URBAN MOBILITY A NATIONAL COMPETENCE.

The member states' transport ministers do not intend to let the European Commission meddle in their urban mobility policies. They made this perfectly clear at the Transport Council, on 14 March. Asked to debate a communication on urban mobility presented by the Commission last December, the delegations unanimously held up the red card of subsidiarity on any steps to adopt EU legislative or regulatory measures. The needs and specific features of urban areas are so diverse in Europe that a 'one size fits all' approach is out of the question, noted the delegations. In other words, most decisions are taken at local and regional level and that must continue to be the rule. In fairness to the Commission, its communication does not suggest regulatory or legislative measures to improve urban mobility, but simply guidance documents, encouragement - possibly through the Structural Funds - and other support for sharing experience. During the debate, Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas noted that the Commission had no plans to present legislative proposals or to interfere in decisions by local authorities. The two sides clearly agree.