The European Commission (EC) has set out its first goals under Horizon 2020, including a push for more efficient transport.

It has assigned a budget of €375 million for next year, which will back research to make vehicles, aircraft and marine transport smarter, cleaner, quieter and, where possible, more automated.

An EC spokesperson said: "One of the main objectives of Horizon 2020 in the field of transport is the deployment of innovative traffic management and information systems, advanced traveller services, efficient logistics and construction and maintenance technologies." 

Its first actions will support projects developing technology for very-low emission vehicles or vessels, cutting down on road congestion or improving smart mobility.

EC also wants to both cut down on the use of fossil fuels in transport and improve air quality. It states the sector makes up 63 per cent of all Europe's oil consumption and contributes 29 per cent of CO2 emissions.

Horizon 2020 is the EC's scheme to encourage research across a variety of sectors, with a partial focus on sustainability. In the first two years, it will provide over €15 billion (£12.6 billion) in funding.