Recommendations
The analysis has shown that there is a clear need for the European Commission to develop a new mid- to long-term logistics policy, focusing on the main problem areas of the logistics sector (rising costs, external effects and staffing). In developing the logistics policy it is recommended that specific actions from earlier action plans are redefined and coordinated within the new policy. New actions need to be further developed. For some of them, additional impact assessments are recommended. Furthermore, it is recommended that coherent and consistent monitoring of the logistic sector’s performance is introduced. This would allow both companies and policy-makers to follow the logistic sector’s performance and monitor its behaviour, which is particularly important when it comes to considering new policy options and actions. An improved information base on the state of the sector should allow for timely reactions to the sector’s (under) performance and help evaluate policy actions.