Transport is globally one of the most fundamental sectors because it is directly associated with both the economy of a country at various levels and the quality of life of its citizens. Whilst, though, transport enables economic growth and development, it causes significant consumption of resources and environmental pollution (White Paper, 2011). As noted in the Green Paper (2007), the increased traffic in cities throughout Europe has resulted in chronic congestion, with many adverse consequences in terms of delays, noise and pollution. Every year nearly 100 billion euro, or 1% of the EU's GDP, are lost to the European economy as a result of this phenomenon. Further, air and noise pollution is getting worse by the year as urban traffic is responsible for 40% of the total CO2 emissions and 70% of the emissions of other pollutants. The number of road traffic accidents in urban areas is also growing each year, with one third involving fatalities (pedestrians and cyclists being the main victims).
Transport related challenges, similar to those described above are faced in Cyprus, as well. Especially, urban areas encounter increased congestion, road accidents, noise and air pollution. The transport sector contributes more than 25% to the greenhouse gas emissions. It is therefore evident that there is a strong and urgent need for structural changes in the transport sector, including policies in order to bring about a change in the existing culture of people towards sustainable mobility. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) has set as priority to resolve such transport-related problems and a relevant and foremost sustainable Centre of Excellence can play a pivotal and crucial role towards this direction. Further to the need for a more efficient land transport sector, Cyprus is a leading shipping and ship management Centre (with around 7% of the GDP share), hence Cyprus needs to make informed and balanced policy decisions to enhance the capabilities of its maritime infrastructure in order to continue providing a meaningful role in the international maritime arena. Based on the above considerations the new CoE is expected to have great impact in the Cypriot society.
Thus the overall project objectives achieved in the context of Phase I are the followings:
1. It has been developed a strong relationship between the partners in order to lay the foundation stone for the long-term joint venture in the case of success at Phase 2.
2. Stakeholders from the public and private sector, municipalities, SMEs and NGOs have been actively involved in the whole process via two open “Stakeholders meetings” and more than 20 specific meetings in their organisations. As a result, 6 organizations decided to become members of the CoE Business Hub with an annual fee based on a loyalty scheme and more than 15 provided a letter of support expressing their interest for Phase 2 project and the potential to become members of the Business Hub as well.
3. They have been developed relations with some MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region countries showed their strong interest and support to the project for Phase 2.
4. They have been developed relations with several related European organisations stating their support and interest for Project Phase 2.
5. They have been used several ways for the communication and dissemination of the project such as website, social media, international conference presentation, press releases and others.
6. It has been developed a comprehensive Business Plan based on the project’s work plan.
