ESTA is appealing to its members and supporters to contact their MEPs to persuade them to attend the upcoming High-Level Debate in Brussels on the role of abnormal transport in delivering Europe’s green and military agenda.
The debate will in part focus on the need for Europe to develop abnormal transport corridors for both industrial as well as military use, an issue that has become more urgent since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
It is expected to take place on November 18 between 1500-1700 in room ASPSE3 in the European Parliament in Brussels.
ESTA Director Ton Klijn said: “This debate represents a unique attempt to ensure that Europe’s heavy and abnormal transport sector remains fully understood and a high priority for our political leaders.
“That is why we are keen to ensure that as many officials and politicians attend as possible, and we are calling on our members and friends to contact their own national Members of the European Parliament and make them aware of this important event.”
The debate will be hosted by Elżbieta Łukacijewska, a Polish MEP who serves on the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from experts about the role of abnormal transport in green investments and military mobility, the impact of abnormal transport on road infrastructure as well as about the existing barriers faced by the sector.
A panel discussion with decision makers and stakeholders will be followed by a Q&A session.
Ton Klijn continued: “We are very grateful to Elżbieta Łukacijewska for her support and making this happen. We are optimistic that this issue is gaining strong political support.
“The debate is part lobbying exercise and part detailed explanation of why the reforms currently on the table must not be overlooked and should be put into force as soon as possible.
“A critical point is that the development of dual use, pan-European heavy transport corridors for both military and industrial activities should complement the much-needed reforms of heavy and abnormal transport regulations contained in the planned revisions to the Weights and Dimensions directive.”
Any ESTA member – or member of an ESTA association – who wishes to attend in person should email estadebate@estaeurope.eu as soon as possible and specify if you need an entrance badge to the European Parliament.