Output 1: Diagnostic Study

One major output of the Main Contract is the so-called ‘Diagnostic Study’, a comprehensive and action-oriented assessment of the Mediterranean transport system.

The Diagnostic Study was conducted in 2003-2004 (project years 1-2) as part of the Main Contract, with input from the Infrastructure Contract.

The final version was presented to the representatives of the MEDA and EU countries during the EuroMed Transport Forum 5 in December 2004.

Objectives  

In order to improve the overall efficiency of the transport sector in the region, the Diagnostic Study aims to:

• review the existing status of the Mediterranean transport system in terms of:
  - economic and market situation
  - legislation and regulatory conditions
  - norms and procedures
  - infrastructure capacity and links;
• analyse the various problems and challenges facing the transport sector;
• determine the corresponding requirements and actions needed for improving transport in the Mediterranean region.

Coverage

The Diagnostic Study covers all the relevant aspects of the transport sector, for all transport modes.

It focuses on the following topics (among others):

• policy, institutional and regulatory issues
• transport systems and infrastructure networks
• trade and economic integration
• technological and financial constraints
• international transport conventions

Structure

The Diagnostic Study consists of two parts:

• Part I - Regional Issues
  10 thematic modules: analysis of the regional transport system by mode or by cross-sector issues
  
• Part II – Country Issues
  12 country monographs: analysis of the transport system in each MEDA country

Methods

Research:

• review and assessment of existing studies and documents
• missions to MEDA countries (data collection, surveys, interviews)

Analysis:

• status description by sector and by mode of:
  - MEDA transport systems
  - traffic and travel flows
• evaluation in quantitative and qualitative terms of:
  - organisational and financial frameworks
  - policy measures and practices
  - infrastructure networks and capacities
• performance assessment against international and regional indicators
• identification of main bottlenecks and issues to be addressed
• definition of requirements and actions needed

Validation:

• active involvement of MEDA countries (Review Meetings)
• discussion with all project stakeholders