Introduction The European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) held its second Eastern European Chemical Logistics seminar, in Krakow, Poland on 26-27 April 2001. Like the successful initial meeting in Prague in June 1999, the Krakow seminar was organised to enable meaningful and mutually beneficial dialogue between the chemical logistics industries of Western and Eastern Europe. The European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), the European Chemical Transport Association (ECTA) and the Polish Chamber of the Chemical Industry (PIPC) co-operated with EPCA in the organisation of the event. The second Seminar on European Logistics and Transport had as its theme – “Breakthrough in European Chemical Transport : Efficiency, Innovation and Safety via Co-operation”. In introducing proceedings, the Chairman for the first day, Mr. Paul P. Evertse, Sourcing Manager Transportation EMEA, ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical and Chairman of the EPCA Logistics Committee, said that two of the key aims of the meeting were : • to raise awareness amongst Eastern European chemical producers and transporters of the safety and quality systems employed in Western Europe to ensure the safe and efficient transport of chemicals, and ​ • to update the industry on the measures being developed by the European Commission to create a Community-wide freight transport market which is fully liberalised, harmonised and integrated. The latter goal is particularly important for the 10 Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) which have applied for European Union membership. These nations are aligning their freight transport policies with the European model as part of the accession process. If alignment efforts are successful, it is envisaged that CEEC nations will be granted EU membership in the 2003-2005 time period. The Krakow seminar was attended by some 130 delegates from Poland and Western Europe. At the meeting the Polish representatives confirmed their commitment to full implementation of the regulatory regime governing freight transport developed by Brussels, as part of the drive for membership in an enlarged European Union. The Polish chemical producers and logistics service providers (LSP’s) also welcomed the opportunity to network with their counterparts from Western Europe, and to exchange ideas and practical experience.