Debate: Revision of the Trans-European Transport Network  guidelines
Date: TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2021
Speaker: Adina-Ioana Vălean
Language: EN

TEN-T remains the cornerstone instrument of forward-looking transport policy for some decades ahead. The development of the Trans-European Transport Network is vital for the European integration process as it enables businesses to enjoy the full potential of the internal market. Our citizens, in turn, benefit from seamless, safe and comfortable connections within the EU, bringing them closer together. The TEN-T also plays an essential role for territorial cohesion, ensuring connectivity for all regions. The COVID-19 crisis has certainly shown all of us the importance of well-functioning and coordinated transport infrastructure playing across borders. The revision of TEN-T guidelines will therefore be built firmly upon the ambitious goals set by the European Green Deal, primarily focusing on decarbonisation of the transport sector. The new legislation will therefore place major emphasis on three policy objectives. First, greening of transport infrastructure will be of utmost importance, in particular through the wide deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure. This can solve the current supply and demand dilemma. Equally important is the digitalisation innovation in our transport networks, which is closely linked to our objective of making our infrastructure more efficient and resilient. Gains in efficiency will help reducing further CO2 emissions and will increase seamless connectivity. We also need to make the network resilient to new threats such as cyberattacks or challenges triggered by pandemic outbreak such as Covid. Last but not least, we aim at reinforcing the multi-modal character of our TEN-T network by improving interoperability and the multi-modal integration of transport infrastructures through the European Union and even beyond, through improved links with neighbouring countries. While a lot of progress has already been made towards completing the TEN-T networks, some projects, especially those of a cross-border nature, are facing delays. In revising the Regulation, it will be important to ensure that all possible steps are now taken to complete the TEN-T on time. We will therefore strengthen the monitoring and management tools for TEN—T implementation, for example by strengthening the role of the European coordinators and by reinforcing all our available tools, including through the new TEN-T streamlining directive. In view of our ultimate objective of completing the core network by 2030, I particularly welcome the report’s conclusions that no major changes to the maps should be made. Minor adjustments will certainly be needed and will be accommodated. At the same time, I would like to remind everyone that becoming part of the core network also implies certain obligations and commitments, such as meeting ambitious infrastructure standards by 2030. EUR 300 billion will be needed over the next 10 years just to complete the TEN—T core network and build it as a truly multi-modal system. This is why we need to be very prudent in extending the core network further and rather focus first on what we already committed to achieve. Extending the 2030 deadline is not an option, and reducing the quality and requirements for the network is something we should also never consider. Honourable Members, this is just a first glimpse at what you may expect by autumn this year, without prejudging, of course, our impact assessment. The revision will address many other aspects highlighted also in your report. We aim to enhance protection to strategic and vulnerable infrastructure and improve some of the quality standards and requirements to make them future proof. Improved accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility will equally be addressed in the revision. This is just to name some topics we have in mind. So once again, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank you for this timely report and reassure you of my full commitment to make Europe’s infrastructure an agile driving force for our economy. I am looking forward to your comments and questions.