The EU’s overhaul of its budget is putting the effectiveness of transport funding in doubt. A member state-specific approach for transport funding, as is planned by the EU now, would limit financing for important cross-border (rail) projects.
The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) warns that such a budget reform could put the European transport system in jeopardy. “Europe’s ports urge the Commission to continue and further strengthen the dedicated European transport infrastructure funding instrument, currently known as the Connecting Europe facility (CEF)”, the organisation stated.
“Such an instrument is the only effective way to ensure the completion of a seamless and well-functioning, state-of-the-art European Transport Network, which serves as the backbone and enabler of Europe’s internal market”, ESPO says. “A well-functioning transport network is also fundamental for strengthening Europe’s resilience and enhancing its military preparedness.”
Rail Baltica, Fehmarnbelt tunnel, Lyon-Turin
According to ESPO, the Commission’s plan to bring transport funding under a single funding plan per EU member state could backfire for some of Europe’s most important infrastructure projects. ESPO says that the plan “would limit the transport funding under direct EU management to the big cross border projects, such as Rail Baltica, the Fehmarnbelt tunnel or the Lyon-Turin rail connection.”
If funding for cross-border projects is allocated to the national level, ESPO argues, money could go to infrastructure projects that are politically desirable at the national level. It could lead to missing links. “In fact, an approach based on national envelopes risks bringing transport policy back to the 80’s, with national priorities and a patchwork of 27 Member States and of even more regions”, says the organisation. “This will not be conducive to maintaining coherent visions along transport corridors, which are intended to connect the economies of one entity, the European Union, and help to compete with other global economic powers.”