An understanding of the relevant problems of the logistics industry is an important pre-condition to defining a new set of policy options for EU logistics in the mid- to long-term. Therefore, this report is chronologically structured. The problem base to be addressed for future logistics policy is based on currently observed and future problems.
Chapter 2 presents a complete statistical basis, which provides key parameters regarding the structure, costs, performance and added value of the EU logistics sector. The inventory of data is based on currently available sources. This chapter presents further evidence for the current problems within the European logistics sector. In addition, the recommendations are made with regard to the improvement of the collection of statistics on logistics within the EU.
Furthermore, the study identifies trends within external factors and business strategies. Illustrative scenarios are developed on the main trends which are expected to pose new challenges to the EU logistics system in the future (Chapter 3). This chapter builds on the earlier identified problems and presents the problems for the future, not tackled by the market itself.
With this background, the study brings together the problems identified and proposes follow-up policy options for FTLAP. An ex-ante assessment of these options is carried out. The current FTLAP actions are reviewed based on their relevance to the current and future outlook of the EU logistics sector (Chapter 4). The problem definition is built on the findings from Chapters 2 and 3.