MEPs voted on the rationalisation measures to be put in place for the completion of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) (see EUROPE 12750/32), following a debate earlier in the day on Tuesday 6 July.
“The TEN-T network and the Connecting Europe Facility 2.0 are of prime importance, especially in the context of the need for our recovery. In the field of energy and transport, efficient infrastructures are essential for competitiveness, coherence and the implementation of the Green Deal”, stressed the rapporteur Dominique Riquet (Renew Europe, France).
The directive, which is one of the EU’s most important projects, is intended to simplify authorisation procedures for cross-border projects.
“We have to respond to several challenges at the same time. Investments are often penalised by the multiplicity of studies and the complexity of the procedures. It is a never-ending obstacle course for operators. It usually takes more than ten years for a major transport project. Not to mention the increased costs”, added Mr Riquet.
In particular, the text provides for the coverage of projects that are part of the ‘TEN-T’ core network, as well as other projects related to the core network corridors. The total budget is over €300 million.
“A one-stop shop should be set up to centralise procedures and authorisations in the Member States. The procedures will have a maximum duration of four years and extensions will be limited”, said the rapporteur.
The core TEN-T must be completed by 2030. The target for the completion of the whole network is 2050.
The Council of the EU adopted its position at first reading on 14 June (see EUROPE 12740/27). Two weeks later, the text was approved at second reading by the European Parliament’s ‘Transport’ committee
See the document: https://bit.ly/3dO06aN (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)