The activities are concentrated on technical assistance, exchange of best practices and training, according to a work plan developed by the contractor in close cooperation with the partner countries and the contracting authority. A combination of regional and bilateral activities is carried out. Below an overview of areas to be covered and related actions.

Harmonisation in the Road Transport sector Component 1

Component 1 supports the development of safe, efficient and cross-border road freight transport by helping partner countries to implement RTAP (2014-2020) Actions 8, 9 and 10 as well as RTAP (2021-2027) RTAP Actions 15 and 16. It consists of provision of technical assistance, exchange of best practices, training and analytical work as detailed by the Contractor in close cooperation with the Partner countries and the Contracting Authority. Activities have been fine-tuned during the inception period and respective formulation missions/meetings and communications with the National Coordinators and other national key stakeholders. Component 1 is deployed around two sub-components:

Sub-component 1A: International land transport haulage (linked to 2014-2020 RTAP Actions 8 and 9 as well as 2021-2027 RTAP Actions 15 and 16)

This sub-component assists EuroMed Partner countries accede to and implementing the UNECE transport Agreements and Conventions (hereafter called as Legal instruments) to facilitate regional trade as well as exchanges with Europe. This activity is the continuation of the work done under EuroMed RRU Project, with emphasis placed on the importance of these legal instruments; support accession and implementation; encourage and support participation to selected UNECE meetings and organize of study tour(s) of good practices.

Sub-component 1B: Efficient and safe land transport systems (linked to 2014-2020 RTAP Actions 8, 9 and 10 as well as 2021-2027 RTAP Actions 15, 16 and 17)

This sub-component is about helping EuroMed Partner countries implement the road related aspects of RTAP Action 8 and 10: safety and professionalism of the road freight transport sector. It is referring to assisting regulatory reforms and convergence, promoting cross-border transport and international haulage in the region. It is also aimed at defining relevant National Strategies capable of improving land transport as a whole.

Urban Transport Component 2

Component 2 aims at helping Partner countries implement the 1014-2020 RTAP Action 11 and now RTAP 2021-2027 Action 18 on urban transport, notably the development of efficient public transport solutions through maximising accessibility and quality of life of urban areas and assure high-quality and sustainable mobility for passenger and trade, through and within the urban area. Component 2 is also deployed around two sub-components:

Sub-component 2A: Participation in CIVITAS network and promotion of the measures of the EU Action Plan on Urban Mobility (The New Urban Mobility Framework, since December 2021)

Urban areas are characterized by a relatively high percentage of CO2 emissions, a relatively high percentage of road accidents as well as GDP loss because of urban congestion. Therefore, it is a real challenge to maintain and improve an effective and efficient urban transport system that meets the needs of citizens, businesses and industry. The EU Action Plan on Urban Mobility and the CIVITAS initiative support overcoming of these challenges. The present Component will provide TA and support the South Mediterranean countries extend where possible these EU initiatives and their principles. It will also provide organization of workshops, events and TA missions. When relevant, medium size cities should be targeted in Partner countries as they benefit less from EC and international support compared to capital cities.

Sub-component 2B: Support to improving efficient fleet management

This sub-component addresses an issue which involves both the local authorities and the service providers themselves. It aims at helping local authorities and public transport operators improve urban transport by making better use of existing infrastructure and equipment and by advising on the investment in any new one. Assistance is provided to increase the capacity of efficient fleet management, especially for bus and taxi companies. These companies will be supported to implement innovative systems which will enhance the quality of the services offered to the population.

Other RTAP activities Component 3

The project offers partner countries the possibility to request technical assistance activities in any other domain covered by the RTAP, for as long as those activities are or will not already be covered by another EuroMed Transport technical assistance project. The EuroMed National Coordinators will have the responsibility to propose activities and draft basic ToR for them. The project will respond to those demands with the availability of resources, taking into account in particular the quality of the projects (relevance to the RTAP, possible impact vs resources required) and the clearly demonstrated commitment of the partner country to the proposed action and its follow-up.

Regional supportive activities Component 4

The project seeks to create awareness around its activities among relevant stakeholders in partner countries and in Europe. Note that all Communication activities, as well as training programmes, booklets and other material including the website, are made available both in French as in English. Where necessary translations can also be made in Arabic.

Sub-component 4A: Communication

The project seeks to create awareness around its activities among relevant stakeholders in partner countries and in Europe. All Communication activities, as well as training programmes, booklets and other material including the website, will be made available both in French as in English. Where necessary translations can also be made in Arabic: production of brochures, leaflets and any communication documents deemed necessary, participation in or organisation of specific events, creation and maintenance of a project website.

Sub-component 4B: Support to the EuroMed Transport Forum

The implementation of the project is being followed-up in the framework of the EuroMed Transport Forum and more specifically the working group on infrastructure and land transport. The project supports the activities of this working group and upon request take charge of the organisation of such meetings. The programme is also in charge of monitoring the implementation and progress on all relevant RTAP actions.