.:: Corte ::.

CORTE and the Slovenian Presidency

'During its European Council Presidency in the first half of 2008, Slovenia targets numerous issues in road transport which shape the current and future policy within the sector. Improving road transport safety is not only of high relevance for Slovenia, but for the entire European Union.

The status quo is far from what we aim for - a vast majority of the Member States records a rate of death injuries of over 10%, a figure which we saw increase again in 2007. We need to reach better results starting from legislation, through coordinated action and with a strongly proactive approach of all stakeholders.

Our ambitious goal of a 50% decrease of death injuries by 2010 is not an end in itself. Just the opposite, it is a means to improve the living conditions and protection of citizens and a much needed stimulus for technological advance. I am confident that CORTE will make its contribution towards the common goals in Europe today, and tomorrow.'

Ervin Tom�ic

Member of the CORTE Board of Directors

Representative of the Slovenian Transport Inspectorate

CORTE gathers and coordinates expertise on issues connected to road transport at the European level, ensuring that the voice of its members is heard by the EU institutions and other stakeholders. At the same time, we provide a platform for exchange of good practice and harmonized implementation of road transport legislation, including goods and passenger transport.

Our objectives are as follows:

Provide expert advice in the area of European road transport legislation;
Develop and agree common interpretation in the field of European road transport legislation and enforcement;
Develop harmonized best practice enforcement methodology;
Collaborate actively and to provide a platform for discussions with international organisations, public authorities, national and international institutions (including consultation with the road transport industry, vehicle and equipment manufacturers, drivers' associations and lobbying organisations) with the aim to promote road safety.

In the past year, CORTE succeeded in reaching its objectives in various areas, including many structural changes. To mention just a few, which we are mostly proud of the following:

Our membership has continued to grow, reaching 53 members

We have increased our activities in other associations in the field of road transport and connected to international organisations, such as WHO, ITF, EIB, UNECE

We have kicked-off numerous projects (which you can find on this website) and together with your partner organisations, we have submitted further ones

We have supported the European Commission in their efforts to provide guidance on harmonized interpretation of transport legislature in the Member States

We have initiated a quality certification procedure, including an elaboration of corporate governance rules, making our work more transparent and efficient

New statutes for the organisation were approved, adapting our structures to the growing size of our membership and activities

You can find this and more information in the CORTE Annual Report 2007, which can be downloaded here. For any enquiries, our secretariat remains at your disposal.