3. EU legal framework for the maritime transport
Transport is an essential component of the European economy. The transport industry at large accounts for about 7 % of GDP and for over 5 % of total employment in the EU. The present situation of the supply chain system in CEE area has been from manufacturer-led to retailer-led supply chains (from “push” to “pull” supply chain economics). Transport and logistics have relatively little effect on the global location of primary activities – the manufacture and sale of final products. This is determined by markets, labor conditions, financial incentives, and the social or cultural preferences of senior management. However they influence regional and local location decisions where site accessibility is a significant factor56.