Spanish Transportation and EU Environmental Policies
Transportation in Spain: Characteristics
Physical Environment Challenges
- Steep slopes increase costs and reduce safety.
- Adverse weather conditions (frost, rain, snow, fog).
Transportation and Land Interaction
Transportation reflects spatial imbalances and influences regional development.
Network Structure
Spain’s radial network, centered in Madrid, presents regional density and quality imbalances.
Traffic and Freight
Road transport dominates due to cost and accessibility.
Decentralized Management
Autonomous Communities manage local transport, while the state oversees international and multi-regional transport.
Infrastructure Master Plan (IDP)
Aims to promote intermodality and recover degraded areas.
Integration with European Network
Focuses on trans-European networks and improved infrastructure in remote regions.
Environmental Impact
Environmental impact assessments are required for all projects to mitigate visual, acoustic, and air pollution.
Environmental State in the EU
Environmental Problems
- Air pollution in densely populated areas.
- Deforestation.
- Soil pollution and erosion in the Mediterranean.
- Pollution and overexploitation of rivers and aquifers.
- Seawater pollution.
- Increasing municipal solid waste.
Environmental Policy Actions
- Coordination of environmental policies.
- Conservation of natural areas.
- Prevention of degradation through environmental impact studies.
- Promulgation of environmental standards.
- Research programs for environmental protection.
- Rational use of resources.
- International action (Montreal and Kyoto Protocols).
- Granting of funds for environmental improvement.
EU Urban System
Major Axes
- Large Dorsal: Extends from SE England to NW Italy, including London-Paris-Brussels.
- Mediterranean Axis: Along the coast, including Madrid and Barcelona.
- Atlantic Axis: From W Britain to Portugal, including Cantabria and Galicia.
Inland Areas
Inland Spain and France have less dynamic cities, with some exceptions like Toulouse and Valladolid.
Southern Suburbs
Less developed areas in the Mediterranean peninsulas, with crowded cities and a narrow industrial base.
The EU invests in transport and communication to integrate the urban system and strengthen peripheral cities.