Forty-five European transport organisations have joined forces and are collectively urging national governments and the European Commission to maintain and strengthen a robust dedicated European transport funding instrument under the future EU budget.
The urgency for a solid European transport funding instrument
According to a joint letter issued by the Organizations, the European coordination of infrastructure across Europe is more crucial than ever. It is the only guarantee for safeguarding the smooth functioning of the EU internal market, promoting Europe’s competitiveness and cohesion, and bolstering its resilience and military preparedness.
Concerns about redirecting transport funding
The transport sector is deeply concerned about the Commission’s plans to redirect a large majority of European transport funding towards National Single Plans. In response, it calls on the General Affairs and Finance Ministers of the Member States to send a strong signal to the Commission in favor of preserving a solid, dedicated European transport funding instrument.
The historical vision of European networks
Jacques Delors emphasised the essential role of European networks and connectivity in his 1993 white paper on “Growth, Competitiveness and Employment.” He highlighted their contribution to strengthening Europe’s economy and creating jobs. Since then, European policymakers have been developing a trans-European transport network policy, acknowledging the necessity of a dedicated EU funding instrument to ensure its completion.
Recent reports reinforce the need for European coordination
More recently, the Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta reports reaffirm this as a crucial policy priority. They underscore how a well-functioning European transport network is essential to drive economic growth, job creation, and social and regional cohesion. Instead of focusing on national priorities, it is now more crucial than ever for Europe to maintain a coordinated and managed investment instrument. This is the only way to achieve a well-integrated and interconnected transport network across the Union, benefiting Europe’s economy, society, and security.
The strategic importance of a robust European transport network
A robust European transport network is of strategic importance in responding to Europe’s current challenges. Only with strong, state-of-the-art transport infrastructure at its core will Europe be able to ramp up its military mobility, strengthen its industrial competitiveness, and improve economic, social, and territorial cohesion. It will also ensure the supply of critical raw materials and safeguard supply chain sovereignty.
Addressing geopolitical tensions and climate change
With rising geopolitical tensions and ongoing climate change, strengthening and adapting infrastructure is Europe’s top priority. Addressing bottlenecks, filling missing links, and optimizing connectivity and capacity are key actions. Transport is the backbone and enabler of the EU internal market. If Europe is to lead the shift to a net-zero industry and society, it needs a competitive and efficient transport network to link both current and new production sites with their markets.
The importance of European connectivity and cohesion
Especially in uncertain times, Europe cannot afford to move towards less connectivity, reduced internal cohesion, and weakened European unity. A European approach offers added value by harmonising efforts and pooling financial resources. This leads to outcomes that an individual national approach alone cannot effectively deliver.
The need for flexibility and long-term investment planning
The transport sector supports the shift towards an EU budget that is more flexible and agile, yet it also stresses the need for long-term strategic, stable investment planning with centralised coordination at the European level for it to function properly. Therefore, the transport sector urges Member States and the Commission to adopt an approach that strengthens Europe. This includes preserving a strong, centrally coordinated, dedicated European transport funding instrument that prioritises investments of high European added value.
It is vital to refrain from jeopardising the future and competitiveness of Europe’s transport network, which is fundamental to achieving Europe’s broader priorities, the letter concludes.
In deliberations on the future EU budget, we are collectively asking the national governments and the European Commission to preserve and further strengthen the European transport budget to support the transport investments that are needed to keep Europe’s economy and society moving and to build the stronger, more resilient and competitive Europe we need.
… said Isabelle Ryckbost, Secretary General of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO).
