ABSTRACT
Structural changes are taking place in the world economy, a major one being the process of increasing openness of the national economies. A closer look at the economies in the EU reveals that the growth of international trade expresses itself especially in the trade relationships within the EU. This strong growth in intra-EU trade implies an increase in the demand for the transport infrastructure serving long distance transport. This chapter discusses the contribution of roads to the productivity of the economies. The impact of roads on employment is analysed. Regional inequalities are highlighted. The chapter focuses on the economic importance of roads at the European level. Road construction in peripheral regions may lead to a spatial reorientation of employment and this might be beneficial for the peripheral regions in Europe, although higher accessibility may be a risk for regions that have little to offer on the European market.
