Modal shift and traffic avoidance
One of the main objectives of the EU transport policy is to stop growing congestion on Europe’s roads, which negatively affects competitiveness, safety and sustainability. With the Marco Polo programme the EU supports transport services which make better use of short sea shipping, rail and inland waterway. Subsidies focus on alternative solutions or avoidance of "long haul" road journeys.
≡ Marco Polo regulation
≡ Grants & programmes

Proposal for a European intermodal loading unit
In 2003, the European Commission proposed a framework Directive on the standardisation and harmonisation of intermodal loading units, including a European intermodal loading unit (EILU). The EILU should combine the benefits of swap bodies with ISO maritime containers, optimising loading space and stackability. The proposal has not been adopted. Meanwhile, the carriage of the 45ft pallet wide containers on Europe’s roads can be extended by Member States.
≡ Combined transport directive
≡ Proposal for directive on European Intermodal Loading Unit