Implementation of TEN-T corridors

Key EESC messages

• The EESC welcomes the Communication as a significant and helpful support for the implementation of the Core Network Corridors and the predefined projects in them, as defined in Part I of Annex I to the Regulation establishing the Connecting Europe Facility (the CEF Regulation (EU) No 1316/2013), on the basis of the criteria set out in the Regulation on Union Guidelines for the development of the trans – European transport network and repealing Decision No 661/2010/EU (the Guidelines – Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013).
• The EESC appreciates the Communications’ focus on the governance system as the key driver of efficient implementation and the support it provides for the development of the work plans for the Core Network Corridors as a step toward coordinated cross border planning in the corridors to achieve coherent capacity and avoid bottlenecks.
• The EESC takes note that ensuring clear and coherent coordination will be an extremely demanding task, bearing in mind the geographical scope of the Core Network Corridors and the need to coordinate with other initiatives, for instance the Rail Freight Corridors established under Regulation (EC) 913/2010, the NAIADES II inland waterway development initiative, the Motorways of the Sea and the ERTMS rail traffic management system, as well as the need to engage with private and public stakeholders. It still seems that there are tools available, for instance the use of working groups, to resolve this problem.
• Bearing in mind the role of the EESC as a link between the EU institutions and civil society and considering the initiative to start a participative dialogue with civil society regarding the implementation of the 2011 Transport Policy White Paper , we consider that participation of an EESC representative in the work of each Corridor Forum would bring added value.
• In this context, the EESC underscores the importance of the governance system being seen as understandable and transparent. The EESC trusts that adequate efforts will be made to ensure that this important objective is reached in order to improve public interest and public support for TEN-T implementation.