There are some qualitative descriptions concerning transport and logistic sector related assumptions, which underlie the EU Reference scenario 2013. Until 2030 the most important are:
Fuel prices will increase;
In general, freight transport activity is closely following the GDP development, especially road transport;
The completion of the core network corridor until 2030 (and of the comprehensive network by 2050) will provide more adequate transport infrastructure which supports the concentration of trans-national traffic and long distance flows. These are expected to support the logistic functions and improve the intermodal integration of road, rail and inland waterways;
Until 2030, innovative information management systems will reduce time loss by road congestions;
Concerning rail and inland waterways activities, the completion of the TEN-T core and comprehensive network will have substantial positive effects, improving competitiveness of the modes. Especially inland waterway freight transport is expected to benefit from the improved network, as it will support logistics functions and intermodal integration.
The description of the EU Reference scenario 2013 (European Commission 2013a) does not reveal the specific quantitative assumptions which underlie the expected development of the logistics sector and the corresponding freight transport performance. In this respect it is not feasible to determine the impacts of any modifications within the reference (baseline) scenario to form the subsequent four scenarios and quantitatively assess them in terms of transport performance. Disregarding this, in the following an attempt is given to quantify the AAGR of the overall EU transport performance (measured in Gtkm) compared to the EU baseline scenario as a “best guess” based on our expertise.
In general, between 2030 and 2050 freight transport will increase at lower rates due to the GDP slowdown and the shift from economic activities towards services and limits to distant sourcing and off-shoring.