Consultation Responses

Consultation Response Ahead of the Council Meeting on TEN-T Funding

The EU is cutting spending but not scaling back expectations for infrastructure development. The Commission proposes establishing a new infrastructure facility called the Connecting Europe Facility, which will finance infrastructure projects—including in the transportation sector—during the 2014–20 period. The purpose of the proposal is to advance the European growth agenda, including competitiveness and economic, social, and territorial cohesion within the single market. The Commission’s proposal was subject to consultation back in November 2011. Negotiations between the Council and the Commission have modified the Commission’s original proposal. This gives rise to comments ahead of the Council meeting. Negotiations between the Commission and the Council have cut EUR 10 billion from the Commission’s initial proposal. EUR 23 billion is still available for transportation infrastructure. This is a step forward compared to the 8 billion euros available under the current framework. However, adjustments will be necessary to the TEN-T network and the expected timelines for the expansion and connectivity of the overall network. The Commission itself has estimated a need for 500 billion euros in infrastructure investments. The development and implementation of an efficient, sustainable, and inclusive European transportation infrastructure—as one of the key drivers for ensuring economic growth in the EU—should be backed by more than just optimistic rhetoric and good intentions. Read the Danish Ports’ consultation response Read the Ministry of Transport’s framework memorandum