Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T)

Briefing 10-04-2018

The current general guidelines for the development of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) were established by Regulation 1315/2013. The guidelines are supported by a dedicated EU funding instrument: the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), aimed at accelerating investments in the field of the trans-European networks, was established by Regulation 1316/2013. The CEF's budget has been approved for the period 2014-2020; if it is to be continued after 2020, it will need to be evaluated and re-negotiated. Although the implementation of the TEN-T network is progressing, several challenges have been identified. These challenges influence the implementation of the network and might have a negative influence on EU transport policy. Several of these challenges were linked with the implementation of projects under the TEN T policy. Various voices have called for a simplification of the existing permitting procedures, an optimisation of Member States' procurement procedures, a reduction of delays in those procedures, and a clarification of EU state aid rules. Furthermore, it is vitally important to attract the private sector and co financing of the transport projects. These points have already been raised by the European Parliament in a number of resolutions. The European Commission is expected to publish a legislative proposal on streamlining measures for swifter implementation of the projects of common interest on the Trans-European Transport Network in the first quarter of 2018