Major trends in EU transport network development under globalization conditions

Abstract

Introduction. During recent decades, the development of transport networks of many countries faced major shocks that have been caused by both external factors such as the impact of the economic crisis and internal - transport systems of most countries require capital changes according to the requirements of contemporary development of the world economy. Transport is  one of the most important sectors of the economy of any country. Particular importance the development of the transport sector has taken in European Unio. Its main objective is to ensure the free movement of goods, services and labor. The effective functioning of the transport network in each country of integration association and its involvement in European and global transport networks contribute to solving the major problems of our time and will increase international traffic. The level of development of the transport network is one of the most important indicators of economic integration of the EU in the global economy.

Purpose. The study aims to identify the main trends of EU transport networks and determine the basic problems that prevent the rapid integration of transport networks of member countries to the single European network.

Results. The basic directions of development of European transport networks are shown. The most important transportation corridors passing through the territory of the Member States are considered. The indicators of transportation of cargo by each mode of transport are analyzed. They are necessary for the formation for strategically important transport corridors. The peculiarities of the transport policy for each vehicle, which affect the development of transport networks in general are defined. The analysis has revealed correlation between economic development and the degree of involvement of the global economic system and the main indicators of transport networks. The means of intensification of integration processes within the EU are proposed. They have to involve all transportation networks to a single European transport network.