European Transport Network fails to shift traffic from road to rail

Tonight, the European Parliament and EU Member States reached a final agreement on the revision of the Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T Regulation).

"The agreement marks some progress towards a more integrated EU transport system. However, it falls short of our expectations and raises concerns about the real commitment of Member States to create a functioning European transport network,” says EPP Group MEP Barbara Thaler MEP, the Parliament's lead negotiator on the TEN-T Regulation.

Anticipating a more ambitious outcome, especially for rail transport, the EPP Group is disappointed by the Council's insistence on minimum requirements for the core network and a cargo train passage frequency many times lower than possible.

"National priorities jeopardise shared European goals, hindering an ambitious vision for rail. The impracticalities imposed on cargo trains create even more disparity between rail and other modes of transport. It goes against the EU’s commitment to shift traffic from road to rail," Thaler emphasised.

On the positive side, there are stronger provisions for cross-border projects. The European Commission now has the power to coordinate between the Member States concerned. This will facilitate the completion of the transport corridors. Additionally, the alignment between national transport plans and the TEN-T has been further strengthened. This will facilitate the completion of a European network for the benefit of everyone.

The agreement still has to be formally confirmed by the European Parliament and the Council. The EPP Group will support this compromise, as it was the best that could be achieved after almost two years of tough negotiations.