
  2. Writing position papers and meeting decision makers especially in Brussels.
  3. Making an impact through the media, using articles and logistics events, so as to reach decision-makers and the general public. Myths need to be forcefully dispelled and pressure be created to achieve not only top-down but also bottom-up pressure for better policies.
  4. Building goodwill towards more and better investments in the transport sector
  5. Publishing research and presenting reports in events and on a home page.

Who are the Members?

The association intends to gather as many transport related-companies as possible as well as transport associations. The credibility of the association will further increase through the Membership of large companies, which make extensive use of transports in their operations. The needs of these companies need to be put on the forefront as they are the ones who create welfare and for whom a cost-efficient and optimally designed transport network is of utmost importance.

How is work organised?

The association has been registered in Paris and has been assured the cooperation of FFAC (a FIA Member association) especially so as to ensure a smooth start. A steering group has been established in Brussels so as to direct the work. The steering group consists of selected organisations that have an interest in making a concrete contribution to the work. For strategic decision-making aan Advisry Board is also being established. A yearly general meeting will also be arranged so as to enable the participation of all Members.