Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network
Date: 2011-10-19
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: Community trunk route, air transport, cross-border cooperation, inland waterway, intelligent transport system, intra-EU transport, rail transport, road transport, trans-European network, transport infrastructure, transport network, transport planning

EUROPEAN COMMISSION 

Brussels, 6.2.2012  
COM(2011) 650 final/3 

CORRIGENDUM: 
Annule et remplace le document COM(2011)650 final/2 du 19.12.2011 (UNIQUEMENT 
acte) 
Concerne les références croisées dans la page de couverture de toutes les versions 
linguistiques 

Proposal for a 

REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL 

on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network  

(Text with EEA relevance) 

{SEC(2011) 1212 final} 
{SEC(2011) 1213 final} 

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EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

1. 

CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL 

1.1. 

Background and objectives 

Since  the  mid  80ies  the  Trans-European  transport  network  (TEN-T)  policy  has  been  setting 
the policy framework for the development of infrastructure for the smooth functioning of the 
internal  market  and  for  ensuring  economic,  social  and  territorial  cohesion  and  improved 
accessibility across the EU. This led in 1992 to the inclusion of a specific legal basis for trans-
European networks in the Maastricht Treaty and in 1994, at the European Council in Essen, to 
the adoption of a list of 14 major projects. 

In  1996  the  European  Parliament  and  the  Council  adopted  the  first  Guidelines  defining  the 
TEN-T policy and infrastructure planning1. There was a major revision of the Guidelines in 
2004,  taking  into  account  EU  enlargement  and  the  expected  changes  in  traffic  flows2. 
Furthermore, the list of 14 priority projects was extended. 

Several  financial  and  non-financial  instruments  have  been  set  up  to  facilitate  the 
implementation  of  projects.  These  instruments  include  the  TEN  Financial  Regulation3,  the 
Cohesion  Fund,  the  European  Regional  Development  Fund  (ERDF)  and  loans  from  the 
European Investment Bank, along with coordination initiatives by the Commission. 

In 2010, in the interest of clarity, the European Parliament and the Council adopted Decision 
No 661/2010/EU, a recast of the TEN-T Guidelines4. 

To  date,  transport  infrastructure  as  such  is  well-developed  within  the  European  Union. 
However, it is still fragmented, both geographically and between and within transport modes. 
The  main  objective  of  these  new  Guidelines,  which  will  replace  Decision  661/2010,  is  to 
establish  a  complete  and  integrated  trans-European  transport  network,  covering  all  Member 
States  and  regions  and  providing  the  basis  for  the  balanced  development  of  all  transport 
modes in order to facilitate their respective advantages, thereby maximising the value added 
for Europe of the network. 

In  the  light  of  the  challenges  for  the  TEN-T  policy,  also  identified  by  the  White  Paper 
'Roadmap  to  a  Single  European  Transport  Area  –  Towards  a  competitive  and  resource 
efficient  transport  system5  ("the  White  Paper"),  these  Guidelines  will  define  a  long-term 
strategy for the TEN-T policy up to 2030/2050. 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Decision No 1692/96 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 1996 on Community 
guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, OJ L 228, 9.9.1996, p. 1. 
Decision No 884/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 amending 
Decision  No  1692/96/EC  on  Community  guidelines  for  the  development  of  the  trans-European 
transport network, OJ L 201, 7.6.2004, p. 1. 
Regulation (EC) No 680/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2007 laying 
down general rules for the granting of Community financial aid in the field of trans-European transport 
and energy networks, OJ L 162, 22.6.2007, p. 1. 
Decision  No  661/2010/EU  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  7  July  2010  on  Union 
Guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network (recast), OJ L L 204, 5.8.2010, 
p. 1.  
COM(2011) 144. 

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1.2. 

Issues addressed 

Five main problems need to be tackled at EU level: 

First,  missing  links,  in  particular  at  cross-border  sections,  are  a  major  obstacle  to  the  free 
movement  of  goods  and  passengers  within  and  between  the  Member  States  and  with  its 
neighbours. 

Second,  there  is  a  considerable  and  enduring  disparity  in  quality  and  availibility  of 
infrastructure between and within the Member States (bottlenecks). In particular the east-west 
connections require improvement, through the creation of new transport infrastructure and/or 
maintenance, rehabilitation or upgrading of existing infrastructure. 

Third, transport infrastructure between the transport modes is fragmented. As regards making 
multi-modal connections, many of Europe's freight terminals, passenger stations, inland ports, 
maritime ports, airports and urban nodes are not up to the task. Since these nodes lack multi-
modal capacity, the potential of multi-modal transport and its ability to remove infrastructure 
bottlenecks and to bridge missing links is insufficiently exploited. 

Fourth,  investments  in  transport  infrastructures  should  contribute  to  achieve  the  goals  of 
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in transport by 60% by 2050. 

Finally,  Member  States  still  maintain  different  operational  rules  and  requirements,  in 
particular in the field of interoperability, which add to the transport infrastructure barriers and 
bottlenecks. 

1.3. 

Fields of action 

This  proposal  aims  to  establish  and  develop  a  complete  TEN-T,  consisting  of  infrastructure 
for railways, inland waterways, roads, maritime and air transport, thereby ensuring the smooth 
functioning of the internal market and strengthening economic and social cohesion. 

To achieve these objectives, the first field of action is "conceptual planning". Based on input 
from a public consultation of stakeholders, the Commission concluded that the TEN-T could 
be best developed through a dual-layer approach, consisting of a comprehensive network and 
a core network. 

The  comprehensive  network  constitutes  the  basic  layer  of  the  TEN-T.  It  consists  of  all 
existing  and  planned  infrastructure  meeting  the  requirements  of  the  Guidelines.  The 
comprehensive network is to be in place by 31 December 2050 at the latest. 

The core network overlays the comprehensive network and consists of its strategically most 
important  parts.  It  constitutes  the  backbone  of  the  multi-modal  mobility  network.  It 
concentrates  on  those  components  of  TEN-T  with  the  highest  European  added  value:  cross 
border  missing  links,  key  bottlenecks  and  multi-modal  nodes.  The  core  network  is  to  be  in 
place by 31 December 2030 at the latest. 

The  second  field  of  action  concerns  the  implementation  instruments.  The  Commission  has 
developed  the  concept  of  core  network  corridors,  taking  due  account  of  the  rail  freight 

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corridors6.  These  corridors  will  provide  the  framework  instrument  for  the  coordinated 
implementation  of  the  core  network.  In  terms  of  scope,  the  core  network  corridors  will  in 
principle cover three transport modes and cross at least three Member States. If possible, they 
should  establish  a  connection  with  a  maritime  port.  In  terms  of  activities,  the  core  network 
corridors  will  provide  a  platform  for  capacity  management,  investments,  building  and 
coordinating  multi-modal 
traffic 
management systems. 

transhipment  facilities,  and  deploying 

interoperable 

1.4. 

Consistency with other EU policies and objectives 

The  proposal  fits  within  the  policy  announced  by  the  Commission  in  the  White  Paper.  It  is 
explicitly mentioned as part of Initiative 34 concerning the core network of strategic European 
infrastructure7. 

In particular, these Guidelines follow the strategy set out in the White Paper: to remove major 
barriers and bottlenecks in key areas of transport infrastructure. The aim is to create a Single 
European  Transport  Area  with  better  transport  services  and  a  fully  integrated  transport 
network.  This  will  link  the  different  modes  and  bring  about  a  profound  shift  in  transport 
patterns  for  passengers  and  freight.  This  shift  is  necessary  to  meet  the  aim  of  cutting 
greenhouse gas emissions from transport by 60% by 2050. 

Without  the  support  of  an  adequate  network  and  a  smarter  approach  to  using  it,  no  major 
change in transport will be possible. Infrastructure planning and development are considered 
essential in order to develop a sustainable transport system. 

The  proposal  will  also  contribute  to  the  policy  goals  outlined  in  the  Commission's 
communication  "A  Digital  Agenda  for  Europe"8  by  supporting  the  implementation  of 
intelligent transport systems. It also is one of the measures of the Single Market Act proposed 
by  the  Commission  in  April  20119  as  the  networks  are  the  backbone  of  the  internal  market 
and play a key role in encouraging the fluid and efficient circulation of goods and services. 

Furthermore,  promoting  sustainable  transport  has  been  identified  as  one  of  the  means  for 
achieving  one  of  the  three  key  priorities  of  the  Europe  2020  strategy  for  smart,  sustainable 
and  inclusive  growth  adopted  by  the  Commission  on  3  March  201010,  namely  sustainable 
growth, by addressing critical bottlenecks, in particular cross border sections and intermodal 
nodes (cities, ports, logistic platforms).  

Moreover, the proposal contributes to the strengthening of territorial cohesion of EU territory 
- which is one of EU objectives - together with economic and social cohesion. 

6 

7 

8 
9 
10 

Regulation  (EU)  No  913/2010  of  22  September  2010  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council 
concerning a European rail network for competitive freight, OJ L 276, 20.10.2010, p. 22.  
See section 3.1: "Transport infrastructure: territorial cohesion and economic growth" of Annex 1 to the 
White Paper. 
COM(2010) 245 final/2. 
COM(2011) 206 final. 
COM(2010) 2020 final. 

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2. 

RESULTS  OF  CONSULTATIONS  WITH  INTERESTED  PARTIES  AND 
IMPACT ASSESSMENTS 

2.1. 

Consultation of interested parties 

The  Commission  carried  out  a  wide  and  intensive  public  stakeholder  consultation  from 
February 2009 to June 2010. 

The  Commission  launched  the  consultation  process  with  the  adoption  of  a  Green  Paper.  It 
opened the debate on key challenges and objectives for TEN-T policy and possible ways to 
meet them11. 

Building  on  the  contributions  from  stakeholders,  the Commission set  up  six Expert Groups, 
which between November 2009 and April 2010 analysed a number of key aspects of future 
TEN-T development12. The Expert Groups' recommendations were included in a Commission 
Working Document presented for public consultation on 4 May 201013. 

These public consultations attracted more than 530 contributions in total. A large majority of 
contributors  supported  the  option  of  a  new  dual-layer  approach  to  TEN-T  planning,  with  a 
comprehensive network as the basic layer and a core network consisting of the strategically 
most important parts of the TEN-T. 

In  October  2009  and  in  June  2010  ministerial  and  stakeholder  conferences  were  held  in 
Naples and Zaragoza respectively. 

In February 2011, the Commission presented to the Council and European Parliament a Staff 
Working  Document14  that  further  developed  the  methodology  and  the  planning  and 
implementation scenarios. 

2.2. 

Collection and use of expertise 

In  addition  to  the  public  stakeholders  consultation,  the  Commission  has  been  in  continuous 
contact  with  Member  States  through  the  committee  for  monitoring  the  Guidelines  and 
exchanging information, set up by Decision No 1692/96/EC. Through this committee, which 
has been meeting on a monthly basis since 2010, the Member States were informed about the 
progress and content of the revision process. 

Furthermore, the Commission services organised several rounds of bi-lateral and multi-lateral 
meetings  with  Member  States,  to  discuss  in  detail  the  development  of  the  comprehensive 
network and to present the main features of the core network. 

11 

12 

13 
14 

"TEN-T: A policy review. Towards a better integrated trans-European transport network at the service 
of the Common Transport Policy", COM (2009) 44 final. 
The fields covered by the expert groups are: the structure of a comprehensive and core network and the 
methodology  for  TEN-T  planning,  integration  of  transport  policy  into  TEN-T  planning,  intelligent 
transport systems and new technologies within the framework of the TEN-T, TEN-T and connections 
outside the EU, TEN-T financing, TEN-T legal and non-financial aspects. 
Consultation on the future trans-European transport network policy", COM(2010) 212 final. 
"The  New  Trans-European  Transport  Network  Policy.  Planning  and  implementation  issues", 
SEC(2011) 101. 

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Contacts with individual interested parties have been established through separate meetings, 
at  conferences  and  through  the  EU  Coordinators  at  meetings  of  their  respective  Priority 
Projects. 

2.3. 

Impact Assessment 

The  Impact  Assessment  identifies  four  specific  objectives  for  adressing  the  problem  of  a 
fragmented network. 

To enhance coordination in EU planning, the first specific objective is to : 

– 

Define a coherent and transparent approach to maximise the EU added value of the 
TEN-T,  addressing  aspects  of  network  fragmentation  linked  to  missing  links, 
multimodality, and adequate connections to neighbouring and third countries, as well 
as to ensure adequate geographical coverage. 

With  a  view  to  designing  a  sound  governance  structure  to  secure  implementation  of  an 
optimal network configuration, the other three specific objectives are to: 

– 

– 

– 

Foster the implementation of European standards for management systems and push 
for the development of harmonised operational rules for TEN-T projects of common 
interest. This objective does not aim to impose new specific standards and rules, but 
rather  to  ensure  the  effective  adoption  and  implementation  of  common  European 
standards already developed. 

Enhance Member States cooperation in order to coordinate investments, timing, the 
choice  of  routes,  and  environmental  and  cost-benefit  assessments  for  projects  of 
common interest. 

Ensure that the optimal network configuration is a key element in the allocation of 
EU  funding  allowing  for  a  focus  on  cross-border  sections,  missing  links  and 
bottlenecks.  

Two policy options were the result: 

– 

– 

Option 1, combining a planning approach largely based on the current policy, though 
with  certain  amendments  in  the  light  of  the  experience  gained,  with  a  reinforced 
coordination approach to implementation; 

Option  2,  combining  a  stronger  approach  to  planning  coordination,  through 
identification  of  an  optimised  configuration  for  the  strategic  "core"  of  the  TEN-T, 
with the same reinforced coordination approach to implementation. 

Each  option  would  bring  significant  improvements  when  compared  to  the  baseline  policy 
approach, both in terms of effectiveness in implementation and in terms of economic, social 
and environmental impacts. Option 2, due to the stronger coordination at both planning and 
implementation levels, would have an overall higher positive impact. 

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2.4.  Methodology for the design of the core network 

The core network design as included in this proposal is the outcome of a commonly agreed 
methodology. It has been designed in accordance with the following two-step methodology.15  

The first step was the identification of main nodes: 

– 

– 

– 

Urban  main  nodes,  comprising  all  Member  States'  capitals,  all  "MEGA"  cities 
according to ESPON and all other large urban areas or conurbations, including their 
entire relevant multimodal infrastructure as far as part of the comprehensive network; 
in total 83 urban nodes have been identified and are listed in annex to the Guidelines; 
the  ports  and  airports  directly  belonging  to  the  urban  node  are  part  of  the  core 
network; 

Outside  these  urban  main  nodes,  ports  which  exceed  a  certain  volume  threshold  or 
fulfil  certain  geographical  criteria;  in  total,  83  ports  are  listed  in  annex  to  the 
Guidelines; 

The most relevant border crossing points: one per mode between each Member State 
and each neighbouring country; in total 46 border crossing points are listed in annex 
to the Guidelines. 

The  second  step  consisted  in  connecting  these  main  nodes  by  multimodal  links  (road,  rail, 
inland  waterway),  according  to  availability  or  feasibility,  taking  into  account  effectiveness 
and efficiency and preferably using existing infrastructure. 

3. 

LEGAL ELEMENTS OF THE PROPOSAL 

3.1. 

Summary of the measures proposed 

The  proposed  Regulation  will  repeal  and  replace  Decision  661/2010/EU  of  the  European 
Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2010 on Union guidelines for the development of the 
trans-European transport network. 

The proposal contains the following main elements: 

– 

– 

– 

15 

TEN-T  will  be  developed  gradually  through  the  implementation  of  a  dual  layer 
approach, comprising a comprehensive network and a core network. 

The  comprehensive  network  is  to  be  in  place  by  31  December  2050  at  the  latest, 
whereas the core network is to be implemented as a priority by 31 December 2030. 

The Guidelines set the framework for identifying projects of common interest. These 
projects  contribute  to  the  development  and  establishment  of  TEN-T  through  the 
creation,  maintenance,  rehabilitation  and  upgrading  of  infrastructure,  through 

The detailed methodology has been published in the Commission Staff Working Document "The New 
Trans-European Transport Network Policy – Planning and Implementation Issues" in January 2011. It 
has  been  subject  to  minor  adjustments  regarding  issues  which  were  raised  at  a  Transport  Ministers' 
meeting on 7/8 February 2011 and at meetings with high-level representatives of all EU Member States.  

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– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

16 

measures  to  promote  the  resource-efficient  use  of  infrastructure  and  by  enabling 
sustainable and efficient freight transport services. 

With  a  view  to  cooperation  with  third  and  neighbouring  countries16  the  European 
Union may promote projects of mutual interest. 

The comprehensive network is specified by: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

maps; 

infrastructure components; 

infrastructure requirements; 

priorities for promoting projects of common interest. 

Freight  terminals,  passenger  stations,  inland  ports,  maritime  ports  and  airports  will 
connect transport modes in order to allow multi-modal transport; 

Urban nodes form key elements in the comprehensive network as connecting points 
between the different transport infrastructures; 

The  guidelines  lay  down  specific  requirements  for  the  core  network,  in  addition  to 
the  requirements  for  the  comprehensive  network,  for  example  availability  of 
alternative  fuels.  The  Commission  will  monitor  and  evaluate  the  progress  made  in 
implementing the core network. 

Core network corridors are an instrument for implementing the core network. They 
are  to  be  based  on  modal  integration  and  interoperability  and  lead  to  coordinated 
development and management.  

European  Coordinators  will  facilitate  the  coordinated  implementation  of  the 
corridors, in cooperation with corridor platforms to be established by Member States 
concerned. 

Each  corridor  platform  will  establish  a  multi-annual  development  plan,  including 
investment  and  implementation  plans,  as  a  management  structure.  Based  on  this 
information  the  Commission  will  adopt  implementing  acts  (decisions)  for  each 
corridor. 

The proposal calls for regular revision of the annexes by means of delegated acts in 
order to update the maps of the comprehensive network. It also envisages a review of 
the core network by 2023. 

In Annex III the regional transport networks of these countries are provided to the extent that they have 
already been defined. For neighbourhood countries under the Eastern Partnership, the regional network 
will  be  defined  following  the  work  of  the Transport  Panel  under  the  Eastern  Partnership, building on 
work  carried  out  in  the  framework  of  TRACECA.  For  the  neighbourhood  countries  in  the  South,  the 
regional  network  will  be  defined  on  the  basis  of  the  work  undertaken  in  the  framework  of  the  Euro-
Mediterranean Transport Forum. 

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3.2. 

Legal basis 

The legal basis for this proposal is Article 172 TFEU. 

3.3. 

Subsidiarity principle 

The  coordinated  development  of  a  trans-European  transport  network  to  support  transport 
flows within the single European market and economic, social and territorial cohesion within 
Europe requires action to be taken at European Union level, as such action could not be taken 
individually by Member States. This is particularly the case for cross-border sections. 

3.4. 

Proportionality principle 

The proposal complies with the proportionality principle, and falls within the scope for action 
in the field of the trans-European transport network, as defined in Article 170 of the Treaty on 
the Functioning of the European Union. 

The  action  envisaged  by  this  proposal  is  specifically  limited  to  the  European  dimension  of 
transport infrastructure networks. 

3.5. 

Choice of instrument 

The  current  TEN-T  Guidelines  were  proposed  and  adopted  as  a  Decision  of  the  European 
Parliament and of the Council. This Decision is specifically addressed to the Member States, 
rendering the Guidelines binding in their entirety for all the Member States. 

While  the  Member  States  have  traditionally  been  the  main  actors  involved  in  transport 
infrastructure  development  and  management,  developments  suggest  that  this  situation  has 
been  progressively  changing.  Regional  and  local  authorities,  infrastructure  managers, 
transport  operators  and  other  public  and  private  entities  have  also  become  key  actors  in  the 
development of infrastructure. 

With more actors besides the Member States becoming involved in the planning, development 
and operation of TEN-T, it is important to ensure that the Guidelines are binding for all. The 
Commission has therefore chosen a Regulation as the legal instrument for this proposal. 

Moreover, it should be noted that the proposal is intended to cover the period up to 2050. It is 
therefore difficult to anticipate all categories of actors that could become involved in TEN-T 
implementation projects in that period. 

3.6.  European Economic Area 

The  proposed  act  concerns  an  EEA  matter  and  should  therefore  extend  to  the  European 
Economic Area. 

4. 

BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS  

The proposal will not entail any additional cost for the EU budget. 

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5. 

CONNECTING EUROPE FACILITY 

In the context of the Communication on the Multi-annual Financial Framework 2014-202017, 
the Commission has announced the creation of a new instrument at EU level, the ''Connecting 
Europe Facility", which will finance EU priority infrastructure in transport, energy and digital 
broadband.  The  facility  will  support  infrastructures  with  a  European  and  Single  Market 
dimension, targeting EU support on priority networks that must be implemented by 2020 and 
where European action is most warranted. The facility will have a single fund of € 50 billion 
for the period 2014-2020, of which € 31.7 billion will  be allocated to transport, out of which 
€10  billion  ring  fenced  for  related  transport  infr astructures  investments  inside  the  Member 
States eligible under the Cohesion Fund. The Communciation also suggests that infrastructure 
projects of EU interest that pass through neighbourhood and pre-accession countries should in 
the future be coordinated and reinforced through the new Connecting Europe Facility.18  

Together  with  the  Connecting  Europe  Facility,  the  present  guidelines  will  establish  the 
priorities for European funding of transport infrastructure. 

6. 

SIMPLIFICATION 

The  proposal  contributes  to  the  simplification  of  existing  rules.  Through  the  new  corridor 
approach  and  the  establishment  of  corridor  platforms,  the  project  preparation  can  be 
streamlined. 

17 
18 

COM(2011) 500 final. 
Such  coordination  could  involve  among  others  funding  from  the  Neighbourhood  Investment  Facility 
(NIF) or the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) 

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Proposal for a 

REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL 

on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network  

(Text with EEA relevance) 

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  on  the  Functioning  of  the  European  Union,  and  in  particular 
Article 172 thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission, 

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national Parliaments, 

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee19,  

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions20, 

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

Decision  No  1692/96/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  23  July 
1996  on  Community  guidelines  for  the  development  of  the  trans-European  transport 
network21  was  recast  in  the  interest  of  clarity  by  Decision  No  661/2010/EU  of  the 
European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  7  July  2010  on  Union  guidelines  for  the 
development of the trans-European transport network22. 

The  planning,  development  and  operation  of  trans-European  transport  networks 
contribute to the attainment of major Union objectives, such as the smooth functioning 
of the internal market and the strengthening of economic and social cohesion and also 
have  the  specific  objectives  of  allowing  the  seamless  and  sustainable  mobility  of 
persons and goods and ensuring accessibility for all regions of the Union. 

(3) 

These  specific  objectives  should  be  achieved  by  establishing  interconnections  and 
interoperability between national transport networks in a resource-efficient way. 

19 
20 
21 
22 

OJ C , , p. . 
OJ C , , p. . 
OJ L 228, 9.9.1996, p.1. 
OJ L 204, 5.8.2010. p. 1. 

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(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

Growth  in  traffic  has  resulted  in  increased  congestion  on  international  transport 
corridors.  In  order  to  ensure  the  international  mobility  of  goods  and  passengers,  the 
capacity of the trans-European transport network and the use of this capacity should be 
optimised  and,  if  necessary,  expanded  by  removing  infrastructure  bottlenecks  and 
bridging missing infrastructure links within and between Member States. 

As stated in the White Paper on Transport "Roadmap to a Single European Transport 
Area  –  Towards  a  competitive  and  resource  efficient  transport  system"23,  the 
efficiency and effectiveness of transport can be significantly enhanced by ensuring a 
better  modal  integration  across  the  network,  in  terms  of  infrastructure,  information 
flows and procedures. 

The  White  Paper  calls  for  the  deployment  of  transport-related  information  and 
communication technology to ensure improved and integrated traffic management and 
to  simplify  administrative  procedures  through  improved  freight  logistics,  cargo 
tracking  and  tracing,  and  optimised  schedules  and  traffic  flows.  As  such  measures 
promote the efficient management and use of transport infrastructure they should fall 
within the scope of this Regulation. 

The trans-European transport network policy has to take into account the evolution of 
the transport policy and infrastructure ownership. In the past, Member States were the 
principal  entity  in  charge  of  creating  and  maintaining  transport  infrastructure. 
However,  other  entities,  including  private,  have  also  become  relevant  for  the 
realisation  of  a  multimodal  trans-European  transport  network,  including  for  example 
infrastructure managers, concessionaires or port and airports authorities.  

The  trans-European  transport  network  consists  to  a  large  extent  of  existing 
infrastructure. This existing infrastructure is managed by different public and private 
entities.  In  order  to  achieve  fully  the  objectives  of  the  new  trans-European  transport 
network  policy,  uniform  requirements  regarding  the  infrastructure  have  to  be 
established in a Regulation in order to be complied with by any entity responsible for 
the infrastructure of the trans-European transport network. 

(9) 

The trans-European transport network should best be developed through a dual layer 
approach, consisting of a comprehensive network and a core network, these two layers 
being the highest level of infrastructure planning within the Union. 

(10)  The  comprehensive  network  should  be  a  European-wide  transport  network  ensuring 
the  accessibility  of  all  regions  in  the  Union,  including  the  remote  and  outermost 
regions,  as  also  pursued  by  the  Integrated  Maritime  Policy24,  and  strengthening 
cohesion  between  them.  The  guidelines  should  set  the  requirements  for  the 
infrastructure  of  the  comprehensive  network,  in  order  to  achieve  a  high-quality 
network throughout the Union by 2050.  

(11)  The  core  network  should  be  identified  and  implemented  as  a  priority  within  the 
framework provided by the comprehensive network by 2030. It should constitute the 
backbone  of  the  development  of  a  multi-modal  transport  network  and  stimulate  the 
development  of  the  entire  comprehensive  network.  It  should  enable  Union  action  to 

23 
24 

COM(2011) 144 final.  
COM(2007) 575 final. 

EN 

12 

   EN 

 
                                                 
concentrate  on  those  components  of  the  trans-European  transport  network  with  the 
highest  European  added  value,  in  particular  cross-border  sections,  missing  links, 
multi-modal connecting points and major bottlenecks.  

(12) 

In  order  to  establish  the  core  and  the  comprehensive  network  in  a  coordinated  and 
timely  manner,  allowing  thereby  maximising  the  network  benefits,  Member  States 
concerned  should  ensure  that  the  projects  of  common  interest  are  finalised  by  2030 
and 2050 respectively. 

(13) 

It  is  necessary  to  identify  projects  of  common  interest  which  will  contribute  to  the 
achievement  of  the  trans-European  transport  network  and  which  correspond  to  the 
priorities established in the guidelines.  

(14)  Projects of common interest should demonstrate a clear European added value. Cross-
border projects typically have high European added value, but may have lower direct 
economic effects compared to purely national projects. Therefore, they are likely not 
to be implemented without Union intervention.  

(15)  As  the  development  and  implementation  of  the  trans-European  transport  network  is 
not solely carried out by Member States, all promoters of projects of common interest 
such  as  local  and  regional  authorities,  infrastructure  managers  or  other  private  or 
public  entities  should  be  subject  to  the  rights  and  obligations  of  this  Regulation,  as 
well other relevant Union and national rules and procedures, when carrying out such 
projects. 

(16)  Cooperation with neighbouring and third countries is necessary to ensure connection 
and  interoperability  between  the  respective  infrastructure  networks.  Therefore  the 
Union  should  where  appropriate  promote  projects  of  mutual  interest  with  those 
countries. 

(17) 

In  order  to  achieve  modal  integration  across  the  network,  adequate  planning  of  the 
trans-European transport network is required. This also implies the implementation of 
specific  requirements  throughout  the  network  in  terms  of  infrastructure,  intelligent 
transport systems, equipment, and services. It is therefore necessary to ensure adequate 
and concerted deployment of such requirements across Europe for each transport mode 
and for their interconnection across the trans-European transport network and beyond, 
in order to obtain the benefits of the network effect and to enable efficient long-range 
trans-European transport operations. 

(18) 

In  order  to  determine  existing  and  planned  transport  infrastructures  for  the 
comprehensive and the core network, maps should be provided and adapted over time 
to take into account the evolution of traffic flows. The technical basis of the maps is 
provided by the Commission's TENtec system which contains a higher level of detail 
concerning the trans-European transport infrastructure.  

(19)  The guidelines should set priorities in order to achieve the objectives within the given 

time horizon.  

(20) 

Intelligent transport systems are necessary to provide the basis for optimising of traffic 
and transport operations and improving related services.  

EN 

13 

   EN 

 
(21)  The guidelines should provide for the development of the comprehensive network in 
urban nodes, as those nodes are the starting point or the final destination ("last mile") 
for  passengers  and  freight  moving  on  the  trans-European  transport  network  and  are 
points of transfer within or between different transport modes.  

(22)  The  trans-European  transport  network,  thanks  to  its  large  scale,  should  provide  the 
basis  for  the  large-scale  deployment  of  new  technologies  and  innovation,  which,  for 
example, can help enhance the overall efficiency of the European transport sector and 
curb  its  carbon  footprint.  This  will  contribute  towards  the  Europe  2020  strategy  and 
the Transport White Paper's target of a 60% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 
(based on 1990 levels) and at the same time contribute to the objective of increasing 
fuel security for the Union. 

(23)  The trans-European transport network has to ensure efficient multi-modality in order 
to  allow  better  modal  choices  to  be  made  and  large  volumes  to  be  consolidated  for 
transfers  over  long  distances.  This  will  make  multi-modality  economically  more 
attractive for shippers. 

(24) 

In  order  to  achieve  a  high-quality  and  efficient  transport  infrastructure  across  all 
modes  the  guidelines  should  contain  provisions  regarding  the  security  and  safety  of 
passengers  and  freight  movements,  the  impact  of  climate  change  and  of  potential 
natural  and  man-made  disasters  on  infrastructure  and  accessibility  for  all  transport 
users. 

(25)  The  core  network  should  be  a  subset  of  the  comprehensive  network  overlaying  it.  It 
should  represent  the  strategically  most  important  nodes  and  links  of  the  trans-
European transport network, according to traffic needs. It should be multi-modal, i.e. 
include  all  transport  modes  and  their  connections  as  well  as  relevant  traffic  and 
information management systems.  

(26) 

In  order  to  implement  the  core  network  within  the  given  time  horizon,  a  corridor 
approach  could  be  used  as  an  instrument  to  coordinate  on  a  transnational  basis 
different  projects  and  synchronise  the  development  of  the  corridor,  thereby 
maximising network benefits.  

(27)  Core  network  corridors  should  also  address  wider  transport  policy  objectives  and 
facilitate  modal  integration  and  multi-modal  operations.  This  should  allow  specially 
developed  corridors  that  are  optimised  in  terms  of  energy  use  and  emissions,  thus 
minimising environmental impacts, and are also attractive for their reliability, limited 
congestion  and  low  operating  and  administrative  costs.  An  initial  list  of  corridors 
should  be included in the Regulation (EU) XXX/2012 [Connecting Europe Facility], 
but should be adaptable in order to take account of changes in traffic flows. 

(28)  Designing the right governance structure and identifying the sources of financing for 
complex cross-border projects would be eased by creating corridor platforms for such 
core  network  corridors.  European  Coordinators  should  facilitate  the  coordinated 
implementation of the core network corridors. 

(29) 

In  developing  core  network  corridors  due  account  should  be  given  to  the  rail  freight 
corridors  set  up  in  accordance  with  Regulation  (EU)  No  913/2010  of  22  September 
2010  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  concerning  a  European  rail 

EN 

14 

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(30) 

network  for  competitive  freight25  as  well  as  to  the  European  Deployment  Plan  for 
ERTMS  provided  for  in  Commission  Decision  2009/561/EC  of  22  July  2009 
amending  Decision  2006/679/EC  as  regards  the  implementation  of  the  technical 
specification  for  interoperability  relating  to  the  control-command  and  signalling 
subsystem of the trans-European conventional rail system26. 

In order to maximise consistency between the guidelines and the programming of the 
relevant  financial  instruments  available  at  Union  level,  trans-European  transport 
network  funding  should  be  based  on  this  Regulation  and  draw  on  the  Connecting 
Europe Facility27. Correspondingly, it should aim at aligning and combining funding 
from relevant internal and external instruments such as structural and cohesion funds, 
the  Neighbourhood  Investment  Facility  (NIF),  the  Instrument  for  Pre-Accession 
Assistance  (IPA)28,  and  from  financing  from  the  European  Investment  Bank,  the 
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and other financial institutions. 
In particular, when developing the trans-European transport network, Member States 
should  take  into  account  to  the  ex  ante  conditionalities  applicable  to  transport  as 
provided for in Annex IV to Regulation (EU) No XXX2012 [Regulation laying down 
common  provisions  on  the  European  Regional  Development  Fund,  the  European 
Social  Fund,  the  Cohesion  Fund,  the  European  Agricultural  Fund  for  Rural 
Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund covered by the Common 
Strategic  Framework  and  laying  down  general  provisions  on  the  European  Regional 
Development  Fund,  the  European  Social  Fund  and  the  Cohesion  Fund  and  repealing 
Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006].29 

(31) 

In order to update the Annexes and in particular the maps to take into account possible 
changes resulting from the actual usage of certain elements of transport infrastructure 
analysed  against  pre-established  quantitative  thresholds,  the  power  to  adopt  acts  in 
accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union 
should be delegated to the Commission in respect of amendments to the Annexes. It is 
of  particular  importance  for  the  Commission  to  carry  out  appropriate  consultations 
during  its  preparatory  work,  including  at  expert  level.  The  Commission,  when 
preparing  and  drawing-up  delegated  acts,  should  ensure  a  simultaneous,  timely  and 
appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the 
Council. 

(32) 

In  order  to  ensure  uniform  conditions  for  the  implementation  of  this  Regulation, 
implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. Those powers should 
be  exercised  in  accordance  with  Regulation  (EU)  No  182/2011  of  the  European 
Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general 
principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s 
exercise of implementing powers30.  

25 
26 
27 
28 

29 
30 

OJ L 276, 20.10.2010, p. 22. 
OJ L 194, 25.7.2009, p. 60. 
Regulation (EU) No XXX/2012 of … [Connecting Europe Facility] 
Council Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006 of 17 July 2006 establishing an Instrument for Pre-Accession 
Assistance (IPA), OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 82. 
COM(2011) 615 final. 
OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13. 

EN 

15 

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(33)  Since  the  objectives  of  the  action  to  be  taken,  and  in  particular  the  coordinated 
establishment  and  development  of  the  trans-European  transport  network,  cannot  be 
sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can therefore, by reason of the need 
for coordination of these objectives, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may 
adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 
of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, 
as also set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in 
order to achieve those objectives, 

HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: 

CHAPTER I 

GENERAL PRINCIPLES 

Article 1 
Subject matter 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

This  Regulation  establishes  the  Union  guidelines  (hereinafter  "the  guidelines")  for 
the  development  of  a  trans-European  transport  network  which  determine  the 
infrastructure  of  the  trans-European  transport  network  within  which  projects  of 
common interest and projects of mutual interest are identified. 

The  guidelines  specify  the  requirements  to  be  respected  by  the  entities  responsible 
for management of the infrastructure of the trans-European transport network.  

The  guidelines  set  out  the  priorities  for  the  development  of  the  trans-European 
network. 

The  guidelines  provide  for  measures  for  the  implementation  of  the  trans-European 
network.  

Article 2 
Scope 

1. 

The guidelines shall apply to the trans-European transport network which comprises:  

– 

– 

existing and planned transport infrastructure referred to in paragraph 2, and  

measures promoting the efficient management and use of such infrastructure. 

2. 

Transport infrastructure of the trans-European transport network consists of:  

(a) 

railway transport infrastructure as determined in Section 1 of Chapter II;  

(b) 

inland waterway infrastructure as determined in Section 2 of Chapter II;  

EN 

16 

   EN 

 
 
 
(c) 

road transport infrastructure as determined in Section 3 of Chapter II;  

(d)  maritime transport infrastructure as determined in Section 4 of Chapter II;  

(e) 

air transport infrastructure as determined in Section 5 of Chapter II;  

(f) 

(g) 

infrastructure  for  multimodal  transport  as  determined  in  Section  6  of  Chapter 
II; 

the  equipment  and  intelligent  transport  systems  associated  with  the  transport 
infrastructure referred to in points (a) to (f).  

For the purpose of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply:  

Article 3 
Definitions 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

(f) 

(g) 

interest'  means  any  piece  of  planned 

'project  of  common 
transport 
infrastructure,  of  existing  transport  infrastructure  or  any  modification  of 
existing transport infrastructure that complies with the provisions of Chapter II 
and  any  measures  providing  the  efficient  management  and  use  of  such 
infrastructure;  

'project of mutual interest' means a project involving both the Union and one or 
more  third  countries  which  aims  to  connect  the  trans-European  transport 
network  with  the  transport  infrastructure  networks  of  those  countries  to 
facilitate major transport flows; 

'third  country'  means  any  neighbouring  country  and  all  other  countries  with 
which  the  Union  may  cooperate  to  achieve  the  objectives  pursued  by  this 
Regulation; 

'neighbouring  country'  means  the  country  coming  under  the  European 
Neighbourhood  Policy  including  the  Strategic  Partnership31,  the  Enlargement 
Policy, the European Economic Area or the European Free Trade Association; 

'European added value' means, in relation to a project, the value resulting from 
Union intervention which is additional to the value that would otherwise have 
been created by Member State action alone;  

'infrastructure  manager'  means  any  body  or  undertaking  that  is  responsible  in 
particular  for  establishing  and  maintaining  transport  infrastructure.  This  may 
also include the management of infrastructure control and safety systems; 

'intelligent 
information, 
transport  systems  (ITS)'  mean  systems  using 
communication,  navigation  and  positioning/localization  technologies  in  order 
to manage mobility and traffic on the trans-European transport network and to 
provide  value  added  services  to  citizens  and  operators,  including  for  safe, 

31 

COM(2004) 106 final. 

EN 

17 

   EN 

 
                                                 
(h) 

(i) 

(j) 

(k) 

(l) 

secure, environmentally sound and capacity efficient use of the network. They 
may  also  include  onboard  devices,  provided  they  form  an  indivisible  system 
with  corresponding 
include  systems, 
technologies and services referred to in points (h)-(l); 

infrastructure  components.  They 

'air traffic management system' means a system as specified in Regulation (EC) 
No. 552/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2004 
on the interoperability of the European Air Traffic Management network (the 
interoperability  Regulation)32  and  in  the  European  Air  Traffic  Management 
(ATM) Master Plan as defined in Council Regulation (EC) No 219/2007 of 27 
February 2007 on the establishment of a Joint Undertaking to develop the new 
generation European air traffic management system (SESAR)33;  

'Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Information Systems' (VTMIS) means systems 
deployed  to  monitor  and  manage  traffic  and  maritime  transport,  using 
information  from  Automatic  Identification  Systems  of  Ships  (AIS),  Long-
Range Identification and Tracking of Ships (LRIT), coastal radar systems and 
radio  communications  as  provided  in  Directive  2002/59/EC  of  the  European 
Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  27  June  2002  establishing  a  Community 
vessel  traffic  monitoring  and  information  system  and  repealing  Council 
Directive 93/75/EEC34; 

'River  Information  Services  (RIS)'  means  information  and  communication 
technologies  on  inland  waterways  as  defined  in  Directive  2005/44/EC  of  the 
Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  7  September  2005  on  harmonised  river 
information services (RIS) on inland waterways in the Community35; 

'e  Maritime  services'  means  services  using  advanced  and  interoperable 
information  technologies  in  the  maritime  transport  sector  to  facilitate  the 
throughput of cargo at sea and in port areas; 

'European  Rail  Traffic  Management  System  (ERTMS)'  means  the  system 
defined  in  Commission  Decision  2006/679/EC  of  28  March  200636  and 
Commission  Decision  2006/860  of  7  November  200637  concerning  the 
technical specification for interoperability relating to the control-command and 
signalling  subsystems  of  the  trans-European  conventional  and  high-speed  rail 
systems; 

(m) 

'transport  mode'  means  railway,  inland  waterways,  road,  maritime  or  air 
transport; 

(n) 

'multimodal  transport'  means  the  carriage  of  freight  or  passengers,  or  both, 
using two or more modes of transport; 

32 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 

OJ L 96, 31.3.2004, p. 26. 
OJ L 64, 2.3.2007, p. 1. 
OJ L 208, 5.8.2002, p. 10.  
OJ L 255, 30.9.2005, p. 152. 
OJ L 284, 16.10.2006, p. 1. 
OJ L 342, 7.12.2006, p. 1. 

EN 

18 

   EN 

 
                                                 
(o) 

(p) 

(q) 

'urban  node'  means  an  urban  area  where  the  transport  infrastructure  of  the 
trans-European  transport  network  is  connected  with  other  parts  of  that 
infrastructure and with the infrastructure for regional and local traffic; 

'logistic  platform'  means  an  area  that  is  directly  linked  to  the  transport 
infrastructure  of  the  trans-European  transport  network  including  at  least  one 
freight terminal, and enables logistics activities to be carried out;  

'freight terminal' means a structure equipped for transhipment between at least 
two transport modes and for temporary storage of freight such as ports, inland 
ports, airports and rail-road terminals; 

(r) 

'NUTS  region'  means  a  region  which  as  defined  in  the  Nomenclature  of 
Territorial Units for Statistics.  

Article 4 
Objectives of the trans-European transport network 

1. 

The trans-European transport network shall enable transport services and operations 
which:  

(a)  meet the mobility and transport needs of its users within the Union and in the 
relations with third countries, thereby contributing to further economic growth 
and competitiveness;  

(b) 

are economically efficient, contribute to the objectives of low-carbon and clean 
transport,  fuel  security  and  environmental  protection,  are  safe  and  secure  and 
have high quality standards, both for passenger and freight transport;  

(c)  promote the most advanced technological and operational concepts;  

(d)  provide appropriate accessibility of all regions of the Union, thereby promoting 
social, economic and territorial cohesion and supporting inclusive growth.  

2. 

In  developing  the  infrastructure  of  the  trans-European  transport  network,  the 
following objectives shall be pursued: 

(a) 

the interconnection and interoperability of national transport networks; 

(b) 

the  removal  of  bottlenecks  and  the  bridging  of  missing  links,  both  within  the 
transport  infrastructures  and  at  connecting  points  between  these,  within 
Member States' territories and at border crossing points between them; 

(c) 

the  development  of  all  transport  modes  in  a  manner  consistent  with  ensuring 
sustainable and economically efficient transport in the long term; 

(d)  optimal integration and interconnection of all transport modes; 

(e) 

the efficient use of infrastructure; 

(f) 

promotion of a broad use of transport with the most carbon neutral effect; 

EN 

19 

   EN 

 
(g) 

(h) 

(i) 

(j) 

transport  infrastructure  connections  between  the  trans-European  transport 
network  and  transport  infrastructure  networks  of  neighbouring  countries,  and 
the promotion of their interoperability; 

the  establishment  of  infrastructure  requirements,  notably  in  the  field  of 
interoperability, safety and security, which will benchmark quality, efficiency 
and sustainability of transport services; 

for both passenger and freight traffic, seamless connections between transport 
infrastructure for long-distance traffic on the one hand, and regional and local 
traffic on the other; 

a transport infrastructure that reflects the specific situations in different parts of 
the Union and provides for a balanced coverage of European regions, including 
outermost regions and other peripheral ones; 

(k) 

accessibility  for  elderly  people,  persons  of  reduced  mobility  and  for  disabled 
passengers.  

Article 5 
Resource efficient network 

Member  States  and,  as  appropriate,  regional  and  local  authorities,  infrastructure  managers, 
transport  operators  and  other  public  and  private  entities  shall  plan,  develop  and  operate  the 
trans-European transport network in a resource efficient way, through: 

(a) 

an optimisation of infrastructure integration and interconnection; 

(b) 

the broad deployment of new technologies and ITS;  

(c) 

improvement and maintenance of existing transport infrastructure; 

(d) 

(e) 

the taking into account of possible synergies with other networks, in particular 
trans-European energy or telecommunication networks; 

the  assessment  of  strategic  environmental  impact,  with  the  establishment  of 
appropriate plans and programmes and of impacts on climate mitigation; 

(f)  measures to plan and expand infrastructure capacity where necessary; 

(g) 

adequate  consideration  of  the  vulnerability  of  transport  infrastructure  with 
regard to a changing climate as well as natural and man-made disasters. 

Article 6 
Dual layer trans-European transport network structure  

1. 

The gradual development of the trans-European transport network shall in particular 
be  achieved  by  implementing  a  dual-layer  structure  for  this  network,  comprising  a 
comprehensive network and a core network. 

EN 

20 

   EN 

 
2. 

3. 

1. 

The  comprehensive network shall  be made up  of  all existing and  planned transport 
infrastructures  of  the  trans-European  transport  network  as  well  as  measures 
promoting the efficient use of such infrastructure. It shall be developed in accordance 
with Chapter II. 

The  core  network  shall  consist  of  those  parts  of  the  comprehensive  network  which 
are  of  the  highest  strategic  importance  for  achieving  the  objectives  for  the 
development  of  the  trans-European  transport  network.  It  shall  be  identified  and 
developed in accordance with Chapter III. 

Article 7 
Projects of common interest  

Projects  of  common  interest  shall  contribute  to  the  development  of  the  trans-
European transport network through the creation of new transport infrastructure, the 
maintenance,  rehabilitation  and  upgrading  of  existing  transport  infrastructure  and 
through measures promoting its resource-efficient use.  

2. 

A project of common interest shall: 

(a) 

contribute to the objectives set out in Article 4; 

(b) 

comply with Chapter II and, if it concerns the core network, comply in addition 
with Chapter III; 

(c)  have  been  subject  to  a  socio-economic  cost  benefit  analysis  resulting  in  a 

positive net present value; 

(d)  demonstrate clear European added value. 

A  project  of  common  interest  may  encompass  its  entire  cycle,  including  feasibility 
studies and permission procedures, implementation and evaluation.  

Member  States  and  other  project  promoters  shall  take  all  necessary  measures  to 
ensure  that  the  projects  are  carried  out  in  compliance  with  relevant  Union  and 
national  rules  and  procedures,  in  particular  with  Union  legislation  on  the 
environment,  climate  protection,  safety,  security,  competition,  state  aid,  public 
procurement and public health.  

Projects  of  common  interest  are  eligible  for  Union  financial  aid  under  the 
instruments  available  for  the  trans-European  transport  network,  in  particular  the 
Connecting Europe Facility established by Regulation (EU) No XXX/2012.  

Article 8 
Cooperation with third countries  

The  Union  may  support  projects  of  common  interest  in  order  to  connect  the  trans-
European  transport  network  with  infrastructure  networks  of  third  countries  covered 
by  the  European  Neighbourhood  Policy,  the  Enlargement  Policy,  the  European 
Economic Area and the European Free Trade Association and which seek to: 

3. 

4. 

5. 

1. 

EN 

21 

   EN 

 
(a) 

connect the core network at border crossing points; 

(b) 

(c) 

ensure the connection between the core network and the transport networks of 
the third countries; 

complete  the  transport  infrastructure  in  third  countries  which  serve  as  links 
between parts of the core network in the Union; 

(d) 

implement traffic management systems in those countries.  

Such  projects  of  common  interest  shall  enhance  the  capacity  or  utility  of  networks 
located in one or several Member States.  

2. 

The Union may cooperate with third countries to promote projects of mutual interest. 
These projects shall seek to:  

(a)  promote the interoperability between the trans-European transport network and 

networks of neighbouring countries; 

(b)  promote the extension of the trans-European transport network policy into third 

countries;  

(c) 

(d) 

facilitate air transport with third countries, in particular by extending the Single 
European Sky and air traffic management cooperation;  

facilitate  maritime  transport  and  promote  motorways  of  the  sea  with  third 
countries. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Projects of mutual interest coming under point (a) of paragraph 2 shall comply with 
the relevant provisions of Chapter II. 

Annex III includes indicative maps of the trans-European transport network extended 
to specific neighbouring countries. 

The  Union  may  use  existing  or  set  up  and  use  new  coordination  and  financial 
instruments  with  neighbouring  countries,  such  as  the  Neighbourhood  Investment 
Facility  (NIF)  or  the  Instrument  for  Pre-Accession  Assistance  (IPA),  for  the 
promotion of projects of mutual interest. 

The Union may cooperate with international and regional organisations and bodies to 
achieve any objective pursued by this Article. 

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22 

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CHAPTER II 

THE COMPREHENSIVE NETWORK 

Article 9 
General provisions 

1. 

2. 

The  comprehensive  network  shall  constitute  the  basis  for  the  identification  of 
projects of common interest.  

The comprehensive network shall: 

(a)  be as specified in the maps in Annex I to this Regulation; 

(b)  be specified through the description of the infrastructure components;  

(c) 

(d) 

comply  with  the  requirements  for  the  transport  infrastructures  set  out  in  this 
Chapter;  

set  the  framework  for  priority  infrastructure  development  as  referred  to  in 
Articles 10 to 35.  

3. 

The  Member  States  shall  ensure  that  the  comprehensive  network  is  completed  and 
fully complies with the relevant provisions of this Chapter by 31 December 2050 at 
the latest. 

Article 10 
Priorities 

The  Union,  Member  States,  infrastructure  managers  and  other  project  promoters,  when 
developing  the  comprehensive  network,  shall  give  particular  consideration  to  measures  that 
are necessary for: 

(a) 

implementing and deploying intelligent transport systems, including measures 
which  enable  traffic  management,  multimodal  scheduling  and  information 
services,  multimodal  tracking  and  tracing,  capacity  planning  and  online 
reservation and integrated ticketing services; 

(b)  bridging  missing  links  and  removing  bottlenecks,  notably  in  cross-border 

sections; 

(c) 

removing  administrative  and 
interoperability of the network and to competition; 

technical  barriers, 

in  particular 

to 

the 

(d) 

ensuring optimal integration of the transport modes; 

(e) 

ensuring appropriate accessibility for all regions of the Union; 

EN 

23 

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(f) 

improving  or  maintaining  the  quality  of  infrastructure  in  terms  of  efficiency, 
resilience, 
safety, 
environmental  performances,  social  conditions,  accessibility  for  all  users, 
quality of services and continuity of traffic flows; 

security,  climate  and  where  appropriate  disaster 

(g)  promoting state-of-the-art technological development; 

(h) 

ensuring fuel security by allowing the use of alternative and in particular low 
or zero carbon energy sources and propulsion systems; 

(i) 

bypassing urban areas for rail freight transport.  

SECTION 1 
RAILWAY TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE 

Article 11 
Maps 

Railway  lines  which  form  part  of  the  comprehensive  network  are  indicated  on  the  maps  in 
Annex I.  

Article 12 
Infrastructure components 

1. 

Railway transport infrastructure comprises in particular: 

(a)  high-speed and conventional railway lines, including: 

(i) 

sidings; 

(ii) 

tunnels;  

(iii)  bridges;  

(b) 

(c) 

freight  terminals  and  logistic  platforms  for  the  transhipment  of  goods  within 
the rail mode and between rail and other transport modes; 

stations  along  the  lines  indicated  in  Annex  I  for  the  transfer  of  passengers 
within the rail mode and between rail and other transport modes; 

(d) 

associated equipment; 

(e) 

ITS.  

2. 

Railway lines shall take one of the following forms: 

(a)  Railway lines for high speed transport which are:  

(i) 

specially  built  high-speed  lines  equipped  for  speeds  equal  to  or  greater 
than 250 km/h; 

EN 

24 

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(ii) 

specially upgraded conventional lines equipped for speeds in the order of 
200 km/h; 

(b)  Railway lines for conventional transport.  

3. 

The  technical  equipment  associated  with  railway  lines  shall  include  electrification 
systems, equipment for the boarding and alighting of passengers and the loading and 
unloading  of  cargo  in  stations,  logistic  platforms  and  freight  terminals.  It  shall 
include  any  facility  necessary  to  ensure  the  safe,  secure  and  efficient  operation  of 
vehicles.  

Article 13 
Transport infrastructure requirements 

1. 

Operators  of  freight  terminals  shall  ensure  that  any  freight  terminal  is  open  to  all 
operators. 

Operators of logistic platforms shall offer at least one terminal open to all operators.  

Operators of freight terminals and logistic platform shall provide this access in a non-
discriminatory way and apply transparent charges. 

2. 

Operators of passenger stations shall ensure that passenger stations provide access to 
information,  ticketing  and  commercial  activities  for  railway  traffic  throughout  the 
comprehensive network and where appropriate information on connection with local 
and  regional  transport,  in  accordance  with  Commission  Regulation  (EU)  No 
454/2011 of 5 May 2011 on the technical specification for interoperability relating to 
the subsystem ‘telematics applications for passenger services’ of the trans-European 
rail system38.  

3. 

Within the sphere of their responsibility, Member States and infrastructure managers 
shall ensure that: 

(a) 

railway lines are equipped with ERTMS;  

(b) 

(c) 

railway  infrastructure  complies  with  Directive  2008/57/EC  of  the  European 
Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  17  June  2008  on  the  interoperability  of  the 
rail system within the Community39 and its implementing measures in order to 
achieve the interoperability of the comprehensive network;  

railway  infrastructure  complies  with  the  requirements  of  the  technical 
specification  for  Interoperability  (TSI)  adopted  pursuant  to  Article  6  of 
Directive  2008/57/EC  for  new  and  upgraded  lines,  except  in  duly  justified 
cases, where allowed by the relevant TSI or under the procedure provided for 
in  Article  9  of  Directive  2008/57/EC.  In  any  case,  the  railway  infrastructure 
shall comply with the following requirements: 

38 
39 

OJ L 123, 12.5.2011, p. 11. 
OJ L 191, 18.7.2008, p. 1. 

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25 

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(1)  nominal track gauge for new railway lines: 1 435 mm40; 

(2) 

electrification; 

(3) 

lines which are used by conventional freight trains41: 22,5 t axle load, and 
750 m train length; 

(4)  maximum gradients for new lines which are to be used by conventional 

freight trains: 12,5 mm/m.42 

Article 14 
Framework for priority infrastructure development 

Member States and other project promoters, when promoting projects of common interest and 
in addition to the priorities set out in Article 10, shall give particular consideration to: 

(a)  deploying ERTMS; 

(b)  mitigating the impact of noise caused by rail transport; 

(c) 

achieving standards higher than those set out as minimum requirements in the 
technical specifications, as described in Article 13. 

SECTION 2 
INLAND WATERWAYS TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE 

Article 15 
Maps 

Inland  waterways  and  inland  ports  which  form  part  of  the  comprehensive  network  are 
indicated on the maps in Annex I.  

Article 16 
Infrastructure components 

1. 

Inland waterways infrastructure comprises in particular: 

(a) 

rivers; 

40 

41 
42 

European standard nominal track gauge as referred to in technical specification for interoperability on 
infrastructure, section 4.2.5.1. for the conventional lines (hereafter: CR TSI) of Commission Decision 
2011/275/EU of 26 April 2011 concerning a technical specification for interoperability relating to the 
‘infrastructure’ subsystem of the trans-European conventional rail system, OJ L 126, 14.5.2011, p. 53, 
and section 4.2.2. for the high speed lines (hereafter: HS TSI) of Commission Decision 2008/217/EC of 
20  December  2007  concerning  a  technical  specification  for  interoperability  relating  to  the 
‘infrastructure’ sub-system of the trans-European high-speed rail system, OJ L 77, 19.3.2008, p. 1.  
See requirements of line category V-F specified in section 4.2.2. of the CR TSI. 
Requirements for line categories IV-F, IV-M, VI-F and VI-M as specified in section 4.2.4.3. of the CR 
TSI. 

EN 

26 

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(b) 

canals; 

(c) 

lakes; 

(d) 

related infrastructure such as locks, elevators, bridges, reservoirs; 

(e) 

inland ports including the  infrastructure  necessary  for  transport  operations 
within the port area; 

(f) 

associated equipment; 

(g) 

ITS.  

2. 

3. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

Inland  ports  shall  have  an  annual  freight  transhipment  volume  exceeding  500 000 
tonnes. The total annual freight transhipment volume is based on the latest available 
three-year average, as published by Eurostat. 

Port-associated  equipment  shall  enable  in  particular  propulsion  and  operating 
systems  which  reduce  pollution,  energy  consumption  and  carbon  intensity.  It 
includes waste reception facilities. 

Article 17 
Transport infrastructure requirements 

Within  the  sphere  of  their  responsibility,  Member  States,  port  operators  and 
infrastructure managers shall ensure that inland ports are connected with the road or 
rail infrastructure of the comprehensive network. 

Port  operators  shall  ensure  that  any  inland  port  offers  at  least  one  freight  terminal 
open to all operators in a non-discriminatory way and apply transparent charges.  

Within the sphere of their responsibility, Member States and infrastructure managers 
shall ensure that: 

(a) 

rivers,  canals  and  lakes  comply  with  the  minimum  requirements  for  class  IV 
waterways  as  laid  down  in  the  European  Agreement  on  Main  Inland 
Waterways  of  International  Importance  (AGN)  on  the  new  classification  of 
inland waterways43 and ensure continuous bridge clearance.  

(b) 

rivers, canals and lakes are equipped with RIS. 

Article 18 
Framework for priority infrastructure development 

Member States and other project promoters, when promoting projects of common interest and 
in addition to the priorities set out in Article 10, shall give particular consideration to: 

43 

European Conference of Ministers of transports (ECMT), ECMT/CM(92)6/Final. 

EN 

27 

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(a) 

for  existing  inland  waterways:  implementing  measures  necessary  to  reach  the 
standards of the inland waterways class IV; 

(b)  where appropriate, achieving higher standards than inland waterways class IV, 

to meet market demands; 

(c) 

implementing ITS, including RIS; 

(d) 

connecting inland port infrastructure to railway transport infrastructure.  

SECTION 3 
ROAD TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE 

Roads which form part of the comprehensive network are indicated on the maps in Annex I. 

Article 19 
Maps 

Article 20 
Infrastructure components 

1. 

Road transport infrastructure comprises in particular: 

(a)  high quality roads, including  

(i) 

bridges;  

(ii) 

tunnels;  

(iii) 

junctions;  

(iv)  crossings;  

(v) 

interchanges; 

(b)  parking areas;  

(c) 

associated equipment;  

(d) 

ITS; 

(e) 

freight terminals and logistic platforms; 

(f) 

bus stations.  

2. 

The high quality roads referred to in point (a) of paragraph 1 are those which play an 
important role in long-distance freight and passenger traffic, integrate the main urban 
and economic centres, interconnect with other transport  modes  and link landlocked 
and peripheral NUTS 2 regions to central regions of the Union.  

EN 

28 

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3. 

High-quality roads  shall be specially designed and built for motor traffic, and shall 
be either motorways or express roads. 

(a)  A motorway is a road specially designed and built for motor traffic, which does 

not serve properties bordering on it, and which : 

(i) 

is  provided,  except  at  special  points  or  temporarily,  with  separate 
carriageways for the two directions of traffic, separated from each other 
by  a  dividing  strip  not  intended  for  traffic,  or,  exceptionally,  by  other 
means; 

(ii)  does  not  cross  at  level  with  any  road,  railway  or  tramway  track,  or 

footpath; and 

(iii) 

is especially sign-posted as a motorway. 

(b)  An  express  road  is  a  road  reserved  for  motor  traffic  accessible  from 

interchanges or controlled junctions only and which:  

(i) 

prohibits stopping and parking on the running carriageway; and 

(ii)  does not cross at level with any railway or tramway track, or footpath. 

4. 

Equipment  associated  with  roads  shall  include  in  particular  equipment  for  traffic 
management,  information  and  route  guidance,  for  the  levying  of  user  charges,  for 
safety,  for  reducing  negative  environmental  effects,  for  refuelling  or  recharging  of 
vehicles  with  alternative  drives,  and  for  secure  parking  areas  for  commercial 
vehicles.  

Article 21 
Transport infrastructure requirements 

Within  the  sphere  of  their  responsibility,  Member  States  and  infrastructure  managers  shall 
ensure that: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

Roads correspond to the provisions of Article 20(3). 

The  safety  of  road  transport  infrastructure  is  assured,  monitored  and,  when 
necessary,  improved  according  to  the  procedure  provided  for  by  Directive 
2008/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on 
road infrastructure safety management44. 

Road  tunnels  with  length  of  over  500  m  comply  with  Directive  2004/54/EC  of  the 
European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  29  April  2004  on  minimum  safety 
requirements for tunnels in the trans-European road network45. 

The  interoperability  of  toll  collection  systems  is  ensured  in  accordance  with 
Directive  2004/52/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  29  April 

44 
45 

OJ L 319, 29.11.2008, p. 59. 
OJ L 167, 30.4.2004, p. 39. 

EN 

29 

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2004 on the interoperability of electronic road toll systems in the Community46 and 
by  Commission  Decision  2009/750/EC  of  6  October  2009  on  the  definition  of  the 
European Electronic Toll Service and its technical elements47. 

(e) 

Intelligent  transport  systems  of  the  road  transport  infrastructure  complying  with 
Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2010 
on the framework for the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in the field of 
road transport and for interfaces with other modes of transport48 are deployed. 

Article 22 
Framework for priority infrastructure development 

Member States and other project promoters, when promoting projects of common interest and 
in addition to the priorities set out in Article 10, shall give particular consideration to: 

(a)  use of ITS, in particular multi-modal information and traffic management and 

to enable integrated communication and payment systems; 

(b) 

introduction  of  new  technologies  and  innovation  for  promoting  low  carbon 
transport; 

(c)  provision of secure parking areas; 

(d)  promotion of road safety. 

SECTION 4 
MARITIME TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE 

Article 23 
Maps 

Maritime ports which form part of the comprehensive network are indicated on the maps in 
Annex I.  

Article 24 
Infrastructure components 

1. 

Maritime transport infrastructure comprises in particular: 

(a)  maritime space; 

(b) 

sea canals;  

46 
47 
48 

OJ L 166, 30.4.2004, p. 124. 
OJ L 268, 13.10.2009, p. 11. 
OJ L 207, 6.8.2010, p. 1. 

EN 

30 

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(c)  maritime  ports,  including  the  infrastructure  necessary  for  transport  operations 

within the port area; 

(d)  navigational aids; 

(e)  port approaches; 

(f)  motorways of the sea; 

(g) 

associated equipment;  

(h) 

ITS.  

2. 

Maritime  ports  shall  be  entry  and  exit  points  for  the  land  infrastructure  of  the 
comprehensive network. They shall meet at least one of the following criteria: 

(a)  The  total  annual  passenger  traffic  volume  exceeds  0,1  %  of  the  total  annual 
passenger  traffic  volume  of  all  maritime  ports  of  the  Union.  The  reference 
amount for this total volume is the latest available three-year average, based on 
the statistics published by Eurostat.  

(b)  The total annual cargo volume – either for bulk or for non-bulk cargo handling 
– exceeds 0,1% of the corresponding total annual cargo volume handled in all 
maritime ports of the Union. The reference amount for this total volume is the 
latest  available  three-year  average,  based  on  the  statistics  published  by 
Eurostat.  

(c)  The maritime port is located on an island and provides the sole point of access 

to a NUTS 3 region in the comprehensive network. 

(d)  The  maritime  port  is  located  in  an  outermost  region  or  a  peripheral  area, 
outside  a  radius  of  200  km  from  the  nearest  other  port  in  the  comprehensive 
network.  

Equipment  associated  with  maritime  transport  infrastructure  shall  include  in 
particular  equipment  for  ice  breaking,  hydrological  surveys,  and  dredging  and 
maintenance of the port and port approaches.  

Article 25 
Motorways of the sea 

Motorways  of  the  sea  represent  the  maritime  dimension  of  the  trans-European 
transport network. They shall consist of short-sea routes, ports, associated maritime 
infrastructure  and  equipment,  and  facilities  enabling  short-sea  shipping  or  sea-river 
services between at least two ports, including hinterland connections, in at least two 
different Member States. Motorways of the sea shall include: 

(a)  maritime links between maritime ports of the comprehensive network; 

3. 

1. 

EN 

31 

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(b)  port  facilities,  information  and  communication  technologies  (ICT)  such  as 
security  and 

electronic 
administrative and customs procedures in at least one Member State; 

logistics  management 

safety  and 

systems, 

(c) 

infrastructure for direct land and sea access. 

2. 

Projects of common interest for motorways of the sea in the trans-European transport 
network shall be proposed by at least two Member States. They shall take one of the 
following forms: 

(a)  be the maritime component of a core network corridor as defined in Article 49, 
or constitute the maritime component between two core network corridors; 

(b) 

(c) 

constitute  a  maritime  link  and  its  hinterland  connections  within  the  core 
network between two or more core network ports; 

constitute  a  maritime  link  and  its  hinterland  connections  between  a  core 
network port and ports of the comprehensive network, with a special focus on 
the hinterland connections of the core and comprehensive network ports. 

3. 

Projects of common interest for motorways of the sea in the trans-European transport 
network  may  also  include  activities  that  have  wider  benefits  and  are  not  linked  to 
specific  ports,  such  as  activities  for  improving  environmental  performance,  making 
available  facilities  for  ice-breaking,  activities  ensuring  year-round  navigability, 
dredging  operations,  alternative  fuelling  facilities,  as  well  as  the  optimisation  of 
processes,  procedures  and  the  human  element,  ICT  platforms  and  information 
systems, including traffic management and electronic reporting systems. 

Article 26 
Transport infrastructure requirements 

1. 

Within  the  sphere  of  their  responsibility,  Member  States,  port  operators  and 
infrastructure managers shall ensure that: 

(a)  Maritime  ports  are  connected  with  railway  lines,  roads  and,  where  possible, 
inland waterways of the comprehensive network, except in Malta and Cyprus 
for as long as no railway system is established within their territory.  

(b)  Any maritime port offers at least one terminal open to all operators in a non-

discriminatory way and apply transparent charges.  

(c)  Sea  canals,  port  fairways  and  estuaries  connect  two  seas,  or  provide  access 
from the sea to maritime ports and correspond at least to inland waterway class 
VI. 

2. 

Port  operators  shall  ensure  that  ports  include  equipment  necessary  to  ensure  the 
environmental performance of ships in ports, in particular reception facilities for ship 
generated waste and cargo residues in accordance with Directive 2000/59/EC of the 

EN 

32 

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European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  27  November  2000  on  port  reception 
facilities for ship-generated waste and cargo residues49.  

3. 

Member States shall implement VTMIS as provided for in Directive 2002/59/EC. 

Article 27 
Framework for priority infrastructure development 

Member States and other project promoters, when promoting projects of common interest and 
in addition to the priorities set out in Article 10, shall give particular consideration to: 

(a)  promoting motorways of the sea including short sea shipping; 

(b) 

interconnection of maritime ports with inland waterways; 

(c) 

implementation of VTMIS and e Maritime services. 

SECTION 5 
AIR TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE 

Airports which form part of the comprehensive network are indicated on the maps in Annex I.  

Article 28 
Maps 

Article 29 
Infrastructure components 

1. 

Air transport infrastructure comprises in particular: 

(a) 

air space, routes and airways;  

(b) 

airports; 

(c) 

associated equipment; 

(d) 

ITS. 

2. 

Airports shall comply with one of the following criteria: 

(a)  For passenger airports: 

(i) 

the  total  annual  passenger  traffic  is  at  least  0,1  %  of  the  total  annual 
passenger volume of all airports of the Union. The total annual passenger 
volume is based on the latest available three-years average, as published 
by Eurostat; 

49 

OJ L 332, 28.11.2000, p. 81. 

EN 

33 

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1. 

2. 

3. 

(ii) 

the  volume  threshold  of  0,1  %  does  not  apply  if  the  airport  is  situated 
outside a radius of 100 km from the nearest airport in the comprehensive 
network, or outside a radius of 200 km if the region in which it is situated 
is provided with a high-speed railway line. 

(b)  For  cargo airports  the  total annual  cargo volume is at  least 0,2 % of the total 
annual  cargo  volume  of  all  airports  of  the  Union.  The  total  annual  cargo 
volume  is  based  on  the  latest  available  three-year  average,  as  published  by 
Eurostat. 

Article 30 
Transport infrastructure requirements 

Within the sphere of their responsibility, Member States and airport operators shall 
ensure  that  any  airport  offers  at  least  one  terminal  open  to  all  operators  in  a  non-
discriminatory way and apply transparent charges.  

Within  the  sphere  of  their  responsibility,  Member  States,  airport  operators  and  air 
carriers  shall  ensure  that  common  basic  standards  for  safeguarding  civil  aviation 
against  acts  of  unlawful  interference,  as  adopted  by  the  Union  in  accordance  with 
Regulation (EC) No 300/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 
March  2008  on  common  rules  in  the  field  of  civil  aviation  security  and  repealing 
Regulation  (EC)  No  2320/200250,  apply  to  the  air  transport  infrastructure  of  the 
comprehensive network. 

Within  the  sphere  of  their  responsibility,  Member  States,  airport  operators  and  air 
carriers  shall  ensure  that  infrastructure  for  air  traffic  management  enables  the 
implementation of the Single European Sky, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 
549/2004  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  10 March  2004  laying 
down  the  framework  for  the  creation  of  the  single  European  sky  (the  framework 
Regulation)51, Regulation (EC) No 550/2004 of the European Parliament and of the 
Council  of  10 March  2004  on  the  provision  of  air  navigation  services  in  the  single 
European sky (the service provision Regulation)52, Regulation (EC) No 551/2004 of 
the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  10 March  2004  on  the  organisation 
and  use  of  the  airspace  in  the  single  European  sky  (the  airspace  Regulation)53  and 
Regulation  (EC)  No  552/2004  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of 
10 March  2004  on  the  interoperability  of  the  European  Air  Traffic  Management 
network (the interoperability Regulation)54 in order to improve the performance and 
sustainability of the European aviation system, of implementing rules and of Union 
specifications. 

50 
51 
52 
53 
54 

OJ L 97, 9.4.2008, p. 72. 
OJ L 96, 31.3.2004, p. 1. 
OJ L 96, 31.3.2004, p. 10. 
OJ L 96, 31.3.2004, p. 20. 
OJ L 96, 31.3.2004, p. 26. 

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34 

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Article 31 
Framework for priority infrastructure development 

Member States and other project promoters, when promoting projects of common interest and 
in addition to the priorities set out in Article 10, shall give particular consideration to: 

(a)  optimise existing infrastructure; 

(b) 

increase airport capacity; 

(c) 

support  the  implementation  of  the  Single  European  Sky  and  of  air  traffic 
management systems, in particular those deploying SESAR. 

SECTION 6 
INFRASTRUCTURE FOR MULTIMODAL TRANSPORT 

Article 32 
Maps  

Freight  terminals  and  logistic  platforms  which  form  part  of  the  comprehensive  network  are 
indicated on the maps in Annex I. 

Article 33 
Infrastructure components 

Freight terminals or logistic platforms shall comply with at least one of the following criteria: 

(a) 

(b) 

 its total transhipment of freight exceeds the quantitative threshold for maritime 
ports set in Article 24; 

 where there is no freight terminal or logistic platform complying with point (a) 
in  a  NUTS  2  region,  it  is  the  main  freight  terminal  or  logistic  platform 
designated  by  the  Member  State  concerned,  linked  at  least  to  roads  and 
railways for that NUTS 2 region. 

Article 34 
Transport infrastructure requirements 

1. 

Within  the  sphere  of  their  responsibility,  Member  States,  operators  of  freight 
terminals, ports and airports, and infrastructure managers shall ensure that: 

(a) 

transport modes are connected in any of the following places: freight terminals, 
passenger  stations,  inland  ports,  airports,  maritime  ports,  in  order  to  allow 
multimodal transport of freight and passengers.  

(b)  Without prejudice to the applicable provisions laid down in Union and national 
law, freight terminals and logistic platforms, inland and maritime ports as well 
as airports handling cargo are equipped for the provision of information flows 

EN 

35 

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within  this  infrastructure  and  between  the  transport  modes  along  the  logistic 
chain.  Such  systems  shall  in  particular  enable  real  time  information  on 
available  infrastructure  capacity,  traffic  flows  and  positioning,  tracking  and 
tracing, and ensure safety and security throughout multi-modal journeys.  

(c)  Without prejudice to the applicable provisions laid down in Union and national 
law,  continuous  passenger  traffic  across  the  comprehensive  network  shall  be 
facilitated through appropriate equipment and the availability of ITS in railway 
stations,  bus  stations,  airports  and  where  relevant  maritime  and  inland 
waterway ports.  

2. 

Freight  terminal  operators  shall  ensure  that  freight  terminals  are  equipped  with 
cranes,  conveyors  and  other  devices  for  moving  freight  between  different  transport 
modes and for the positioning and storage of freight.  

Article 35 
Framework for priority infrastructure development 

Member States and other project promoters, when promoting projects of common interest and 
in addition to the priorities set out in Article 10, shall give particular consideration to:  

(a)  providing for effective interconnection and integration of the infrastructure of 
the  comprehensive  network,  including  through  access  infrastructure  where 
necessary and through freight terminals and logistic platforms;  

(b) 

removing  the  main  technical  and  administrative  barriers  to  multimodal 
transport; 

(c)  developing  a  smooth  flow  of  information  between  the  transport  modes  and 
enabling  the  provision  of  multimodal  and  single-mode  services  across  the 
the  related  communication, 
transport  system, 
trans-European 
payment, ticketing and commercialisation services.  

including 

SECTION 7 
COMMON PROVISIONS 

Article 36 
Urban nodes 

Member States and other project promoters, when developing the comprehensive network in 
urban nodes shall aim to ensure:  

(a) 

for  passenger  transport:  interconnection  between  rail,  air  and,  as  appropriate, 
inland  waterway,  road  and  maritime  infrastructure  of  the  comprehensive 
network; 

(b) 

for  freight  transport:  interconnection  between  rail  and,  as  appropriate,  inland 
waterway, air, maritime and road infrastructure of the comprehensive network; 

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36 

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(c) 

(d) 

adequate  connection  between  different  railway  stations  or  airports  of  the 
comprehensive network within an urban node; 

seamless connection between the infrastructure of the comprehensive network 
and  the  infrastructure  for  regional  and  local  traffic,  including  logistic 
consolidation and distribution centres; 

(e)  bypassing  of  urban  areas  for  road  transport  to  facilitate  long-distance  traffic 

flows on the comprehensive network; 

(f) 

bypassing of urban areas for rail freight transport; 

(g)  promotion of efficient low-noise and low-carbon urban freight delivery. 

Article 37 
ITS 

ITS  shall  enable  traffic  management  and  the  exchange  of  information  within  and 
between  transport  modes  for  multi-modal  transport  operations  and  value  added 
environmental 
transport-related 
performance.  

improving 

services, 

security 

safety, 

and 

ITS  shall  facilitate  seamless  connection  between 
comprehensive network and the infrastructure for regional and local transport.  

infrastructure  of 

the 

the 

ITS associated with transport modes shall in particular include: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

for railways: ERTMS; 

for inland waterways: River Information Services and e-Maritime services; 

for road transport: ITS in accordance with Directive 2010/40/EU; 

for maritime transport: VTMIS and e-Maritime services; 

for  air  transport:  air  traffic  management systems,  in  particular  those  resulting 
from SESAR. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

Article 38 
Freight transport services 

The  Union,  Member  States  and  other  project  promoters  shall  pay  particular  attention  to 
projects  of  common  interest  which  provide  efficient  freight  transport  services  that  use  the 
infrastructure  of  the  comprehensive  network  and  contribute  to  reducing  carbon  dioxide 
emissions. These projects shall in particular aim to: 

(a) 

improve  sustainable  use  of  transport  infrastructure,  including  its  efficient 
management; 

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37 

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(b)  promote the deployment of innovative transport services or new combinations 
of proven existing transport services, including through the application of ITS 
and the establishment of relevant governance structures;  

(c) 

(d) 

facilitate  multi-modal  transport  service  operations  and  improve  cooperation 
between transport service providers;  

stimulate  resource  and  carbon  efficiency,  notably  in  the  fields  of  vehicle 
traction,  driving/steaming,  systems  and  operations  planning,  resource  sharing 
and cooperation; 

(e) 

analyse, provide information on and monitor markets, fleet characteristics and 
performance, administrative requirements and human resources.  

Article 39 
New technologies and innovation 

The  comprehensive  network  shall  keep  up  with  state-of-the-art  technological  developments 
and deployments. They shall in particular aim to:  

(a) 

(b) 

enable  the  decarbonisation  of  transport  through  transition  to  innovative 
transport technologies; 

enable  the  decarbonisation  of  all  transport  modes  by  stimulating  energy 
efficiency as well as the introduction of alternative propulsion systems and the 
provision  of  corresponding  infrastructure.  Such  infrastructure  may  include 
grids and  other facilities  necessary  for the energy supply, take account of the 
infrastructure – vehicle interface and encompass intelligent transport systems; 

(c) 

improve the safety and sustainability of the movement of persons and goods; 

(d) 

improve  the  operation,  accessibility,  interoperability,  multimodality  and 
efficiency of the network, including multimodal ticketing; 

(e)  promote  measures  to  reduce  external  costs,  such  as  pollution  of  any  kind, 

including noise, congestion and health damage; 

(f) 

introduce  security  technology  and  compatible  identification  standards  on  the 
networks; 

(g) 

improve resilience to climate change; 

(h) 

further  advance  the  development  and  deployment  of  intelligent  transport 
systems within and between modes of transport. 

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Article 40 
Safe and secure infrastructure  

Member  States  and  other  project  promoters  shall  give  due  consideration  to  ensure  that 
transport  infrastructure  provides  for  a  high  degree  of  safety  and  security  for  passenger  and 
freight movements.  

Article 41 
Climate change proven infrastructure and disaster resilience 

During  infrastructure  planning,  Member  States  and  other  project  promoters  shall  give  due 
consideration  to  the  risk  assessments  and  adaptation  measures  adequately  improving  the 
resilience  to  climate  change,  in  particular  in  relation  to  precipitation,  floods,  storms,  high 
temperature and heat waves,  droughts, sea level rise and coastal  surges, in compliance  with 
any requirement which may be set out in relevant Union legislation. 

Where appropriate, due consideration should also be given to the resilience of infrastructure 
to natural or man-made disasters in compliance with any requirement which may be set out in 
relevant Union legislation. 

Article 42 
Environmental protection  

Member States and other project promoters shall carry out environmental assessment of plans 
and projects in particular as provided in Council Directives 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 on 
the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment55 and 
92/43/EEC  of  21  May  1992  on  the  conservation  of  natural  habitats  and  of  wild  fauna  and 
flora56,  and  Directives  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council:  2000/60/EC  of  23 
October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy57, 
2001/42/EC of 27 June 2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes 
on  the  environment58,  and  2009/147/EC  of  30  November  2009  on  the  conservation  of  wild 
birds59 in order to avoid or, when not possible, mitigate or compensate for negative impacts 
on the environment, such as landscape fragmentation, soil sealing, air and water pollution as 
well as noise, and to effectively protect biodiversity. 

Article 43 
Accessibility for all users  

Transport  infrastructure  shall  allow  seamless  mobility  and  accessibility  for  all  users,  in 
particular elderly people, persons of reduced mobility and disabled passengers. 

55 
56 
57 
58 
59 

OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40. 
OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7. 
OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p.1. 
OJ L 197, 21.7.2001, p. 30. 
OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7. 

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CHAPTER III 

THE CORE NETWORK 

Article 44 
Identification of the core network 

1. 

2. 

3. 

1. 

2. 

The  core  network  shall  consist  of  those  parts  of  the  comprehensive  network  which 
are  of  the  highest  strategic  importance  for  achieving  the  objectives  of  the  trans-
European transport network policy. The core network shall in particular contribute to 
coping  with  increasing  mobility  and  to  the  development  of  a  low-carbon  transport 
system.  

The core network shall be interconnected in nodes and provide for connections with 
neighbouring countries' transport infrastructure networks.  

The  transport  infrastructures  constituting  the  core  network  are  indicated  in  the 
corresponding maps of the comprehensive network in Annex I.  

Article 45 
Requirements 

The core network shall reflect evolving traffic demand and the need for multi-modal 
transport. State-of-the-art technologies and regulatory and governance measures for 
managing  the  infrastructure  use  shall  be  taken  into  account  in  order  to  ensure 
resource-efficient  use  of  transport  infrastructure  and  to  provide  for  sufficient 
capacity.  

The  infrastructure  of  the  core  network  shall  meet  all  the  requirements  set  out  in 
Chapter  II  without  exception.  In  addition,  the  following  requirements  shall  also  be 
met by the infrastructure of the core network: 

(a) 

for railway transport infrastructure:  

– 

– 

full electrification of the railway lines; 

lines with regular freight traffic: at least 22.5 t axle load, 100 km/h line speed 
and 750 m train length; 

(b) 

for inland navigation and maritime transport infrastructure:  

– 

availability of alternative clean fuels; 

(c) 

for road transport infrastructure: 

– 

the development of rest areas approximately every 50 kilometres on motorways 
in order inter alia to provide sufficient parking space for commercial road users 
with an appropriate level of safety and security; 

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– 

availability of alternative clean fuels; 

(d) 

for air transport infrastructure: 

– 

capacity to make available alternative clean fuels. 

Article 46 
Development of the core network  

1. 

2. 

3. 

The  transport  infrastructure  included  in  the  core  network  shall  be  developed  in 
accordance with the corresponding provisions of Chapter II.  

Projects of common interest contributing to the completion of the core network shall 
be implemented as a priority. 

Without prejudice to Article 47(2) and (3), the Member States shall ensure the core 
network  is  completed  and  complies  with  the  provisions  of  this  Chapter  by  31 
December 2030 at the latest. 

Article 47 
Nodes of the core network  

1. 

The nodes of the core network are set out in Annex II and include:  

– 

– 

– 

urban nodes, including their ports and airports; 

maritime ports; 

border crossing points to neighbouring countries. 

2. 

3. 

Maritime  ports  indicated  in  Part  2  of  Annex  II  shall  be  connected  with  the  railway 
and  road  transport  infrastructure  of  the  trans-European  transport  network  by  31 
December 2030 at the latest, except in duly justified cases.  

The  main  airports  indicated  in  Part  1b  of  Annex  II  shall  be  connected  with  the 
railway and road transport infrastructure of the trans-European transport network by 
31 December 2050 at the latest. Taking into account potential traffic demand, such 
airports shall be integrated into the high speed rail network wherever possible. 

EN 

41 

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CHAPTER IV 

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CORE NETWORK THROUGH CORE NETWORK 
CORRIDORS 

Article 48 
General purpose of core network corridors 

1. 

2. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

1. 

2. 

Core  network  corridors  are  an 
the  coordinated 
implementation of the core network. Core network corridors shall be based on modal 
integration,  interoperability,  as  well  as  on  a  coordinated  development  and 
management  of  infrastructure,  in  order  to  lead  to  resource-efficient  multimodal 
transport.  

instrument 

facilitate 

to 

Core  network  corridors  shall  provide  for  a  coordinated  approach  with  regard  to 
infrastructure  use  and  investments,  so  as  to  manage  capacities  in  the  most  efficient 
way.  Multimodal  infrastructure  within  core  network  corridors  shall  be  built  and 
coordinated, wherever needed, in a way that optimises the use of each transport mode 
and  their  cooperation.  The  core  network  corridors  shall  support  the  comprehensive 
deployment of interoperable traffic management systems.  

Article 49 
Definition of core network corridors 

Core  network  corridors  consist  of  parts  of  the  core  network.  They  shall  involve  at 
least  three  transport  modes  and  cross  at  least  three  Member  States.  They  cover  the 
most important cross-border long-distance flows in the core network. 

In  duly  justified  cases  the  core  network  corridor  may  involve  only  two  transport 
modes. 

Core network corridors shall include maritime ports and its accesses, except in duly 
justified cases.  

Article 50 
List of core network corridors 

Each Member State shall participate in at least one core network corridor. 

The  list  of  core  network  corridors  is  set  out  in  Annex  I  to  Regulation  (EU)  No 
XXX/2012 of … [Connecting Europe Facility]. 

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42 

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Article 51 
Coordination of core network corridors 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

In  order  to  facilitate  the  coordinated  implementation  of  core  network  corridors,  the 
Commission  shall  designate,  after  consultation  with  the  Member  States  concerned, 
and  after  having  consulted  the  European  Parliament,  persons  called  "European 
Coordinator". 

The  European  Coordinator  shall  be  chosen,  in  particular,  on  the  basis  of  his/her 
experience of European institutions and knowledge of issues relating to the financing 
and the socio-economic and environmental evaluation of major projects.  

The  Commission  decision  designating  the  European  Coordinator  shall  specify  how 
the tasks referred to in paragraph 5 are to be performed.  

The European Coordinator shall act in the name and on behalf of the Commission. 
The remit of the European Coordinator shall relate to a single core network corridor. 
The European Coordinator shall draw up together with the Member States concerned 
a work plan for the activities to be fulfilled.  

5. 

The European Coordinator shall:  

(a) 

(b) 

lead  the  coordinated  implementation  of  the  core  network  corridor  in  order  to 
enable  respect  of  the  timeline  set  in  the  implementing  decision  for  the 
individual core network corridor;  

report to the Member States, to the Commission and, as appropriate, to all other 
entities  directly  involved  in  the  development  of  the  core  network  corridor  on 
any difficulties encountered and contribute to finding appropriate solutions; 

(c)  draw up a report every year for the European Parliament, the Commission and 
the  Member  States  concerned  on  the  progress  achieved  in  implementing  the 
core network corridor; 

(d) 

consult,  in  cooperation  with  the  Member  States  concerned,  in  particular 
regional  and  local  authorities,  infrastructure  managers,  transport  operators, 
transport  users  and,  as  appropriate,  other  public  and  private  entities,  with  a 
view  to  gaining  a  fuller  knowledge  of  the  demand  for  transport  services,  the 
possibilities  of  investment  funding  and  financing  and  steps  to  be  undertaken 
and  the  conditions  to  be  met  in  order  to  facilitate  access  to  such  funding  or 
financing.  

6. 

7. 

The  Member  States  concerned  shall  cooperate  with  the  European  Coordinator  and 
give  the  Coordinator  the  information  required  to  perform  the  tasks  referred  to  in 
paragraph 5. 

Without prejudice to the applicable procedures laid down in Union and national law, 
the  Commission  may  request  the  opinion  of  the  European  Coordinator  when 
examining applications for  Union funding for core network corridors for which the 
European Coordinator is responsible.  

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43 

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1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

1. 

Article 52 
Governance of core network corridors 

For  each  core  network  corridor,  the  Member  States  concerned  shall  establish  a 
corridor platform responsible for defining the general objectives of the core network 
corridor and for preparing and supervising the measures referred to in Article 53(1).  

The corridor platform shall be composed of the representatives of the Member States 
concerned  and,  as  appropriate,  other  public  and  private  entities.  In  any  case,  the 
relevant infrastructure managers as defined in Directive 2001/14/EC of the European 
Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  26  February  2001  on  the  allocation  of  railway 
infrastructure  capacity  and  the  levying  of  charges  for  the  use  of  railway 
infrastructure60 shall participate in the corridor platform. 

The European Coordinator shall chair the corridor platform.  

The  corridor  platform  may  be  established  as  a  permanent  legal  entity,  such  as  a 
European Economic Interest Group.  

The establishment of corridor platforms is without prejudice to the principle that the 
beneficiary  of  Union  financial  support  has  the  final  responsibility  for  the 
implementation of the projects. 

Article 53 
Corridor development plan 

For  each  core  network  corridor,  the  Member  States  concerned,  in  cooperation  with 
the corridor platform, shall jointly draw up and notify to the Commission a corridor 
development  plan  within  six  months  after  entry  into  force  of  this  Regulation.  This 
plan shall include in particular: 

(a) 

(b) 

a  description  of  the  characteristics  of  the  core  network  corridor,  including 
bottlenecks; 

the  objectives  for  the  core  network  corridor  in  particular  in  terms  of 
performance  expressed  as  the  quality  of  the  service,  its  capacity  and  its 
compliance with the requirements set out in Chapter II; 

(c) 

the  programme  of  measures  necessary  for  developing  the  core  network 
corridor; 

(d) 

a multimodal transport market study; 

(e) 

an implementation plan including: 

– 

a  deployment  plan  relating  to  interoperable  traffic  management  systems 
on  multi-modal  freight  corridors  without  prejudice  to  the  applicable 
Union legislation; 

60 

OJ L 75, 15.3.2001, p. 29. 

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44 

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– 

– 

– 

the  removal  of  physical, 

a  plan  for 
technical,  operational  and 
administrative  barriers  between  and  within  transport  modes  and  for  the 
enhancement of efficient multimodal transport and services; 

measures  to  improve  the  administrative  and  technical  capacity  to 
conceive,  plan,  design,  procure,  implement  and  monitor  projects  of 
common interest; 

risk assessment, including the possible impacts of climate change on the 
infrastructure  and  where  appropriate  proposed  measures  to  enhance 
climate resilience; 

– 

measures to be taken in order to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions; 

(f) 

an investment plan, to be updated regularly, including:  

– 

– 

the  list  of  projects  for  the  extension,  renewal  or  redeployment  of 
transport infrastructure referred to in Article 2(2) for each of the transport 
modes involved in the core network corridor; 

the related financial plan, with the various sources envisaged for funding 
and financing, at international, national, regional, local and Union level, 
including, whenever possible, earmarked cross-financing systems as well 
as  private  capital,  together  with  the  amount  of  commitments  already 
made  and,  where  applicable,  reference  to  the  contribution  of  the  Union 
envisaged under the Union's financial programmes. 

Based on the corridor development plan provided by Member States concerned, the 
Commission shall deliver its opinion. 

In  order  to  support  the  implementation  of  the  core  network  corridors,  the 
Commission  may  adopt  implementing  decisions  for  core  network  corridors.  These 
decisions may: 

(a) 

include the investment planning, the related costs and implementation timeline, 
estimated as necessary to implement the core network corridors in line with the 
objectives of this Regulation; 

(b)  define all measures aimed at reducing external costs, in particular greenhouse 
gas  emissions  and  noise,  and  aimed  at  promoting  the  introduction  of  new 
technologies in traffic and capacity management; 

(c)  provide for other measures which are necessary for the implementation of the 
corridor development plan and for the efficient use of the core network corridor 
infrastructure. 

Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure 
referred to in Article 55(2).  

2. 

3. 

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45 

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CHAPTER V 

COMMON PROVISIONS 

Article 54 
Updating and reporting  

1. 

2. 

3. 

Member  States  shall  inform  the  Commission  continuously  through  the  interactive 
geographical  and  technical  information  system  for  the  trans-European  transport 
network  (TENtec),  about  the  progress  made  in  implementing  projects  of  common 
interest and the investments made for this purpose.  

Member  States  shall  provide  the  Commission  with  abstracts  of  national  plans  and 
programmes which they are drawing up with a view to develop the trans-European 
transport  network,  in  particular  in  relation  to  the  core  network.  Once  adopted,  the 
Member States shall send the national plans and programmes to the Commission for 
information. 

Every  two  years  starting  from  the  entry  into  force  of  this  Regulation  and  after 
consultation of the Committee referred to in Article 54, the Commission shall publish 
a progress report on the implementation of the guidelines, which shall be submitted 
to  the  European  Parliament,  the  Council,  the  European  Economic  and  Social 
Committee and the Committee of the Regions. 

The  Commission  shall  be  empowered  to  adopt  delegated  acts  in  accordance  with 
Article  56  concerning  the  adaptation  of  Annexes  I,  II  and  III  to  take  account  of 
possible changes resulting from the quantitative thresholds laid down in Articles 16, 
24, 29 and 33. When adapting the Annexes, the Commission shall:  

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

include  logistic  platforms,  freight  terminals,  inland  ports,  maritime  ports  and 
airports in the comprehensive network, if it is demonstrated that the latest two-
year average of their traffic volume exceeds the relevant threshold; 

exclude  logistic  platforms,  freight  terminals,  inland  ports,  maritime  ports  and 
airports from the comprehensive network, if it is demonstrated that the average 
of their traffic volume over the last six years is below the relevant threshold; 

adjust  the  maps  for  road,  railway  and  inland  waterway  infrastructure  so  as  to 
reflect  progress  in  completing  the  network.  In  adjusting  those  maps,  the 
Commission  shall  not  admit  any  adjustment  in  route  alignment  beyond  that 
which is allowed by the relevant project authorization procedure. 

The  adaptations  under  points  (a)  and  (b)  shall  be  based  on  the  latest  available 
statistics published by Eurostat. 

4. 

Projects of common interest concerning infrastructure which is newly included in the 
trans-European transport network shall be eligible for the purposes of Article 7(5) as 
of the date of entry into force of the delegated acts pursuant to paragraph 3.  

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46 

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Projects  of  common  interest  concerning  infrastructure  which  have  been  excluded 
from  the  trans-European  transport  network  shall  not  be  eligible  anymore  as  of  the 
date  of  entry  into  force  of  the  delegated  acts  pursuant  to  paragraph  3.  The  end  of 
eligibility  shall  not  affect  financing  or  grant  decisions  taken  by  the  Commission 
before this date. 

Article 55 
Committee  

1. 

2. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

The  Commission  shall  be  assisted  by  a  committee.  That  committee  shall  be  a 
committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. 

Where  reference  is  made  to  this  paragraph,  Article  4  of  Regulation  (EU)  No 
182/2011 shall apply. 

Article 56 
Exercise of delegation 

The  power  to  adopt  delegated  acts  is  conferred  on  the  Commission  subject  to  the 
conditions laid down in this Article.  

The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 54(3) shall be conferred on 
the  Commission  for  an  unlimited  period  from  [date  of  entry  into  force  of  the 
Regulation]. 

The delegation of powers referred to in the Article 54(3) may be revoked at any time 
by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end 
to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day 
following  the  publication  of  the  decision  in  the  Official  Journal  of  the  European 
Union  or  at  a  later  date  specified  therein.  It  shall  not  affect  the  validity  of  any 
delegated acts already in force.  

As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to 
the European Parliament and to the Council.  

A delegated act adopted pursuant to the Article 54(3) shall enter into force only if no 
objection  has  been  expressed  either  by  the  European  Parliament  or  by  the  Council 
within  a  period  of  two  months  of  the  notification  of  that  act  to  the  European 
Parliament  and  the  Council  or  if,  before  the  expiry  of  that  period,  the  European 
Parliament  and  the  Council  have  both  informed  the  Commission  that  they  will  not 
object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European 
Parliament or of the Council. 

Article 57 
Review 

By  31  December  2023  at  the  latest,  the  Commission  shall  carry  out  a  review  of  the 
implementation of the core network, evaluating compliance with the provisions laid down in 
this Regulation and the progress in implementation.  

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47 

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Article 58 
Single Contact Authority  

Member States may appoint a Single Contact Authority for facilitating and co-ordinating the 
permitting  process  for  projects  of  common  interest,  in  particular  cross-border  projects,  in 
accordance with the relevant Union acquis.  

Article 59 
Delay in completion of the core network  

1. 

2. 

3. 

In  the  event  of  a  significant  delay  in  starting  or  completing  work  on  the  core 
network, the Commission shall request the Member States concerned to provide the 
reasons  for  the  delay  within  three  months.  On  the  basis  of  the  reply  given,  the 
Commission  shall  consult  the  Member  States  concerned  in  order  to  resolve  the 
problem leading to the delay. 

The Commission may, as part of its active monitoring of the implementation of the 
core  network  and  having  due  regard  to  the  principle  of  proportionality  and 
subsidiarity, decide to take appropriate measures.  

The European Parliament and the Member States shall be informed immediately of 
any measure taken.  

Article 60 
Compatibility with Union law and Union policies 

Actions  taken  under  this  Regulation  shall  take  into  account  any  relevant  Union  policies,  in 
particular  those  relating  to  competition,  market  access,  the  protection  of  the  environment, 
health, sustainable development, and public procurement. 

Article 61 
Promotion and evaluation 

The Commission shall promote and evaluate the advancement of the trans-European transport 
network policy and its overall implementation. 

Article 62 
Repeal 

Decision No 661/2010/EU is repealed.  

For  all  financing  decisions  based  on  Regulation  (EC)  No  680/200761,  Decision  No 
611/2010/EU shall continue to apply.  

61 

Regulation (EC) No 680/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2007 laying 
down general rules for the granting of Community financial aid in the field of trans-European transport 
and energy networks, OJ L 162, 22.6.2007, p. 1. 

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48 

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Article 63 
Entry into force 

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in 
the Official Journal of the European Union. 

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. 

Done at Brussels, 6.2.2012 

For the European Parliament 
The President 

For the Council 
The President 

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