In a landmark accord, the EU Council and Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) guidelines. The revised regulation sets ambitious deadlines: a core network by 2030, an extended core by 2040, and a comprehensive network by 2050. The agreement introduces nine key European Transport Corridors and aims for a seamless, high-quality transport network. Member states must align their transport and investment plans with new sustainable connectivity priorities. These corridors are poised to form the backbone of a transport network that facilitates sustainable modes of movement, including rail, inland waterways, short-sea shipping routes, and roads, thereby connecting 424 major European cities more eco-efficiently.
Why you need to know this
Europe is overhauling its transport network, improving connections, boosting infrastructure, and reducing transport’s environmental impact.
The recent provisional agreement between the EU Council and Parliament on the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) signals a significant stride towards enhancing Europe’s transport infrastructure with a clear vision for the next three decades. Óscar Puente, the Spanish Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, hailed the consensus as “a milestone for better and sustainable connectivity in Europe,” affirming the commitment to a greener and more cohesive future.
Three-tiered completion deadlines
Under the provisional agreement, the TEN-T network will be developed in a layered approach with a series of completion deadlines. The core network, consisting of the most vital links, is slated for completion by 2030. An extended core network will follow by 2040, with the comprehensive network encompassing a wider range of connections due for completion by 2050. This structured timeline underscores the EU’s ambition to achieve a seamless and sustainable transport system.
An intermediary deadline of 2040 has also been introduced to expedite large-scale, mainly cross-border projects. These projects are critical in enhancing connectivity and have been recognized for their strategic importance to the European economy.
Revamping transport corridors
The agreement delineates nine ‘European Transport Corridors’, selected for their strategic importance to the continent’s sustainable and multimodal transport flows. The network revision extends four of these corridors to include Ukraine and Moldova, reflecting the EU’s commitment to better connectivity with these countries. In contrast, connections to Russia and Belarus have been downgraded in response to the current geopolitical climate.
Emphasis on rail and air connectivity
Rail infrastructure is set to form the bedrock of the future TEN-T network. Legislators have incorporated new requirements for the railway network, including deploying the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and facilitating 740-meter-long freight trains. These improvements aim to bolster the shift towards more sustainable transport modes.
Moreover, by the end of 2040, major European city airports, welcoming over 12 million passengers annually, are to be connected to the trans-European railway network, ensuring greater integration between modes of transport and enhancing traveller convenience.
Flexibility and coordination
The provisional agreement acknowledges the necessity for member states to have the flexibility to address road safety in a manner that suits local conditions. This consideration ensures that while the overarching goals are consistent across the EU, implementation can be adapted to meet specific regional needs.
Tasked with overseeing the alignment of decisions and actions, European Coordinators will continue to play a pivotal role in guiding the implementation of the TEN-T corridors and horizontal priorities. These coordinators will engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders to ensure the network’s completion is collaborative and inclusive.
Technical work continues
Post the provisional agreement, work on the revised regulation will carry on at a technical level. This phase is crucial for ironing out the finer details and ensuring that the legislative framework is robust enough to support the ambitious targets set for the network’s development.
The TEN-T is envisaged as an EU-wide network that not only promotes mobility but also drives economic growth and job creation. By connecting urban centers and regions, the network will play a key role in strengthening EU cohesion.
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