Brussels, 03/06/2002 (Agence Europe) - In first reading in Brussels last Thursday by 379 to 24 with 91 abstentions, the European Parliament adopted the report by Philip Charles Bradbourn (EPP-ED, UK) on the draft decision concerning the new Community guidelines for the development of trans-European transport networks (TENs) Parliament has not amended the list of specific TEN projects, but is calling for some projects to be withdrawn if they are not completed within 15 years. Parliament also highlights the need to diversify modes of transport in Europe, increase funding for infrastructure projects and ensure projects abide by EU environment and sustainable development legislation.
Diversification of the network. It must be possible to connect the network to the networks of EFTA states (European Free Trade Association), of Central and Eastern European countries and Mediterranean countries. Parliament wants a greater involvement of shipping and a rail to sea link for short, medium and long distance transport. It is essential that regional airports and inter-regional airlinks are extended. Parliament also wants to see the setting up of an intelligent, interoperable River Information System (RIS) to optimise capacity and safety on inland waterways and is calling on the Commission to prepare a development plan in collaboration with the Danube Commission, Rhine transport navigation Committee and UNECE.
Funding the TENs. Parliament feels it is essential to increase the funding in order to ensure the network meets its objectives, particularly in view of enlargement. Concerned about the feasibility of the Galileo project, it has tabled an amendment calling for expert cost/benefit reports to ensure the project is followed up.
Environment and sustainable development. Parliament wants the development of the TENs to mesh with Community environment legislation (particularly the Wild Birds Directive) and sustainable development legislation. The network should cover all Member States' territory and link up peripheral regions without creating bottlenecks. The Commission should develop methods of analysis for the strategic assessment of the economic and environmental impact of the network, along with assessment methods for the costs and benefits of transport corridors and networks.
Parliament also wants the Commission to produce a progress report every two years on projects of common interest giving information on various sources of funding and infrastructure and a breakdown of the funds allocated; and an extension of the Lyons-Trieste axis to Central and Eastern European countries.
In a press release, Gilles Savary (PES, France) hailed the new guidelines for the trans-European transport networks that place emphasis on rail and shipping infrastructure in accordance with the Commission White Paper's priorities, but was disappointed that most of the big projects had still not found any funding, and hence almost ten years on, only three of the fourteen big Essen projects have been completed.