The transition process between the Lisbon Agenda and the Europe 2000 strategy plans happens exactly in the time when Europe is undergoing its hardest economic crisis since its formation. The objective of getting out of the crisis together with the urgent need to remains performance in the context of fiercer world economic competition especially against the new emerging economies has made Europe's competitiveness and economic performance fundamental issues.

The White Paper (2011) has summarised the main objective of European transport strategy which is to help establish a system that underpins European economic progress, enhances competitiveness and offers high quality mobility services while using resources more efficiently. In this sense, it is essential then first to clarify the relationship between the transport sector, economic growth and competitiveness and second, to elaborate a working framework so that transport policy intervention can effectively improve European economic growth and competitiveness.