Whilst strictly not part of the Regional Agenda, Trans-European Networks impact on the whole domestic and international scene in that they are a relatively new aspect of grant aid though in this case with regard to transport matters. They are intended as primary route networks linking the different regions of member states and once designated, qualify for assistance in terms of both improvement and to offset the environmental issues arising out of such improvements. There are currently some 14 designated TENs in the first phase of the programme with others which are candidates for designation. The processes involved are basically that national governments agree which of a number of transport networks should be designated within their own country subject to criteria set at European level. These criteria are, in themselves, not particularly complex and basically require as a fundamental principle for TENs designation the need to improve infrastructure at a trans-national level.
TENs can either be road based or rail based.
In the U.K. there are two major road and rail TENs. Firstly there is the Scotland to Benelux route which basically includes the West Coast main line and the motorway corridor alongside it. This TEN is the subject of much debate and the sectors already designated include the A.55 road link from Chester to Holyhead and again the associated rail network branching off from the West Coast main line to follow the North Wales railway, again to the port at Holyhead. The debate is centred around the proposal to improve road links from the East Coast channel ports through eastern England and the Midlands and the environmental impact such improvements will have. Ancillary work can similarly be included in grant aid applications under the TENs programme, a recent example being the proposed creation of a multi- modal interchange at Birmingham International Airport associated with the upgrading of the Coventry to Birmingham spur of the West Coast Rail line.